"When I think back to my time as a student in Göttingen, I remember a vibrant community, inspiring professors, and experiences that shaped my career and personal growth." Afsaneh Izadian studied Development Economics at the Faculty of Business and Economics. I currently work full-time at KWS SAAT in Einbeck. KWS is a plant breeding company established in 1856 and ranks among the world leaders in this field. Specifically, KWS is the global market leader in the commercialisation of sugarbeet seed. Additionally, KWS specialises in various other crops such as corn, cereals, sorghum, oilseed rape, and sunflower, and has recently launched a new business unit dedicated to vegetables. I’m thrilled to be a part of the “Growing into The Future” graduate programme, which I started in October 2024. This exciting two-year journey allows us graduates to rotate every six months through various departments, giving us a wonderful opportunity to gain diverse skills and insights within the company. KWS highly values its graduates, dedicating resources to prepare us for meaningful roles in the future. I’m currently working with the Group Strategy team, collaborating closely with the head of group strategy and our team leads until the end of April 2025. My current role focuses on building a comprehensive portfolio management capability following the team's restructuring, aligning strategic initiatives and striving for operational excellence. Before relocating to Germany, I worked as a Commodity Exchange trader in Iran for two years. After moving to Germany in April 2022, I soon discovered that Sartorius, a major company in Göttingen, actively recruits international talent, as they had several available positions that did not require German language skills at that time. As a result, I applied for a working student role in the People and Organization Development department. I began working there as a student in September 2022 and continued for nearly two years. This opportunity was the beginning of my career in Germany, and I will always value this experience. My role as a student significantly improved my work experience and interview skills for the KWS graduate programme, ultimately resulting in my acceptance into the programme. Being a Development Economics student has given me wonderful insights into how agriculture influences the development and history of nations, along with the challenges many countries face and will likely encounter in the future. I was fortunate to visit India on a DAAD-funded student trip supervised by Professor Dr. Sebastian Vollmer. During this unforgettable visit, we explored villages and connected with farmers and fishermen; this experience truly transformed my perspective. My studies have sparked my enthusiasm to work for KWS, a leader in addressing food security and sustainability challenges. I feel immensely proud to contribute to these essential goals. Studying at the Faculty of Business and Economics in Göttingen is an excellent experience. The international environment, robust academic foundation, and practical learning opportunities have contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth. Additionally, the supportive professors and diverse student community create a fantastic atmosphere for learning and connection. Göttingen is also a delightful city to live in as a student! (Updated: February 2025)
Afsaneh Izadian
Which company do you work for?
In which position do you work? What are your responsibilities?
How did you start your career?
How did your studies prepare you for work?
Why would you recommend studying at the Faculty of Business and Economics?
