Back to the Future: From the Stock Market to the Quantum Technologies Distance Learning Program

As a computer scientist, mathematician, and head of a quantitative modeling team at Deutsche Börse, Bernhard Milla has been continuously furthering his education for more than twenty years. Through the distance learning program in Quantum Technologies at RPTU, he is now pursuing a fascination that has been with him since his doctoral studies. His career path demonstrates how scientific curiosity and continuous learning can shape a professional journey over decades.

When Bernhard Milla earned his doctorate in 2005 at RPTU, he encountered a field of research that immediately fascinated him: quantum computing. His doctoral advisor, Prof. Stefan Heinrich, was conducting research on quantum complexity theory and inspired him with the idea that quantum physical phenomena might one day be used for entirely new forms of information processing. At the time, however, the field was still a long way from practical applications. “Quantum computing was science fiction back then,” Milla recalls.

For his doctoral thesis, he therefore decided on a different focus: He wanted to move into industry after his time at the university and felt that a more practical topic made more sense. However, he never lost sight of his fascination with quantum computing.

A Strong Scientific Foundation

After graduating, his path first led him to the financial sector. He worked at a management consulting firm in the field of financial engineering, later at DZ Bank, then at BASF, and today holds a leadership position at Deutsche Börse in Frankfurt. He views his academic studies as the foundation that enables him to continually familiarize himself with new topics.

“To me, a scientific education means gaining a foundation upon which you can build to familiarize yourself with any other subject.”

“To me, an academic education means gaining a foundation that allows you to delve into any other subject,” he says. A guiding principle that has shaped his career. Much of the knowledge he needs in his professional life he acquires later on. The analytical methods, mathematical thinking, and scientific approach he gained during his undergraduate studies and doctoral program form the foundation for this.

The Right Time for an Old Passion

Even after moving into the business world, Milla regularly engages with scientific literature and new developments in his research group. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he suddenly found himself with more time for this: working from home, closed gyms, and canceled concert trips gave him extra time. At the same time, he realized just how much joy scientific work still brings him. “I still have at least two decades ahead of me until retirement. So I told myself: Maybe now is the right time to go back to university and bring my scientific foundation up to date.”

Opted for a Distance Learning Program at RPTU

While searching for a suitable program, he came across the distance learning program in Quantum Technologies at RPTU. “Quantum computing has always fascinated me. Now was the right time to pursue this degree,” he says.

The continuing education master’s program combines content from physics, mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, and information technology. The program focuses on the fields of quantum communication, quantum computing, quantum metrology, and quantum simulation.

When Science Fiction Becomes Reality

Milla finds it particularly exciting that quantum technologies are currently at a thrilling turning point.

“For decades, quantum physics has primarily been a basic science. Today, it is increasingly giving rise to technologies that are becoming relevant even outside of research laboratories.”

“For decades, quantum physics has primarily been a basic science,” he explains. “Today, it is increasingly giving rise to technologies that are becoming relevant even outside of research laboratories.” Quantum computers cannot, in principle, solve more problems than classical computers. For certain problems, however, they can significantly speed up calculations. Tasks that take a very long time on classical computers could thus be processed much faster in the future. Milla sees applications in areas such as materials research, the chemical industry, and complex simulations. “It’s exciting to witness how this basic science is increasingly evolving into a discipline that produces very concrete, industrially applicable results,” he says.

Quantum technologies could also play an important role in his own professional field in the future. Milla therefore has no plans to change careers. “I definitely want to continue doing what I’m doing now. But the financial sector will also be transformed by quantum technologies. I want to be prepared for that.” Through his studies, he is acquiring the necessary knowledge early on to actively help shape these developments.

Balancing Studies with Work and Family

Bernhard Milla is pursuing his degree while holding a management position and balancing his family life. Juggling two young children, his job, and distance learning isn’t always easy. “Once my kids are in bed at night, I sit down to study again,” he explains. “Of course, that requires a certain amount of self-discipline.” He emphasizes that it’s especially important in distance learning to stay on track consistently. The university’s structure also helps him with this. “I’ve been impressed by how the quality of the course materials, the organization of the program, and the academic support have continued to improve.”

Above all, he recommends that prospective students follow their interests. In this case, that includes mathematics, physics, and computer science, as well as the willingness to manage one’s own time. The degree program is particularly well-suited for people who are passionate about mathematical and scientific questions.

It’s a passion that Bernhard Milla also shares. What still seemed like science fiction during his doctoral studies is now gradually becoming a reality. For him, the program is above all an opportunity to pursue a long-standing fascination—and to strengthen the scientific foundation that has supported him since the beginning of his career.