Ankur Vats, incoming IFES Project Manager, believes her communication skills and teamwork ability will reinforce the values of diversity and collaboration that are so important at IFES. Having completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering specialising in Rocket Propulsion, Ankur spent 5 years as Assistant Professor in this field active in teaching, research and management at a prestigious private University in India, before deciding to follow a full-time career in Management.
“A little over 3 years ago, I moved to Germany to pursue a second Master’s degree. This time I studied General Management which included an internship at Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, allowing me to hone my knowledge of employer branding and university marketing in a large multinational company. Even before completing my master’s degree, I began working in Germany as a junior product manager at a German University of Applied Sciences in the area of continuing education and educational solutions for working professionals. Soon I was appointed Program Manager in the department and worked there for 1 year and 2 months.”
However, Ankur still aspired to work in an international environment where her skills and capabilities, including her proficiency in English and German, would be put to the best use. When she saw that IFES was hiring, she realised that this was an opportunity to meet these needs completely, and more. “Being able to use my native Hindi language also seemed like a natural option in an association as diverse and global as IFES,” she says.
Ankur is involved with the upcoming EuroShop Global Village, BOE and World Summit amongst others.
“I enjoy human behaviour and psychology and have strong knowledge in this field. I believe that this combined with my proactive approach, sincerity, and commitment will be beneficial in taking on and completing various projects at IFES. I am certain that here I will experience a great workplace culture, which is very important to me.”
“Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.”
– Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam (late), my idol.