Ariane Voglhuber-Slavinsky studied NawaRo and agribusiness at the University of Hohenheim. She then joined the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI) as a research assistant. There she is engaged in researching future possibilities and has to be open to new topics.
Her Tips
Work as a student assistant. This provides valuable insights into research practice.
Participate in voluntary research projects. Get information about current Humboldt-reloaded projects at the University!
Form study groups and support each other.
Explore unchartered territory and look into other areas - even if I'm not standing in a lab today, the laboratory experience was very valuable to me.
Research Associate Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI), Karlsruhe
Studies at the University of Hohenheim 2011-2016
Biobased Products and Bioenergy B.Sc.
Agribusiness M.Sc.
Job
What are typical activities for you in your job?
I work in the Foresight department, where we support clients from politics, business, and NGOs in dealing with future developments, analyzing opportunities and risks, and developing suitable strategies in order to implement the goals robustly even in the event of unexpected developments. In a professionally very mixed team we search for signals for technological and social changes, design participative dialogues and workshops, and develop future scenarios and roadmaps for our clients’ strategic development. We use different methods to stimulate thinking in alternatives and to promote a conscious handling of uncertainties.
My goal as a research associate is always to publish something about our projects and to make our findings accessible.
When did you decide on your career?
I've always wanted to do something that is broad - where you think in larger perspectives and learn something new every day. That's what the job posting promised me and that's why I applied. And I wasn't disappointed!
"I've always wanted to work in a position where I learn something every day."
Studies
Why the University of Hohenheim? And why NawaRo?
Before I came to the University of Hohenheim, I had already completed my first Bachelor's degree in health management and started working. Through my professional activity in Stuttgart, I became aware of the University of Hohenheim. I wanted to take up a second degree program at that time in order to go even deeper in terms of content. Since I myself come from the forestry industry, NawaRo was a natural choice and I seized the opportunity.
What were your studies like?
During my studies, I placed a strong focus on conversion technologies - to put it generally, that means the conversion of biomass into other products such as biochar. I also worked as a research assistant in the Department of Conversion Technology of Bio Based Materials and wrote my Bachelor’s thesis there. Inspired by the idea of recycling management, I wanted to look at the overarching topic of environmental protection and also completed an internship in the field of environmental management.
What about experiences outside of the classroom?
Since it was my second degree, I had to work a lot and earn money on the side. In the beginning I had several jobs that had nothing to do with studying - until I started in the third semester as a research assistant. There, I gained valuable insights into research and laboratory work.
I also did an internship in environmental management at Daimler between my Bachelor's and Master's degrees and was then taken on as a working student in another department.
"The work in the department gave me good insights into research."
I really enjoyed the work, and it also motivated me to write my Master's thesis in a company. But that wasn't Daimler, it was the chemical company BASF.
What competences from your studies are important in your job today?
Definitely working in a structured manner. You have to be able to organize yourself well - especially if you're still working while you're studying. In addition, you learn to keep in overview and not to be afraid to look at other topics.
When I think back on my studies in Hohenheim, I think of...
...the beautiful campus. And the numerous study groups that helped me a lot and enabled me to work efficiently.
