Viola Witt: Bridging the Gap Between Managers and Engineers

Viola Witt holds a master’s degree in civil engineering and environmental technology from Hamburg University of Technology, in her hometown in Germany. After graduating, she found the perfect job: she designed the foundation structures of offshore wind turbines, which combined her interests in engineering and sustainability. But in 2013, her desire for personal growth brought her to MIU.

Viola grew up in a family that practices the Transcendental Meditation^® technique and over time the development of consciousness became more and more important to her. But her busy schedule didn’t allow her to focus on her personal growth. “At work, when you wanted to take the time to meditate it was a struggle and people were not understanding,” said Viola. “Here it’s part of the routine and the culture in Fairfield: meditation is the priority.”

Viola chose MIU’s MBA in Sustainable Business program because in the past she enjoyed the project management part of her job the most. “I wanted to learn more about management and how business people think compared to engineers,” she said. “It will help me see the difference between the two and create a link.”

In her internship position she serves as international business program coordinator and handles administration for the Maharishi Invincibility Institute in South Africa including admissions, enrollment, and course quality assurance.

“Viola brings to her job the problem-solving qualities of an engineer along with the breadth of awareness and appreciative qualities that develop with the practice of the TM technique,” said Dr. Scott Herriott, professor of business administration. “She will be very successful in the world of business.”

Last summer, Viola learned the TM-Sidhi^® program with the help of some generous Fairfield supporters. She is grateful for the generosity of the community for helping her achieve her dream of being part of the Super Radiance program.