Developing Talent, Shaping the Future

Author: Anja Wieder, Corporate Marketing Manager, Leister Group

A successful example of this collaboration is the award of Eric Balmer, a graduate of the Industrial Engineering | Innovation 2025 program, with the Diploma Award. With an outstanding grade average of 5.7 over the entire study and a practical project in cooperation with an industry partner, he won over the entire conviction. The Diploma Award for the best graduate supported by the Leister Group recognizes its exceptional performance.

From Trade Fair to Management Tool

The young alumni’s success story began at a HSLU contact fair where Eric Balmer came into conversation with a potential project partner. This initially resulted in an industrial project, which later became the basis of his bachelor’s thesis. “I have developed a balanced scorecard in close coordination with management – with strategic goals, metrics, measures and clear visualization,” Eric explains.
The resulting Excel tool now serves as a central control tool for the implementation of the company strategy - an impressive example of how practical university knowledge creates real value.

The Diploma Award – a Special Recognition

“It’s a good feeling to see and appreciate your performance – and there’s a tailwind for the future.” And this future is already planned: Starting in the fall, Eric will start his master’s degree at HSLU and, in parallel, gain first practical experience in a part-time internship.

A combination that, according to Prof. Dr. Michele Kellerhals, Head of the Institute of Innovation and Technology Management at HSLU, is entirely in the sense of modern higher education: “Students benefit from applying theoretical knowledge in real business contexts. Projects, case studies and thesis in cooperation with industry not only promote understanding but also personal development – often resulting in internships or direct career entry.”

The Diploma Prize itself is also much more than a formal degree. “It signals future employers that there is practical relevance, commitment and quality behind academic performance.” For Eric, this award means not only pride and motivation – but also a valuable business card for the next career move.

The University as a Bridge to Practice

Prof. Dr. Michele Kellerhals emphasizes the importance of working with companies like Leister: “These collaborations are strategically important to us. They make it possible to integrate current questions directly into the classroom and implement practical projects – for the benefit of our students, but also the companies involved.”

Particularly innovative models such as the practice-integrated Bachelor's degree (PIBS) are becoming increasingly important: In doing so, high school graduates directly combine their studies with an activity in a company. “A win for all sides,” says Kellerhals. “It’s not just knowledge – it’s a real future.”

With curiosity, commitment and joint responsibility, Leister and HSLU are shaping the talents of tomorrow – and thus investing in a future that is full of innovation.