Career Story: Florian Frauscher, Federation of Austrian Industries

April 20, 2016

Master of Legal Studies alumnus

What stages in your life have had the greatest impact on you and why?

At school, during my days at university and in the course of my professional career, I spent time abroad—in Berlin, Madrid and Brussels, to be precise. On these occasions, I had the chance to prove myself in new environments within very short periods of time, to gain a wealth of experience and to make useful contacts. The experience of embracing new cultures and mentalities is beneficial also after returning home because it helps you stay open-minded and see the bigger picture.

Did you originally want to pursue a career in a different field? If so, why is it that nothing has come of your plans?

I have always found the intersection of economics and politics particularly fascinating. So I consider myself extremely fortunate to have a job that allows me to earn a living doing what I am passionate about.

How and why did you come to enroll in the WU Executive Academy's Master of Legal Studies program?

With nearly ten years of professional experience under my belt, I wanted to invest in a training program with a strong practical focus that is directly relevant to my day-to-day work and thus will add value to it. The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) fits the bill nicely. Also, since the MLS is a part-time program with classes being held from Fridays to Sundays, the extra workload it entails is perfectly manageable, even if you have a busy professional schedule.

Why have you chosen the MLS?

During the WU Executive Academy's MLS program, you acquire sound and readily applicable knowledge. The thorough understanding of legal fundamentals and the advanced skills in selected areas are invaluable assets as far as your daily business is concerned, and you can start taking advantage of them immediately. As a welcome side benefit, you also learn plenty of useful things for your private life.

What has been your biggest professional success?

One of the biggest challenges in my career was working in the field of energy and climate policy. Given that interests are particularly divergent across industries and stakeholders in these domains and that regulatory requirements imposed by energy and environmental legislation have complex ramifications for businesses, the environment and individuals, balancing the diverse concerns proved a particularly exacting, and exciting, endeavor.

What are your goals for the coming year?

Having a thorough understanding of legal matters helps and supports me in my current job and will be an important additional qualification in the context of future career development opportunities.

What do you consider a “great luxury”?

Spending time with my family and friends, preferably over a delicious meal and a bottle of wine, is what I consider a great luxury.

What was the last book you really enjoyed?

The Second Machine Age by Andrew McAfee and Erik Brynjolfsson

How would you characterize your philosophy of leadership?

Being motivated, using your own initiative and showing a great deal of empathy is the key to a successful team.

How do you recharge your batteries when you are not pursuing your demanding career?

By going running and biking, and by enjoying a glass of beer or wine with my family and friends every once in a while.

If you could change places with anyone for a day, who would it be?

I would not want to do that. But thank you just the same.

Why would you recommend the WU Executive Academy's Master of Laws program?

The WU Executive Academy offers you the state-of-the-art environment and strong focus on student services you would expect from a top-line graduate program. The MLS teaches you real-world knowledge and skills in a manner that is clear and easy to understand.

And last but not least: The lecturers in general, and Prof. Georg Kodek and Prof. Martin Spitzer, who do most of the teaching, in particular, make an excellent job of conveying the legal subject-matter expertise in an extremely vivid, highly practical way.