The International Relations and Accreditation Office, College of Management, hosted an English Corner Session on October 23rd titled " Working in Global Project Management: How to Communicate and Get Things Done Across Cultures," featuring our Austrian alumnus Bernhard Schnederle, who shared his international career journey and practical experiences in global project management, and how to navigate cultural differences in the workplace. 

When a sudden typhoon closure forced a last-minute shift to an online format, both the College and Bernhard pivoted seamlessly. Bernhard's enthusiastic response kept the session running smoothly, turning a weather disruption into a live lesson in his core message: "Flexibility is one of the greatest virtues in global project management."

From NSYSU to a Global Career in Project Management

Bernhard Schnederle is an alumnus of NSYSU's IBMBA and ACT Global Business programs. He brings over seven years of experience in the water treatment industry, with a professional footprint spanning more than 11 countries.

Reflecting on his career journey, Bernhard explained how his international education and willingness to explore unfamiliar opportunities shaped his professional development. Although he did not originally have a technical background, he gradually developed specialized expertise in the water treatment industry. 

He encouraged students to stay open to opportunities and recognize that career paths don't always follow a predetermined direction. 

Bridging Technology, Finance, and People in Global Projects

"You have to be the grease that gets the machinery going." Bernhard described a commercial project manager as a bridge connecting technology, finance, and people. Project managers must translate technical requirements into commercial considerations, and vice versa. For example, engineers may prioritize equipment specifications and delivery schedules, while commercial teams must consider budgets, procurement procedures, and corporate requirements. Balancing these different priorities requires regular communication and daily problem-solving to ensure smooth execution.

Communicating Across Cultures: Building Trust and Resolving Conflicts

Bernhard encouraged students to use clear and simple language, confirm mutual understanding, and follow up on important discussions in writing. He also highlighted the value of visual communication and developing a shared understanding of technical terminology. 

Beyond communication techniques, Bernhard also stressed that building trust requires genuine curiosity, mutual respect, and consistent actions. Taking time to understand colleagues' perspectives and cultural background can help strengthen professional relationships. 

When addressing workplace disagreements, he recommended separating people from problems, returning to shared objectives, and using facts rather than personal opinions to facilitate constructive discussions. 

Entrepreneurship, Diverse Roles, and Work-Life Balance 

Beyond his primary corporate responsibilities, Bernhard demonstrates a strong drive for entrepreneurship and multifaceted personal development. During the pandemic, he co-founded Asian Roots, an online Asian grocery enterprise in Austria. His diverse pursuits range from publishing two books and accelerating European market growth for the Taiwanese bicycle brand Voodoo Cycles to serving as Vice President of a table tennis association. Through his membership in the International Water Association (IWA), he continuously expands his industry insight and global professional network. 

Despite his involvement in multiple businesses and organizations, Bernhard emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. He encouraged students to recognize their personal limits, manage their commitments responsibly, and learn when to say no.

Wrap-up: 5 Pillars for Global Career Readiness

To conclude his sharing, Bernhard, currently a Commercial Project Manager at STRABAG Water Technologies, outlined five essential pillars for students aspiring to build a global career:

1. Cultural Adaptivity: Cultivate the ultimate power combo - curiosity and humility.

2. Willingness to Move: Take leap opportunities; even brief international experiences compound over time. 

3. Find a Niche: Build specialized expertise in fields like water, energy, or infrastructure to stand out.

4. Commercial Literacy: Master the real-world mechanics of contracts, risk management, and negotiation.

5. Network & Continuous Learning: Leverage the NSYSU alumni network, embrace lifelong learning (including AI), and foster long-term professional relationships.

The College of Management extends its sincere thanks to Bernhard Schnederle for his inspiring talk, equipping our students with the mindset, confidence, and global perspective needed to navigate their future careers.