Interview
Why did you choose the QUSH degree programme at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences?
I did my vocational A-levels at Kleve Vocational College and we had a careers day. There, we were given a leaflet from Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences and that’s where I discovered the QUSH Degree programme. As I’d done my vocational A-levels in Health and Social Care, it was a really good fit for me. I was particularly drawn to the environmental aspect and so I decided on the Degree programme quite quickly. I’d previously taken a test at the Jobcentre to see which field of study might suit me, and it turned out that I’m an all-rounder with lots of interests. As QUSH covers such a broad range of subjects, it was simply the perfect fit.
What was the topic of your Bachelor’s thesis?
The topic of my Bachelor’s thesis was the legalisation of cannabis, with a particular focus on quality, the environment and safety. I conducted a survey, which an incredible number of people took part in, wrote to a few Members of the Bundestag and watched interviews with politicians on the subject. I really enjoyed writing my Bachelor’s thesis and can only recommend choosing a topic that you’d be happy to work on every day for three months.
What happened next in your career after graduating in 2021?
Whilst I was writing my Bachelor’s thesis, Professor Schumacher had sent an email to QUSH students saying that Planwerkstatt was looking for someone. The job advert sounded interesting because it was for a new department within the company. It appealed to me straight away because I thought that, as I was new to the job, I could get off to a good start in a new area and develop there. I then wrote my application and it worked out. I’ve now been working at Planwerkstatt for three years and a single application was enough to kick-start my career.
You work at Planwerkstatt GmbH as a Project Manager for Sustainability and Hygiene. What is your typical working day like?
Planwerkstatt works as a service provider for various clients; originally it was an architectural firm, but we now have three main areas of focus. We handle temporary architecture for events, building construction and sustainability.
The hygiene side of things isn’t really a thing anymore; that was mainly important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Back then, we carried out COVID-19 testing and drew up hygiene protocols for events. Now I focus on the sustainability sector, which consists of two main tasks: on the one hand, carbon tracking – that is, calculating the carbon footprint for an event – and, on the other, sustainability consulting. To do this, we take a close look at the event, assess the current situation, and make suggestions on what could be improved to, for example, reduce CO2 emissions next year.
What do you particularly like about your job?
The team! There are about 15 of us and we have a really great, close-knit atmosphere. I think that’s really important, because you do spend a lot of time at work. I also enjoy tasks or new tools that allow me to develop my skills further.
What skills did you acquire during your studies that you can put to good use in your job today?
Definitely the ability to work independently. You’re faced with new situations almost every day, and you don’t want to run to your manager every time; instead, you try to find a solution yourself first, or at least come up with a suggestion on how to handle the situation.
Through the many group projects and assignments, I was able to improve my communication skills, and that helps me a great deal now when communicating with clients, other service providers, and colleagues. Professionally, I had to learn a lot of new things for my field of work, so I couldn’t apply quite as much from my studies.
What advice would you give to current or future students?
Study QUSH! It’s a fantastic, varied and diverse Degree programme, and you’re guaranteed to find a job afterwards. Don’t be put off by the physics and chemistry modules – you’ll get through them somehow if you don’t let them slide. And apart from that, just enjoy your time at uni and the lovely campus, because it goes by really quickly.
Date of interview: May 2024