Daniel Herrmann studied Agricultural Biology with a focus on Livestock Biology at the University of Hohenheim. Today, he works as a process technologist and controller at the PHW-Gruppe, which is active in producing and marketing poultry specialties.
His tips
Be confident about your studies and don’t worry too much.
Work together with a company when you do your Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis.
Do continuing education in interdisciplinary areas.
Do a Master’s and make sure you have a competitive advantage over other applicants.
And finally: Don’t forget to have fun while you’re studying!
Process technologist / Controller with business focus, PHW-Gruppe
Studies at the University of Hohenheim 2008-2013
Agricultural Biology B.Sc.
Agricultural Biology M.Sc.
Job
What are typical activities for you in your job?
As a process technologist, I work daily at the interface of technology, personnel, and all other areas that influence the quality of our products. In my role as controller, I also evaluate all these factors from an economic perspective. For example, I visit our farms and conduct operational analyses. When I identify deviations or opportunities for improvement within the production processes, I develop measures to optimize these processes. This can be personnel training, machine maintenance, or the integration of a control system specially adapted for this area.
When did you decide on your career?
Not until I was looking for jobs. But I knew at an early stage that I wanted to work in the area of quality control and livestock keeping. After studying, I know a lot about biology and product quality, but I had to learn about the technical and business aspects of my profession. The DLG traineeship was a great opportunity to expand my management skills and get into my career. You can’t be afraid, just do your thing.
“You can’t be afraid, just do your thing.”
Studies
Why the University of Hohenheim? And why Agricultural Biology?
After graduating from high school, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. My dream was always to study veterinary medicine - but my grade point average wasn't good enough. A friend who also studied at Hohenheim then pointed me toward agricultural biology. The teaching is very hands-on: There are many laboratories and experimental stations, test farms and a veterinary clinic - the best conditions for acquiring knowledge in livestock management, crop production, and agricultural engineering.
What were your studies like?
I focused on Livestock Biology and Poultry.
But first came the basic study period, which was highly analytical. There were courses in biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, or physical chemistry. Or courses on lab safety - you need these basics in food inspection, too.
What about experiences outside of the classroom?
I did my Master’s thesis with a company that had been recommended to me for my Bachelor’s thesis, too. I came into contact with the industry and was able to see what opportunities there were. That was when I realized how important it was for me to be able to work in a job where many different topics come together.
“Being able to work at the intersection of different topics is absolutely key.”
What surprises and challenges were there during your studies?
After school I was glad to finally be done with math. And then I started my basic study period. But it wasn’t as bad as I had feared. Hohenheim does a good job of handling students with different backgrounds.
You start with the basics, create a common foundation, and then go from there. So even if it’s been a while since you had chemistry and classes like that, you can still manage it.
“Even if it’s been a while since you had chemistry and classes like that, you can still manage it.”
What competences from your studies are important in your job today?
Especially the basic knowledge of poultry science, nutrition, husbandry, behavior, and animal health is taught. This knowledge is actually also the reason why I ended up in this position. People with controlling experience can handle the numbers. But they don't have the biological knowledge, for example, about why animals react the way they do. But I need that for my evaluations.
