Programme overview
The Women Back to Business (WBB) programme is a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Management designed for women who would like to return to the workforce after a personal or family break, or reposition themselves professionally. Participants receive updates on the latest concepts and insights on the most relevant management topics. The programme includes academic modules, skills workshops, development trainings, individual coaching, WBB partner company visits and networking opportunities.
Consultation
Learn more about this programme in a personal conversation.
Juha JormakkaJuha Jormakka Senior Strategic Talent Acquisition Manager
Programme management
Luiza Bold Programme Manager Women Back to Business
Programme details
Programme type
Format
Language
Number of ECTS credits
Duration
Location
Price
Next date
| Start date: | 03.05.2027 | |
| places available | ||
First-hand insights into our programme
Join our information event to explore our programme, have your questions answered, and gain insights into how you can take your career to the next level. We look forward to meeting you!
Target Audience & Application Criteria
Your Benefits
Our aim is to help women succeed professionally. You will benefit from the WBB programme in the following ways:
Certificate in Management
You will be updated on the latest concepts of the most relevant management topics and develop a good understanding of the current challenges
Flexible Structure
Given the programme’s modular structure, preparatory work and transfer tasks can be smoothly integrated into your schedule
Career Support
You will receive professional support for your career transition through individual coaching
Self-Reflection
You will have the opportunity to consciously and methodically reflect on how to meet the challenges inherent in a career relaunch
Networking
You will broaden your professional network with partner company representatives and with other highly qualified, motivated women with similar professional objectives
Professional Exposure
Your visibility among potential employers will increase
Course Design
Next Steps
Next Start Date
Online Info Events
Are you interested in the WBB programme? Please join us for an online info event to find out more about WBB and if it is the right programme for you on your career journey.
Personal Conversation
If a personal conversation suits you better, please contact us and we will be happy to talk with you about your individual needs and interests.
Learning Journey & Modules
7 Modules
4 May 2026
8:30-18:00
Weiterbildungs-Zentrum (WBZ) St.Gallen
10 June 2026
8:30-12:00
Online via Zoom
This module addresses the basic challenges and questions of managing a complex organization based on the St. Gallen Management Model.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the most important principles of management
- Learn to deal with complexity and uncertainty in an organization
- Understand what a management model is and how it can be used
- Learn how to cope with different processes on a strategic as well as operational level
- Apply the principles of management to organizational development
- Understand how strategic management, organizational development, change management and process management are linked
1 September 2026
8:30-18:00
Weiterbildungs-Zentrum (WBZ) St.Gallen
14 September 2026
8:30-12:00
Online via Zoom
This module provides an introduction to the Swiss legal system. It makes a deep-dive into Swiss contract law with an emphasis on employment law. It will address topics such as conclusion of an employment agreement, rights and obligations (e.g. salary, liability), issues around termination including settlement, and include a view on special protection provisions related to women (e.g., maternity, gender equality).
Learning Objectives
- Gain an overview of the Swiss legal systems and its sources of law
- Understand the basic elements of Swiss contract and labor law
- Apply Swiss law to case studies
21 September 2026
8:30-18:00
Weiterbildungs-Zentrum (WBZ) St.Gallen
TBD October 2026
8:30-12:00
Online via Zoom
This module sheds light on the multifaceted history, diverse use cases, and multiple social, economic, and political implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a ground-breaking set of technologies. It includes discussion on the advantages and limits of machine learning, algorithmic bias, diversity in the tech sector, as well as ethical considerations. The module will equip you with the concept of “code capital”, a framework that enables you to better understand and evaluate how AI applications are changing business and leadership, its relevance for numerous sectors, and how you can actively shape its potential.
Learning Objectives
- Get an overview of the interdisciplinary history and interpretations of AI
- Understand the central techniques and applications of AI in business, politics, and social life
- Learn to assess the contributing factors of an AI system’s potential impact
- Learn to evaluate the relevance of AI for individual business needs
9 November 2026
8:30-18:00
Weiterbildungs-Zentrum (WBZ) St.Gallen
TBD November 2026
8:30-12:00
Online Transfer Session
In this module you will learn how to develop and implement a strategy and explore in-depth international strategy and cross-cultural management.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the meaning of strategy
- Differentiate between corporate strategy, competitive strategy, and international strategy
- Recognize the biggest challenges in mergers & acquisitions
- Understand international market entry
- Identify the challenges in cross-cultural management
18 January 2027
8:30-18:00
Weiterbildungs-Zentrum (WBZ) St.Gallen
TBD January 2027
8:30-12:00
Online via Zoom
Environmental and social sustainability—such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, social justice, and equality, and more—represent one of the biggest challenges for businesses today. Sustainability affects all aspects of corporate strategy and therefore affects everything from leadership, governance and disclosure, supply chains, partnerships, innovation, marketing, communications, and stakeholder to shareholder relations. In this short module, participants will gain an introduction to sustainability and sustainability strategy in business.
