forward – WU Alumni Magazin 2/2021

ALUMNI INTERVIEW
müssen eine Rolle in der Ausbildung
spielen.
Sie haben bereits erwähnt, dass Ihnen
Chancengleichheit ein Anliegen ist. Wie
schätzen Sie die Thematik des Gender-
Pay-Gaps ein?
WP: Chancengleichheit sicherzustellen,
ist natürlich auch in unserem Konzern
ein wichtiges Thema. Besonders
gilt es, junge Frauen bereits früh zu
unterstützen und zu fördern, um diese
Chancengleichheit zu wahren. Dafür
setzen wir uns ein.
FP: Grundsätzlich ist zu hoffen, dass
diese Fragestellung keine Relevanz
mehr hat, wenn wir in naher Zukunft
erneut bei einem Interview zusammensitzen,
weil eine tatsächliche Chancengerechtigkeit
besteht.
Herzlichen Dank für das Gespräch,
Ihre Verbundenheit zur WU und Ihre
großzügige Spende.
FP: And we shouldn’t forget that philanthropic
gifts to universities can be dedicated
to special projects. In this way, you
can create sustainable added value.
Many WU alumni work in your company.
Which particular set of skills do
graduates of our university bring? Are
there any core competencies you feel
are missing?
WP: WU alumni are usually very well
qualified and are strong team players.
I wouldn’t say that any basic skills are
missing. However, I’m generally of the
opinion that universities should focus
more on teaching the expertise needed
for tomorrow’s business world. Students
must be familiar with digitalization,
big data, machine learning or artificial
intelligence.
You’ve already underlined the
importance of equal opportunities.
What’s your opinion on the gender
pay gap?
Felix (l.) und Wolfgang (r.) Porsche
You both studied at WU or its
predecessor, the University of World
Trade. Which keywords come to your
mind when you think of this institution?
Felix Porsche: An international outlook,
open access and flexible time management
– although this last factor can be
somewhat perilous because it encourages
you to keep putting stuff off (smiling).
However, I particularly enjoyed this
freedom, and it really helped me develop
a greater level of independence.
Wolfgang Porsche: I’m reminded of a
very positive time. Even then, the University
of World Trade had an international
profile and encouraged you to
expand your horizons.
You’re not just emotionally connected
to WU but support the university
practically through your generous
donation. What were your motivations
in this regard?
WP: I particularly wanted to help my
alma mater and give something back. I
discussed this with my son Felix who had
recently completed his studies at WU.
FP: In our deliberations, we then came
across the “WU4YOU” project and were
immediately persuaded by the program’s
goals. When one has always
enjoyed the best opportunities personally
in life, I think it’s essential to ensure
that others get the same chances.
Unlike many other countries, Austria
does not charge tuition fees
and education is viewed as a
public good. Why do you
still consider philanthropic
support to be important?
WP: Tuition fees are just one side
of the coin. It’s also vital to create
real equality of opportunity and
to actively encourage and support
young people.
WP: Ensuring equal opportunities is of
course also an important topic in our
company. It is particularly important to
support and promote young women at
an early stage in order to maintain this
equality of opportunity. We are committed
to this.
FP: I hope that in the near future we can
sit down again for an interview and your
question will be completely irrelevant –
because we will finally have achieved
true equality of opportunity.
Thank you very much for the interview,
your commitment to WU and your
generous donation.
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