After studying Biology at the University of Hohenheim, Gert Sonntag started working with Carl Zeiss. There, he sells microscopes for various uses including university institutions.
His Tips
Be open for various career fields.
Set goals and orient yourself on these during your studies.
If possible, spend a semester abroad.
Put out your feelers early - go to career fairs and make contact with companies.
Sales Specialist 3D and Digital Imaging, Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH, Esslingen am Neckar
Studies at the University of Hohenheim 1995-2000
Biology (then still a Diplom degree program)
Job
What are typical activities for you in your job?
On the one hand I serve an established customer bass, and on the other hand I react to inquiries and acquire new customers. For example, I am contacted when a Biology professorship is started and new equipment is needed. Then I advise, demonstrate the microscope, and test it. But even when I’ve acquired a customer and the microscope has been delivered, I remain their point of contact.
And what is the coolest thing about the job?
I think the challenge of new technology is fascinating. When new systems come on the market or the customers want to try out something new, you have to be able to give them good advice and make the right decisions. I also like interacting with the customers - being able to talk to them at their level.
“Technical innovations and constant contact with clients make my job so interesting.”
When did you decide on your career?
For biologists there’s no one clear career like is the case with carpenters. You can work in a lot of different industries and institutions, from the pharmaceutical industry to a museum. While a lot of my fellow students wanted to go into science, I decided on sales. There, expert knowledge and an understanding of the products are necessary. I started working for Carl Zeiss thanks to a fellow student who offered me the job.
Studies
Why the University of Hohenheim? And why Biology?
When I started studying, I was 28 years old and had long since decided that I wanted to study Biology. It was really lucky for me that the degree program was offered in Hohenheim: I lived close by and already had a part-time job that I didn’t want to quit.
What were your studies like?
Starting in the second semester, I worked as a student assistant in the Department of Zoology and accompanied students on excursions, for example. I liked the work there so much that I also specialized in Zoology during my studies and wrote my final thesis in this area.
“Because of my work in the department, I was especially interested in Zoology.”
What surprises and challenges were there during your studies?
My studies went smoothly - but at the beginning I was surprised at how many people were on campus. I also very suddenly had to organize a lot of things myself - that was different than it had been at school.
What competences from your studies are important in your job today?
A lot of soft skills are helpful, for example being able to present things. But it is also important to be able to stand up for an opinion and at the same time be open to other people and opinions. From my perspective, that is one of the most important competences that you gain during your studies. Besides that, in my daily work my English skills and my experience with microscopy are very helpful.
When I think back on my studies in Hohenheim, I think of...
...an amazing and interesting time. I was able to transfer my studies into an interesting job and got to know my wife at the University. For me, everything went very well.