Learning Objectives
- Introduce key concepts in corporate sustainability management.
- Gain an understanding of sustainability, in particular climate change, biodiversity loss, and social sustainability themes using frameworks like the Planetary Boundaries and UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Show how sustainability represents sources of risks and opportunities for business.
- Explore basic tools, frameworks, and solutions of sustainability strategy in businesses.
- Gain brief insight of key sustainability regulations and corporate governance/disclosure standards.
- Explore how companies create value from sustainability.
- Conduct a deep dive into circular economy.
Prof. Dr. Judith Louise Walls
8 March 2027
8:30-18:00
Weiterbildungs-Zentrum (WBZ) St.Gallen
TBD March 2027
8:30-12:00
Online via Zoom
This module offers an update on the most current tools and instruments used in controlling and finance such as balance sheets, profit and loss statements, cash flow statements and financial key performance indicators.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the most important financial data used to analyse company performance
- Learn to interpret financial data
- Understand how financial key performance indicators (KPI) are linked to the business model
22 March 2027
8:30-18:00
Weiterbildungs-Zentrum (WBZ) St.Gallen
TBD April 2027
8:30-12:00
Online via Zoom
This module is designed to provide an overview over contemporary leadership but more importantly should invite reflection and introspection about the characteristics of human nature on- and off work.
Learning Objectives
- Learn how leadership can contribute to both joy and performance (at work)
- Understand how to identify and work with different kinds of human motivation
- Reflect upon your own values and behavioral patterns and how they relate to your approach to leadership
2 Skills Workshops
28 May 2026
8:30-18:00
Weiterbildungs-Zentrum (WBZ) St.Gallen
15 June 2026
8:30-12:00
Online via Zoom
This workshop focuses on how to find and get a job. It will provide you with highly practical tips regarding your job search, networking approach, application process and CV optimization. You will prepare for and practice answering tricky interview questions during mock interviews with other participants and give and receive feedback on the questions and answers. Self-branding, storytelling, your elevator pitch, market biases and LinkedIn will be discussed.
Learning Objectives
- Gain useful tips regarding the job search and application process, interviewing and optimizing your CV
- Develop solid interview skills through hands-on practice
- Gain increased confidence by developing and optimizing your personal marketing, storytelling and elevator pitch
30 November 2026
8:30-18:00
Weiterbildungs-Zentrum (WBZ) St.Gallen
9 December 2026
8:30-12:00
Online Transfer Session
This workshop equips participants with essential skills to engage stakeholders, communicate with clarity, and navigate workplace dynamics confidently. Through interactive exercises and real-world scenarios, they develop effective communication strategies and collaboration techniques.
Learning Objectives:
• Engage key stakeholders with confidence.
• Apply proven communication frameworks for clarity and impact.
• Navigate difficult conversations (e.g., probation talks) effectively.
4 Development Trainings
4 June 2026
9:00-12:00
Online via Zoom
24 June 2026
9:00-11:00
Online via Zoom
Participants will develop essential tech skills to work smarter and stay secure in today’s digital workplace. They will learn key tools, cybersecurity best practices, and AI-driven efficiencies through hands-on exercises.
Learning Objectives:
• Master essential workplace tools for productivity and collaboration.
• Strengthen cybersecurity awareness and online security best practices.
• Leverage cloud computing, Big Data, and AI-powered tools.
• Build confidence in tech-enabled teamwork and digital leadership.
19 May 2026
Personal Branding – Your USP is Key
9:00-12:00
Online via Zoom
TBD August 2026
Mastering Professional Social Media
9:00-11:00
Online via Zoom
TBD August 2026
The Art of Networking
8:30-12:00
Online via Zoom
These interactive sessions equip WBB participants with the skills to network authentically and confidently, online and in person. In today’s world, meaningful connections create lasting impressions and open doors to professional success.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the key elements of a compelling USP and craft a polished, situation-ready version aligned with personal strengths.
- Learn to network effectively in a way that reflects individual strengths and authentic style.
- Build confidence in initiating, engaging, and maintaining meaningful professional connections.
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Develop practical strategies for small talk, rapport-building, and navigating networking situations with ease.
