Business Administration Studies with a Practical Partner

During his practical phases at Pax-Bank, Jonas gains comprehensive insights.

A church bank and Alanus University: is that a good fit?
Yes, absolutely in my view! In the Business Administration degree program at Alanus University, all areas of business are considered beyond the financial dimension, and perspectives such as ecology and social issues are taken into account. That is precisely the goal of Pax-Bank as well – simply rooted in a different tradition.
To shed more light on the tradition of Pax-Bank, it is important to remember that for institutions such as church communities, Caritas associations, or foundations, it is immensely important to invest their core capital or endowment assets securely and for the long term. Pax-Bank takes on the task of managing this money in a way that aligns with the clients’ ethical principles, values, and goals. This is exactly what underlies Pax-Bank’s long-standing commitment to sustainability.

What can you learn at Pax-Bank?
What is special for me as a student intern is that Pax-Bank is exactly the right size: on the one hand, I have been able to get to know almost all employees – at least at the headquarters in Cologne – and on the other hand, all banking and operational areas are represented. Across its seven locations, Pax-Bank employs around 160 staff members and, as a universal bank, offers all banking services. This allowed me to spend my practical phases in payment transaction management, financing management, asset management, and many other areas, gaining insights into, for example, the financing of special-purpose properties such as care homes or kindergartens, as well as wealth management.
In addition, there are several positions that stand out compared with traditional banks, such as the staff unit for ethics and sustainability or church real estate management, where I was actively involved and shown a great deal.
When it came to deciding which department I would get to know in the next practical phase, I was able to express my preferences and wishes, and I was very pleased to have such an instructive experience.

Would you recommend a dual study program at Pax-Bank?
I would recommend to anyone that they complement their studies with practical phases. On the one hand, this makes it possible to get to know different perspectives and areas of tension; on the other hand, it also allows you to apply in practice the knowledge you have acquired in the seminar room. Every single practical phase at Pax-Bank was enriching for me!

Jonas Backhus, Business Administration – Rethinking Business with practical phases at Pax-Bank in Cologne,
5th semester
If you have any questions about the practical phases or Pax-Bank, feel free to contact me at: jonas.backhus@student.alanus.edu.
 

Images copyright: Constantin Meyer