nach oben
nach oben
Readingtime: 4 minutes
03-30-2022
Study Retail Management
"Completely new approaches for day-to-day business"
by Sylvia Hannstein

REWE salesman Tristan Klein is certain: the part-time retail management master's programme in cooperation with ESB Reutlingen is contributing to his success. In one, Tristan Klein explains what he gets out of his degree programme and how he manages to juggle his job, studies and family.

Tristan Klein (35) has been with the company for twelve years. After completing a dual study programme in Stuttgart, his career progressed rapidly: Klein became market manager, district manager and then area sales manager. An impressive development - but not the end of the line for the ambitious businessman: "I said to myself: now I'm very good at certain things, I'd like to go into business for myself."

No sooner said than done: Tristan Klein is now in his fourth year as an entrepreneur with his large REWE store in St. Ingbert-Rohrbach in Saarland. And he has realised: "Of course, as a businessman you are focused on your store and have to do your homework all the time - that's a big challenge! But I have the desire to develop further. I want to round off my profile and broaden my base."

For Tristan Klein, one thing was clear: in order to realise his goals, he wanted to continue his education. After a short period of research, he opted for the part-time Master's degree programme in Retail Management in cooperation with ESB Reutlingen.

How do you manage the study workload as a self-employed businessman and family man? And have Tristan Klein's expectations been fulfilled? We asked him after six months of studying.

Mr Klein, you've completed a quarter of the two-year ESB Master's programme. What is your interim assessment?

Tristan Klein: Absolutely positive! The programme is a great format: you learn to think more strategically and in other dimensions. You also get a lot of input and useful tools. All of this also opens up completely new approaches for many everyday business situations, which is very helpful.

Of course, there are also hurdles: for example, I realised to my regret that in my previous degree course, different things were taught in maths than are required now. That's why I even organised tutoring - two hours every Sunday with a qualified teacher.

How do you manage to reconcile being self-employed as a REWE salesman and studying - and also having a family?

Tristan Klein: It's a big challenge, as they say, and of course it's an extra burden. I'm a family man, I know what it means to coordinate times. You have to work and think very systematically. And yet it's a huge amount of work. But it's doable. And it's also fun. And when I go on holiday with my family for a fortnight, relax and recharge my batteries, it's wonderful. That's enough for me for the next six months.

Of course, the team is also crucial for smooth operations. I have four trainees in the shop, with a fifth to come. And I have a trainer for each apprentice. This strong team knows exactly what is important. They all know exactly what to do. I attach great importance to good training and prospects - and you can see that in the commitment of my team.

„Others go for a walk on Sundays. I drive to the shop, manage eight hours and then there's a meeting with the university. That's also part of it, of course.“
Tristan Klein
self-employed REWE businessman and ESB student

What does a typical day look like for you?

Tristan Klein: My day often starts at 4 o'clock and I'm in my store by 5 o'clock. To support and motivate the team, I help with tidying up. Then I go to the office and work on administrative and background tasks until around 3 pm. Then I pick up my two-year-old son and we go for a walk for an hour or two. Then I drop him off at mum's and get back to my studies. It continues at the weekend: while others go for a walk on Sundays, I go to the shop and manage eight hours. It's not unusual for me to have a meeting with the university afterwards. Of course, that's also part of it, but there's still enough free time for things that are particularly good for you. Support at home is very important. Not everyone accepts this lifestyle. However, I was very lucky and often have to thank my wife for this strong support and the luxury of having a clear head.

„It's a good feeling when you see successes and acquire knowledge that you can't just look up on your mobile phone.“
Tristan Klein
self-employed REWE businessman and ESB student

What are your goals for the next few years?

Tristan Klein: I don't want to stop at one store, I want to expand. When I'm around 40, I want to be a multi-business owner with a small but healthy network of stores. Then I would like to take the time to pass on what I have received and learnt. In other words, I would like to gain an insight into the university so that I can pass on my knowledge to students there.

Apply now!

If you already have a Bachelor's degree with a grade of 2.5 or better, you have until 31 May 2022 to apply for the part-time Master's degree programme in Retail Management in cooperation with ESB Reutlingen (International Retail Management). If you are interested, please contact us promptly at MasterESB@rewe-group.com to receive a comprehensive information pack. The first on-campus phase starts in the winter semester 2022/23.

There will be a one-hour virtual information event for all interested parties on 3 May 2022 at 12:30 p.m. You are welcome to register for the event at MasterESB@rewe-group.com.

Further information on the programme content can be found on the ESB Reutlingen website

My comment
Comment