Faith Muriithi: Bridging diplomacy and global business

Before starting her Master’s in International Business Management at FH Kufstein Tirol, Faith Muriithi built her career in the field of international relations. With a background in diplomacy and foreign policy, she worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Kenya as well as with the National Construction Authority. These experiences gave her deep insights into how governments operate, negotiate and cooperate across borders. At the same time, they sparked a new interest: understanding the role of businesses in shaping global economic relationships. “I wanted to expand into the business side of global interaction,” she explains.

Rather than leaving her previous path behind, Faith saw the Master’s programme as a way to build on it – combining institutional knowledge with business expertise.

An international classroom, different perspectives

The international focus of the programme became clear from the very beginning. Faith studies in a cohort made up of students from more than thirteen countries, each bringing different academic and professional backgrounds. “What stands out is not just the diversity, but the difference in perspectives,” she says. In discussions, the same problem can lead to very different approaches, shaped by cultural context and prior experience.

For Faith, this environment reflects the reality of international organisations. It has challenged her to think beyond familiar frameworks and to communicate more precisely. “You can no longer assume a shared starting point,” she notes.

Learning to lead in complex environments

Throughout the programme, Faith has strengthened her analytical and strategic thinking. Courses such as Strategic Management and ESG analysis require clear reasoning and data-driven decision-making. At the same time, she has developed leadership and organisational skills. As part of the organising committee for a study trip to Portugal, she coordinated with companies, managed timelines and represented her class externally. “It made leadership feel practical rather than theoretical,” she says.

Working in multicultural teams has also sharpened her communication skills. Expressing ideas clearly, listening actively and adapting to different perspectives have become essential parts of her daily work.

Preparing for a global career

For Faith, the programme builds a bridge between public institutions and the private sector. While her previous experience focused on governance and international cooperation, the Master’s adds a deeper understanding of corporate strategy, market dynamics and sustainability. It also prepares her to navigate uncertainty. Concepts like operating in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment are not just theoretical, but embedded in case studies and projects.

“I now approach international markets from multiple perspectives,” she explains. This shift has strengthened her confidence in building a career that operates across borders.

A balance of challenge and support

What Faith values most about studying at FH Kufstein Tirol is the strong practical focus. Whether in consulting-style projects, marketing labs or business simulations, theory is consistently applied in real-world contexts. At the same time, the programme encourages independence while offering support when needed. Lecturers are approachable and engaged, creating an environment where academic content is closely linked to practical application. Beyond the classroom, the location itself plays a role. Surrounded by the Tyrolean Alps, Faith finds a balance between academic focus and personal well-being. “It gives you space to reset and reflect,” she says.

For her, the programme is more than a degree. It is a step towards a career that connects international relations and global business – with the skills and confidence to navigate both worlds.

Links:

• International Business Management | ft