Entrepreneurial Alumnus Reflects on What Drew Him to Webster Vienna
July 15, 2024
By Amanda Cooke
Webster Vienna Private University alumnus Dmitry Sten earned a Bachelor of Arts in Management with an Emphasis in International Business, and a minor in International Relations. Currently, he works as a Talent Acquisition Consultant for a video-tech scale-up in Austria and a green-tech startup in Germany.
Sten is originally from a small town in Russia called Zhukovsky. When he was 16, he moved to Austria to pursue an education and his passion for ice hockey. After a stint in the United States, he returned to Austria when he was 21, and began studying Webster Vienna.
“I chose between staying in the United States and studying sports journalism or returning to Europe and studying Management with an Emphasis in International Business. Webster Vienna ended up being my final choice because of my desire to start my own business one day. Additionally, Webster Vienna generously offered me a full scholarship, an opportunity too good to pass up,” Sten told WVPU in an email interview.
As a Talent Acquisition Consultant, Sten specializes in headhunting individuals with technical backgrounds for IT and product positions, though he also has experience recruiting for various other business functions.
“My degree from Webster Vienna helped me develop a business mindset and understand how companies operate from within. This knowledge allowed me to quickly grasp various business functions and comprehend their talent needs. My favorite part of my job is receiving messages from candidates and hiring managers expressing their satisfaction with their new positions or hires. It's incredibly rewarding to know I played a part in connecting people with the right opportunities,” Sten said.
Along with his wife, Sten launched a fitness studio called The Jungle at the beginning of 2024, and they are expanding to a new location in Vienna’s 2nd district, where WVPU is located.
“The knowledge I gained at Webster Vienna was crucial in setting up the business with the right processes and foundations before welcoming our first customer. It's been an exciting journey, and I'm eager to see what the future holds for us. We plan to offer a membership discount to the Webster Vienna community,” he said.
Sten shared a few of his memorable experiences of his time on campus.
“One standout experience was a Business Law course that included a simulated court hearing. We dressed as lawyers, representing either the plaintiff or defendant in front of a jury. Although our team didn't win the case, the experience was incredibly fun and educational.”
Outside the classroom, Sten also participated in the Webster Football Tournament in Geneva and the WebsterLEADS leadership program retreat in Italy.
“One of the most valuable lessons I learned from the Webster Vienna Management program is the importance of communication and building strong business relationships. Success often relies on collaboration and seeking guidance from those with more experience," Sten told WVPU. "Additionally, staying curious and dedicated to continuous learning is crucial, as there is always room for growth and improvement.”