Germany → Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi → International Business & Innovation Career
Karla Kedenburg, Innovation Strategist, NRW.Bank, Düsseldorf
Originally from Germany, Karla Kedenburg pursued the opportunity to combine competitive soccer with an international academic experience in the United States.
Driven by both athletic ambition and personal development, she embraced the challenge of studying and competing abroad while expanding her international perspective through sport and education.
Challenge
Transitioning into the U.S. collegiate system required adapting to:
- a new academic environment
- a different soccer culture
- life abroad
- and the demands of balancing athletics with university studies.
At the same time, Karla’s long-term goals extended beyond athletics. She wanted to build a strong international academic and professional foundation that would open opportunities in global business and innovation environments.
Process
Karla successfully transitioned into the U.S. college system at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, where she competed as a student-athlete on the women’s soccer team while studying General Studies.
Her international pathway continued well beyond her collegiate athletic experience.
She later completed:
- a Bachelor of Arts in Global Management at HSB Hochschule Bremen – City University of Applied Sciences
- and a Master of Science in Wirtschaftspsychologie at
University of Bremen.
During her studies, Karla also completed an international semester abroad at Universidad EAFIT in Colombia, further expanding her global experience and intercultural perspective.
Throughout her journey, international education, athletics, and adaptability played a central role in her development.
Outcome
Today, Karla works in Förder- und Innovationsstrategie at NRW.
Her pathway demonstrates how international collegiate athletics can serve as a foundation for:
- academic achievement
- global business experience
- leadership development
- and long-term professional success.
Karla’s story reflects the broader vision of Global Athlete Pathways:
Combining sport, education, international experience, and career development into meaningful long-term opportunities.