Alumni Spotlight "Growing Beyond Boundaries: How KLU Shaped Oleksandra Shvets’ Global Mindset"
From her very first day in Hamburg, Oleksandra found at KLU not just a university, but a community that inspired growth, collaboration, and lifelong curiosity. Over the past three years, she has embraced every opportunity — from organizing TEDxKLU Hamburg and leading student initiatives to completing internships at global companies and exploring the world through exchange programs.
Now working at Hapag-Lloyd in the Reefer team, Oleksandra continues to build her career in global logistics while staying true to the lessons she learned at KLU: teamwork, curiosity, and the power of community. As she looks ahead to her Master’s in Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management, she remains passionate about giving back and staying connected to the KLU network that helped shape her path.
Name: Oleksandra Shvets
Degree: BSc Business Administration, 2025
Position, Company: Working Student in Global Reefer Strategy & Steering, Hapag Lloyd; current student MSc Global Logistics (2027)
How do you feel you have grown (personally and professionally) in the last 3 years (during your BSc)?
The KLU community and my experience over the past three years have given me a tremendous push. I have always valued international environments and previously took part in exchange programs like Future Leaders Exchange and Erasmus+. However, these past years at KLU opened even more opportunities - I met incredible people, joined multiple initiatives, and went on an exchange semester that completely changed my path.
I still remember my first day in Hamburg - I didn’t know anyone, yet KLU immediately gave me a sense of belonging. The level of support from staff, professors, and students is truly remarkable. We often joke among international students that KLU feels like our little bubble - a safe and inspiring space that prepares us for the world outside.
Even though the university is young, everyone here has an inspiring story to share or a skill to teach. I’ve grown immensely, both academically and personally. Looking back four years ago, I would have never imagined where I am today - after completing three internships at global companies, organizing projects like TEDx and Advisupply, and contributing to various student initiatives. All of these experiences have shaped who I am now.
What has been the most rewarding activity of all of the ones you have contributed to at KLU community?
It’s difficult to choose just one, but I would say that TEDxKLU Hamburg was one of the most rewarding projects I have been part of. It brought together staff members, professors, and students, and involved close collaboration with potential speakers and other TEDx organizers to design the best possible event and gain valuable experience. It took us 1 year of continuous work and communication with all type of stakeholders.
Since TEDx hadn’t taken place in Hamburg for the past ten years, bringing it back was a remarkable achievement for our team. I’m incredibly proud that the event has continued to grow with a new, passionate team, and I’m excited to see how they will carry the legacy forward.
What's one thing you've learned that you feel will be key in the next few years of your career?
In the student community, we often say that KLU is all about teamwork and I truly believe that’s one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned. From countless group projects in class to the many initiatives led by student clubs, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do.
This experience has taught me how to communicate effectively, balance different perspectives, and build trust within a team, being all essential skills for my future career as I always wanted to connect my career path working together closely with people. It has also given me the confidence to contribute meaningfully in professional environments, such as during my working student roles, where teamwork and communication are key to success.
What's your biggest takeaway from your KLU experience?
KLU is such a dynamic and inspiring community. It is young, passionate, and constantly growing. Being part of this process has been incredibly motivating. There are always events, inspiring professors, guest lecturers, keynote speakers, and even podcast sessions that expose us to new ideas and perspectives.
My biggest takeaway is that KLU teaches us to stay curious and keep learning. There’s always something new out there. Whether it’s meeting someone with an incredible story, discovering a new opportunity, or reading a book that completely changes your perspective. You never know where your next decision might lead, and that mindset of continuous growth is something I’ll carry with me far beyond university.
What is your career goal, and how do you see your connection with KLU, in 5 years from now?
I’m still exploring different career paths, but I definitely see my future in logistics and supply chain management. I discovered KLU while looking for strong programs in this field, and its close connection to the logistics industry made it the perfect place to study - a place that truly connects worlds and people. Currently, I’m working at Hapag-Lloyd in the Reefer team, where I focus on the fascinating area of shipping perishable and sensitive goods. I really enjoy the international environment and the opportunity to collaborate with people from all over the world, it is also something that also made KLU so special to me.
In five years, I will be done with my Global Logistics and Supply chain management Master, and I hope to continue developing my career in the global logistics industry while staying connected to KLU by supporting its community, sharing my experiences with future students, and contributing to the network that has given me so much.
