How a Swiss student quietly stood out at SEF 2025—using strategy, sharp questions, and real connections.
đź’Ľ How I Made the Most of SEF 2025 as a Swiss Business Student
Attending the Swiss Economic Forum 2025 in Interlaken wasn’t just a CV move.
It was a test. A quiet one.
A room full of decision-makers, visionaries, and people whose names live on the covers of Swiss business media.
And me—a student with no title, no mic, no invitation to the VIP lounges.
Just a plan—and the mindset to earn my place.
1.I Showed Up with a Plan🎯
No aimless wandering. No passive listening.
I mapped out my top 5 sessions around AI, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience. I didn’t try to see everything—I tried to be fully present where it mattered.
I wasn’t chasing exposure.
I was chasing alignment.
2. I Connected Without Pitching Myself🤝
I didn’t try to stand out.
I stayed human. Curious. Focused.
Instead of introducing myself with a title, I shared insights from sessions, reflected on their ideas, and made people feel heard. That’s what people remember—not credentials, but conversation.
3.I Asked Better Questions🗣️
Everyone else asked about roles. I asked about ideas.
“What’s something you heard today that changed how you think?” That single question made people stop—and connect.
It was never about impressing. It was about engaging in a way they didn’t expect.
4.I Followed Up Intentionallyđź“©
No “great meeting you” emails.
I sent messages that added value:
- A short breakdown of a panel they missed
- A student perspective on a point they made
- A relevant case I’d studied that built on their ideas
Relevance is remembered. Politeness is ignored.
5.What I’m Not Saying…đź”’
Some things I’ll keep to myself—names, moments, signals.
Not because they weren’t meaningful.
But because the best parts of an experience don’t always need to be posted.
That’s called controlled absence.
And it works.
🚀 Imagine This…
Six months from now, you walk into a room like that—still a student, no formal title, no big company behind you.
But this time, you know exactly who to speak to.
You ask one smart question.
And someone says, “That’s interesting—let’s talk more.”
It starts there.
Not with who you are.
But with how you show up.
🔑 Key Takeaways (Skimmable List)
- âś… Go in with a clear strategy
- âś… Ask questions that open minds, not bios
- âś… Offer value before asking for anything
- âś… Be calm, focused, and human
- ✅ Follow up while the moment’s warm—with precision
Final Thoughtđź’
You don’t need to be famous to be respected.
You don’t need to be funded to be valuable.
And you don’t need years of experience to be taken seriously.
Just show up like it matters.
And act like you’ve already earned the seat—then earn it again with every move you make
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