Leonardo Moser didn’t take the traditional path through academia. Instead of heading straight to university after school, he completed a vocational apprenticeship in insurance, worked in client services, and now studies Business Administration at HSG. As President of the Student Union, he represents the interests of over 9,000 students. What shaped his approach?
“I learned to take responsibility early on. That gives me structure, calm and the drive to make a difference.”
Switching from the professional world to academia sharpened his perspective. In his apprenticeship, he learned to deliver results, be reliable, and meet real expectations – all of which shape his current role as a student leader.
Thesis Projects as a Test of Responsibility
When Moser talks about theses, his perspective is particularly compelling. He knows the real world, and he hears firsthand what students struggle with. Many see the Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis simply as a hurdle.
“Some treat it as a formality: write it, get the grade, graduate.”
For those who enter university directly after school, the thesis is often their first real encounter with ownership and with the potential for real impact. But when the right framework is missing, Moser sees a lost opportunity.
“You only really take it seriously if you feel your work might actually matter.”
His wish: bring students closer to real-world challenges. In guided partnerships with industry, students wouldn’t just apply knowledge, they would develop a professional mindset.
“The best preparation for working life isn’t just knowledge – it’s attitude. And you learn that where it counts.”
More Practice-Based Formats
Moser advocates for more university-company collaborations, real problem-solving, and genuine dialogue. He sees high value in formats like capstone projects or company-based theses: “It’s not just practice. It has real impact.”
Writing in a real-world context forces students to realize: theories must be applicable, proposals must be feasible, and communication is key. That sense of seriousness is often lacking at the start of a traditional thesis process. One example: Moser’s Vice President is writing a legal thesis on assisted dying – a deeply personal topic with societal relevance. “Practice fosters responsibility. And the more responsibility, the greater the passion.”
The Role of Alumni Networks
Theses don’t have to be solitary efforts. Moser sees great potential in using them to build academic and professional communities – cutting across disciplines and status groups.
“It would be exciting if universities saw theses as community projects. Not just texts but starting points for conversation.”
He imagines new formats like peer feedback rounds, joint presentations, or thesis marketplaces where students pitch ideas and get feedback from alumni and business professionals.
He sees a special role for alumni networks: many former students now work in banks, corporations, or startups and could provide valuable data, contacts, or expertise. “The potential is there. We just need to connect more students and alumni.”
Outlook: Graduation Phase
Leonardo Moser speaks for a generation that wants more than a diploma: meaningful exchange, relevance, and responsibility. He believes HSG is on the right track, but he wants more: “We need more open formats, more real-world exposure, and more dialogue about expectations and outcomes.”
His message to educators, employers, and fellow students: “Let’s rethink the thesis. Not as a duty, but as potential.”
His vision: a graduation phase that builds responsibility, opens new perspectives, and enables collaboration across institutional boundaries.