At BI, our students bring unique stories and ambitions that shape our community. One of them is Sana Tajangi, originally from Iran and a graduate of our International Management program. Today, she works at ctrl QS in Berlin, supporting international teams in digital operations and stakeholder collaboration.
In the following interview, you will get to know more about Sana’s journey, how her time at BI prepared her for her career, the skills that truly make a difference, and her advice for those who are still studying or just starting out.
Could you introduce yourself and share what your current role is about?
My name is Sana Tajangi, I’m 23 and I come from Iran. I currently work at ctrl QS, where I support international teams in digital operations and stakeholder collaboration. My role is about making sure workflows run smoothly, ensuring information flows across departments, and creating solutions that help people work more effectively.
What do you enjoy most about working in this position?
What I love most is the environment. ctrl QS is truly diverse, and I work with colleagues from many different backgrounds, which constantly broadens my perspective. I also enjoy that my work is dynamic. Every day brings new challenges, and I get to combine problem-solving with interpersonal skills. Even small improvements in processes or communication can have a big impact, and that sense of making a difference is very rewarding.
How did your journey at Berlin International University of Applied Sciences prepare you for this role?
Berlin International University of Applied Sciences prepared me by teaching me to navigate international environments with confidence. The mix of cultures in the classroom was almost a training ground for what I experience at ctrl QS now. It gave me the adaptability, patience, and communication skills needed to work across borders and time zones.
Looking back, which experiences from the International Management program helped you the most in reaching this position?
Two things stand out: group projects and my marketing classes. Group projects taught me cross-functional teamwork, conflict management, and how to deliver results under pressure. Marketing classes, on the other hand, taught me to think more strategically. Marketing requires diving deep into the customer’s psyche, understanding not just what people say they want but what they actually need. That mindset has shaped how I handle my work now too, because in operations and stakeholder support, you also need to anticipate unspoken needs and deliver solutions that go beyond surface-level requests.
Was there a moment during your studies that gave you clarity about your career path?
Yes. The business law courses gave me a new perspective on how structure and fairness influence business decisions and the marketing classes helped me realize how much I enjoy understanding people at a deeper level. Together, they made me see that I want a career where I can combine structured problem-solving with a human-centered approach. That is why I see myself pursuing a Master’s in Business Law eventually, while continuing to grow in fields where stakeholder management and international collaboration are key.
Which soft skills have been most valuable in your role (e.g. communication, leadership, adaptability)?
Empathy and adaptability. In stakeholder management, you often deal with competing priorities. Empathy helps me understand where people are coming from, while adaptability allows me to adjust quickly to changing circumstances. Together, they create trust and keep projects moving forward.
Are there any technical or management skills from your studies that gave you an advantage?
Yes, absolutely. My experience with Microsoft tools, Excel, and data analysis gave me the ability to work with large amounts of information and turn them into insights. On the management side, project management principles and strategy-focused classes gave me an edge in thinking about both efficiency and long-term outcomes.
If you could tell current students one skill to focus on now, what would it be?
I would say focus on strategic communication. Being able to not only exchange information but also align people, influence decisions, and frame ideas clearly is a skill that will serve you in any business field.
What advice would you give to current or future BI students who want to follow a similar path?
Do not just focus on grades, I mean do but prioritize your focus on experiences. Say yes to group projects, discussions, and classes that push you out of your comfort zone. And take your marketing classes seriously, they are not only about campaigns but about truly understanding people. That insight will help you in almost any career path, whether in operations, law, or leadership.
Sana’s reflections are a reminder that studying at BI is about more than lectures,it’s about building skills, perspectives, and confidence that last far beyond graduation. Her journey shows how experiences in the classroom, from group projects to intercultural teamwork, can translate directly into career opportunities.
We are proud to see Sana thriving in Berlin and hope her story inspires BI students to embrace challenges, seek out experiences, and follow their own unique paths.