Agnes Pakozdi
Gerd Winandi-Martin
Patricia Heemskerk
Catherine Tenger
TBD September 2026
9:00-12:00
Online via Zoom
TBD October 2026
9:00-12:00
Online via Zoom
This personal development training offers an introduction to the St.Galler Startup Navigator. It explores profiling/prototyping and a problem/solution fit. Customer decision making, the value proposition and a pitching framework will be addressed.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the basics of the St.Galler Startup Navigator
- Become familiar with problem solving and customer decision making
- Practice ‘’Idea Pitching”
TBD February 2027
9:00-12:00
Online via Zoom
TBD February 2027
9:00-11:00
Online via Zoom
Learn the fundamentals of Open Negotiation based on the Harvard Concept® through interactive presentations and hands-on simulations. Develop strategic preparation techniques and refine your negotiation skills with real-world application and small-group coaching.
Learning Objectives:
• Master the Harvard Concept® negotiation strategy.
• Enhance strategic preparation across relationships, content, and process.
• Strengthen and sharpen your negotiation skills for real-world success.
3 Personal Career Support Sessions
Partner Companies
Partner companies receive exclusive access to a pool of highly qualified, motivated female talent.
Are you interested in becoming a partner?
Please get in touch with us.
Luiza Bold
Programme Manager Women Back to Business
Our Partners
Success Stories & Testimonials
Click on image to read the success story
Priya Gupta
Workforce Manager at Cognizant
Elisa Sadakhom
Operational Sustainability Consultant at Zurich Insurance
Judith Mey
Senior Marketing Manager Open Programmes at Executive School of the University of St.Gallen
Juliana Landmann
Gemmological Trainer
Denise Kurmann
Senior Key Relationships Officer Switzerland and US at Medair
Maria Andrianaki
Risk Modeller at Swiss Re
The coaching and the contact with other women who all wanted to work helped me. I had a wonderful coach; she helped me regain my confidence. I really needed this. The course curriculum was also exciting and of a high standard, and gave me the confidence to be able to learn and implement new things quickly. You need the courage to be imaginative. Because there is no right way to proceed in such situations.
Raquel Delgado Moreira, HISTORIANWBB helped me personally to learn more about business thinking patterns. Everything today is economized and structured in clear schemes. If I want to describe an idea and wish to be understood, I have to talk about opportunities and risks or about the degree of public awareness and effort required. Before, I would have talked in long sentences and spoken using flowery language. I knew much of the economic vocabulary. Each woman must discover what she can contribute and must follow her own path.
Donata Gianesi, ART HISTORIAN
Your Faculty
Click on image to get more information about your faculty
Dr. Léa Steinacker
Founder & Chief Operations Officer at ada
Dr. Meike Wiemann-Hügler
Head of Executive Teaching Programmes at the Institute of Work and Employment Research (FAA-HSG)
Dr. Maria Luisa Fuchs
Chair for Entrepreneurship at ITEM-HSG
Prof. Dr. Judith Walls
Professor & Chair of Sustainability Management at the Institute and Director at the Economy and the Environment (IWÖ-HSG)
Prof. Dr. Winfried Ruigrok
Professor of International Management University of St.Gallen
Catherine Tenger
Trainer and Speaker for Business and Social Interaction
Dr. Mike J. Widmer, MBA
Founder and CEO at Aalto AG
Dr. Katharina Rege
Lecturer and Leadership Consultant at JENEWEIN
Dr. Lüder Tockenbürger
Founder and Managing Partner at PRO4S & Partner GmbH
Catherine Mehrtens
Negotiation Expert and Partner at EGGER PHILIPS
Dr. Thorsten Truijens
Managing Partner at Controlling Partner St. Gallen AG
Prof. Dr. Bruno Mascello
Director at the Executive School of the University of St. Gallen
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Info-Sessions
Meet us in person
Meet us in person to discover how our unique Women Back to Business programme empowers women to re-enter the business world with confidence.
Events
Online Info Events
Discover how our unique Women Back to Business programme empowers women to re-enter the business world with confidence.
Events
Do you require further information?
I am gladly available for you and look forward to hearing from you.
Luiza Bold Programme Manager Women Back to Business
Why University of St.Gallen
At the University of St. Gallen (HSG), you can choose from one of the largest executive education portfolios in the German speaking region – the right programme for your needs and career objectives. The renowned quality and practical relevance of the learning experience convinces more than 6000 participants per year. Profit from an Executive Degree from St.Gallen – the best business school in the German-speaking world – and get ahead in your career!
