Managing Director

Name: Cristina Bucher
Degree: Master of Art in Business Administration in 2016, Master of Advanced Studies in Computer Science in 2023
Profession: Managing Director
Employer: 42 Zürich

Describe your job in one sentence.

As Managing Director of 42 Zurich School of Informatics, I am responsible for the successful opening and operation of the campus, including team building, funding and partnerships.

What are the three main tasks of your job?

• Project management for the opening and operation of Campus 42 Zurich.

• Building a dedicated and autonomous team.

• Maintaining and developing partnerships with business, politics and potential sponsors.

What do you think is the best / most exciting part of your job?

The best part of my job is the opportunity to build an educational institution from the ground up that provides innovative, practical training in the IT sector. It is particularly fulfilling to create an inclusive culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. It is very motivating to see how our work has a lasting impact on the future of students and the technology ecosystem in Switzerland.

What is the biggest challenge in your job?

The biggest challenge is securing ongoing funding and dealing with cancellations, so you have to keep motivating yourself and the team. 

What do you need to enter or succeed in this profession?

• Work experience: Project management experience, preferably in an education or technology environment.

• Expertise: Knowledge of funding and setting up new projects.

• Qualities: Can-do attitude, resilience, networking skills and strategic thinking.

What are the opportunities for advancement/development?

Potential for network level positions and involvement in wider digital education projects. 

What do you wish you had known about this profession as a graduate?

As a graduate, I would have liked to have known that it is possible to play the role of CEO authentically and with one's own strengths - that it is perfectly okay not to conform to a fixed role model. Especially in a leadership position, it is crucial to bring your individual skills and personal values to your work. Not only does this allow for more authentic and fulfilling work, but it also enriches the team and the organisation with new perspectives and approaches.

What advice do you have for students interested in this role?

Practical experience in project management and networking is essential; I recommend developing these skills through involvement in student initiatives or internships in relevant areas.

Looking back on your career, is there anything you would do differently? And why?

Looking back, I would have entered competitions, hackathons, etc. earlier. I used to be put off by the idea of competitions and it was often suggested that you had to be super awesome to win. It's just about the experience of learning something new and surprising yourself. Here in the sense that you can definitely keep up.

Is there anything else you would like to pass on to current students? 

Have the courage to try something new and just see it as a learning opportunity. The 80:20 rule will get you very far in life, it doesn't have to be perfect, learn to improvise.

As of November 2024