When Jasmin Heer talks about her work today, one thing becomes clear: she knows both sides. A graduate of the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH), she wrote her Bachelor’s thesis in cooperation with a company – and didn’t just earn top academic marks, but also won the HR Bern Prize. Today, she leads Young Talents Management at Ypsomed and supports students as they take their first steps into the professional world, for example.
“Throughout my career, I was supported by people who believed in me while giving me space to grow,” she says. “Those experiences shaped me. And now I want to offer the same kind of support to young talents.”
What excites her most? “I get to accompany young people on their journey, help open doors for them – and at the same time bring fresh energy and ideas into the company.” This isn’t just personal conviction. It’s part of the company culture. “Our CEO, Simon Michel, places great value on developing young talent,” Heer notes.
Ypsomed: Medtech with People at Its Core
Headquartered in Burgdorf, Switzerland, Ypsomed is an international medical technology company that develops and manufactures injection and infusion systems for self-medication. With more than 2,200 employees world-wide, Ypsomed operates in a highly regulated, innovation-driven industry.
“The pace of our industry shapes how we work,” says Heer. In her role, she works at the intersection of talent development, project coordination, and employer branding – and sees strong potential for closer ties with academia, especially through thesis collaborations. “Theses act as a bridge between university and company. We get to know future talent and benefit from new ideas that directly support our projects.”
Combining Thesis Projects with Internships
What makes a thesis truly valuable for a company? “It should address a real-world, relevant challenge and deliver actionable recommendations,” Heer says. At the same time, she recognizes how demanding that can be for students – especially if it’s their first experience in a corporate setting. That’s where companies need to step up:
“Students need support: access to data, orientation within the system, and the right contacts.”
On the academic side, the priority should be methodological support – helping students balance scientific rigor with practical relevance, and manage expectations on both sides. This is another reason why, according to Heer, combining thesis projects with internships could be a possible solution: “It helps build trust and creates real learning opportunities for both parties.” But one thing is essential: internal buy-in. “The departments need to see the value. Only then will they provide the necessary resources –and that’s often the sticking point.”
What’s the solution? “Clear topic pools, structured supervision, and early visibility.” Platforms like Studyond could play a key role here.
HR in the Age of AI
In her own thesis, Jasmin Heer explored the changing role of HR – and today sees many of her insights confirmed. “In a growth-oriented company like Ypsomed, the HR department must be able to respond flexibly and quickly. It’s about supporting the needs of business units as effectively as possible.”
She’s particularly interested in the connection between HR and digital transformation – a topic she’s now deepening through a CAS in AI & HR. “If I were to write another thesis today, it would focus on the strategic relevance of AI in HR.”
Looking Ahead: Practice Needs Perspective
What advice does Jasmin Heer have for students looking to create impact with their thesis? “Choose a topic you’re truly passionate about – something that excites you and brings value to practice. Write your thesis for a company that genuinely interests you.”
The best advice she received herself? “Make it your project – not just a requirement,” shared by her supervisor, Prof. Dr. Anja Habegger.
With her eyes set on tomorrow, confidence prevails. Time and again, she meets young people who experiment with curiosity, seek out new paths, and in doing so, bring noticeable momentum to companies and society.