Minot State University
11/15/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/15/2024 15:58
International business degree brings Hlebechuk’s studies to Austria
By Emma Cornejo
University Communications Student Assistant
LINZ, Austria - Brett Hlebechuk, a 2021 Minot State graduate in international business and marketing, had his study abroad plans interrupted by a global pandemic.
After finding valuable experience at Minot State as a student and in the MSU Admissions Department, he now has his career path back on track.
As an undergrad at Minot State, with his double major and a minor in German, his interest in studying abroad arose naturally. However, Hlebechuk's initial plan to study in Germany in 2020 was unexpectedly canceled due to the worldwide shutdown during COVID-19.
"I wanted to learn both economics and learn German. So, Germany and Austria were the countries I applied to study abroad. With that idea being canceled because of COVID, I kept the thought of abroad in my mind," Hlebechuk said. "The pandemic threw things off; I got sent home in the middle of my junior year. Many of my friends finished school online or graduated soon, so I never got to say goodbye.
"I planned to study abroad in the summer of 2020, but that did not happen. COVID also limited options since the country shut down."
The Belfield native originally chose MSU for the opportunities the University offered him and checked all his boxes during his college search. He was initially shocked by the wide variety of students who attended MSU, and it quickly became one of his favorite things.
"I chose Minot State because it was affordable and had a good business program. I also did not want to attend the other universities my older brothers or classmates did, so I went somewhere different," Hlebechuk said. "I enjoyed meeting people from all over the country and world; it was a shock from southwest North Dakota. I also enjoyed all the small moments that were made thanks to MSU Life, I was able to meet so many people thanks to it."
So, it was only natural that he accepted a position in admissions while still figuring out his next steps.
"After graduation, Minot State reached out to me about a marketing job as an admissions counselor. I took the offer," he said. "I did end up using both of my degrees in the end, as I became the admissions counselor who worked with international students and domestic students."
However, after a couple of years working with Minot State University admissions, he put his initial goals back into forward motion after the pandemic put them on pause.
Hlebechuk said the application process for international study could be confusing at times, but the overall requirements were easy. The application was the first crucial step that brought him closer to his increasingly realistic goal of studying abroad.
"I eventually planned to go to graduate school for economics, where I applied to U.S. schools, but also some international schools," Hlebechuk explained. "The process was easy, but it was the government papers that made it harder, as well as the new way of signing up for classes. I didn't expect to be accepted, but Linz accepted me."
What was once a goal and aspiration for Hlebechuk has become his reality. Living in Austria, he learned to embrace all the differences and make the most of his experience at Johannes Kepler University Linz.
"I have been excited to learn how things work over here," said Hlebechuk. "How do Austrians study, how do their professors teach, how does German learning work? I have found the answer to many of these; I have come to both be frustrated with the differences and absolutely enjoy the new challenge.
"Everything is an uphill battle with studying abroad. A new language, a new culture, there are no guidelines, no support groups; it feels like I am on my own. Which is great when it comes to problem-solving on every level, from simple everyday issues to big academic ones."
Looking to the future, Hlebechuk does not have his heart set on a specific next step and is simply excited to see where life takes him after completing his master's degree.
"I have multiple ideas of which way I could go," he said. "I could either study a doctorate program, either here or in the U.S. I could also find a job here or in the U.S. after I finish my master's degree."
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 11/15/24