CBS International Business School, 15 March 2019

Alumni Interview with Christian Peters

Christian Peters discovered his passion for marketing and sales during his bachelor's degree in European Business Administration. After graduating, he worked as a Marketing Consultant, Commercial Director and Head of Market Development & New Customer Acquisition & Content Management in various companies in the region. Today he is responsible at SCHEELEN AG for the marketing of the holistic service portfolio.

CBS: Why did you apply for the European Business Administration course at our campus?

Christian Peters: I was convinced by the short study period, the small classes and the great practical relevance. During my studies, I also discovered my interest in marketing and sales and was able to specifically focus on these elective subjects.

CBS: What did you like best about studying at CBS?

Christian Peters: The family atmosphere on campus. For example, the small classes and the campus made it very easy for me to make contacts at CBS. CBS employees are also always open to personal concerns and questions.

CBS: What does a typical working day look like for you today?

Christian Peters: Since every day is different, there is not THE typical working day. Basically, I start the day with a short team meeting with my employees in which the essential activities for social media, content marketing and market development, i. e. our sales activities, are defined. Since I am responsible for strategic and operative market development, I have to coordinate all instruments that contribute to lead generation on a daily basis. This also includes direct customer contact with needs assessment, offer preparation and negotiations.

CBS: What do you like about your work?

Christian Peters: The work in sales is and remains dynamic. Customers and markets change. Digitalization also requires a high degree of adaptation and further development in sales. Sales and marketing are growing closer together than ever before. Every day of my work is different.

CBS: What typical cliché about your current position doesn't apply?

Christian Peters: Professional sales has nothing to do with cleaning the door handles. Even though I'm still making cold calls at C-level, this is done at an absolute top level with clean preparation and professional approach concepts and solutions.

CBS: What are your professional plans for the next few years?

Christian Peters: One thing I know for sure, I will always stay in sales - especially in the marketing of services requiring explanation. I have received numerous inquiries from headhunters in this field. It's important to stay on the ball thematically and keep up with developments. Sales may be a dry subject for some, but it is not at all.

CBS: How did your studies at CBS prepare you for your current position?

Christian Peters: My studies at CBS primarily taught me a pragmatic way of thinking for conception and implementation. The higher you get in the hierarchy, both at the customer's and in your own company, the less "gibberish and rumbling" is appropriate.
In addition I learned that one must have also times courage to new beginnings and experiments and defend these also with good arguments.

CBS: What advice would you give to prospective students?

Christian Peters: I learned from my work in sales that you should be persistent and penetrating - also towards yourself. This includes a clear focus on the goal, a clean way of working, good preparation and the absolute will to achieve the goals.

CBS: Thank you very much for the interview!

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CBS International Business School

CBS International Business School is a state-recognised private university of applied sciences for business. We offer accredited Bachelor's, Master's and MBA degree programmes in German and English on a full-time or part-time basis. Throughout Germany, the university is represented at three locations in Cologne, Mainz, and Potsdam.

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