a) Please tell about your professional career after graduating?
During my Master Thesis and after graduation I started working in a small sized engineering company in the field of energy efficiency at big industrial sites. After two and a half years of very diverse responsibilities in project management, engineering, research & development and marketing I changed to a business consulting company - a daughter of the world wide acting engineering office Fichtner. This was a completely different field, requiring lots of experience but also offering the chance to learn and exercise methodic tools in business strategy. Finally before coming back to Offenburg I worked for 2,5 years as an energy efficiency consultant with my own company.
b) What are your responsibilities in your new job?
In my current job at the electricity supplier E-Werk Mittelbaden in Offenburg I consult producing companies in terms of energy cost-reduction. It's a very interesting job, there's no risk of getting stuck in a rut. It covers the technical aspects, but also the economic and legal framework and the understanding of customer needs. Depending on their energy intensity many companies confront the need of energy cost-reduction and also the legal obligation of introducing an energy management system, which is also a field I support them in. In the context of energy market liberalization it’s very important to be close to the customers and offer them a service which makes the difference in this price driven commodity market.
c) Have you recognized changes in Offenburg during your absence, e.g. at the University of Applied Science and in Offenburg's opportunity for leisure time?
At ECM I noticed that the program has many more German students than before - so these are cherishing the quality and the good image of the program even more now. The program has also many new courses, some of them we had in form of compact courses - so it keeps growing and improving!
When it comes to the city it just looks more modern now - the new railway station with its special house for bicycles, also the new cinema building and the new dancing hall "Freiraum" are really nice! I also recognized really good restaurants and bars, which maybe I particularly didn't know before, due to the lack of time. At the end for me Offenburg stays a very idyllic city close to nature, offering everything you need for life, fun and culture. The weather, the nice food, the friendly and open to new cultures people make it enjoyable for living here!
d) Could you give a recommendation to ECM students?
If you're not sure what the best job for you is or whether you would feel better in a big or in a small company - use the time in Offenburg at ECM to find out. Try out different branches and fields of work.
In order to get to know the industrial and business environment here in Germany personal contacts play a big role in my opinion. You can get some useful contacts through your professors. Also try out personal and internet networking platforms as early as possible. Go to events i.e. at the chamber of trade and commerce or to research institutes. Read the newspaper as an exercise.
For further communication, exchange of experiences, just a consultation for your CV or applications for internships feel free to get my e-mail address from Alexandra Raunig. Send me your phone number and soon we can meet and talk on a cup of coffee or tea about your plans!
Best regards and a good start in your studies and career from Eli!