Michelle, Social Work and Management (BA)

Congratulations on your successful Bachelor’s thesis. Please tell us briefly what your thesis was about and why you chose this topic.

Thank you very much! In my Bachelor’s thesis, I explored the topic of magic in an educational context – more specifically, how magic-based educational activities can strengthen the self-concept of pre-school children. I came across this topic through my own enthusiasm for magic. A year before I started working on my Bachelor’s thesis, I’d already recognised the link to education and knew I wanted to use this topic for my thesis. The decisive inspiration came from a social project by the Ehrlich Brothers, which showed me the educational potential that magic holds.

What are your career plans after graduation? Which aspect of your future job excites you the most?

I’d like to work in the field of children’s and youth work, as I’m deeply committed to ensuring young people grow up in a safe and creatively active environment. I want to support them during this formative stage of their lives, nurture their individual strengths and provide them with a space where they can develop freely.

Specifically, I can envisage several paths: educational work in a nursery setting, the field of experiential education, or combining my educational knowledge with my passion for the fire service.

I’m really looking forward to this next chapter in my life.

Did you envisage this kind of career path when you started your degree?

Yes and no. At the start of my degree, I already knew which career direction I wanted to take and was also aware of the long-term career prospects this qualification could open up for me. However, it only really became clear to me during the course just how diverse the career options with this degree actually are.
Through the various work placements, lectures, discussions with lecturers and fellow students, and finally through my own job search, I’ve come to realise just how wide-ranging the career opportunities really are.

What were your expectations of the degree programme, and were they met?

I wanted to gain a broad specialist knowledge with plenty of practical content, which the lecturers at the FHD managed to deliver very well. The direct interaction with them was particularly helpful, which I really appreciate.
In your opinion,
what qualities should someone have to study this subject?

I probably don’t need to emphasise that all prospective students choosing this field should enjoy working with people.

I think it’s important to bring your own motivation with you, which you should always keep in mind throughout your studies. It’s this motivation that helps you get through even the most demanding or difficult phases without losing sight of your own goal amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday student life.

What was the most valuable experience from your time as a student?

Nothing is more important than having wonderful people around you who can help take the pressure off, even just a few seconds before those big moments. ‘Energy showers’ can work wonders here. ; )

What did you enjoy most – which moments have stayed with you?

The best part for me was when we could combine studying with fun – whether during lectures with lecturers or outside of class. It was precisely those moments when we laughed together, motivated one another and occasionally took a break from the stress of studying that were particularly important to me.