Julia Rottmann, Mechanical Engineering (B.Eng.) + Biomedical Engineering (M.Sc.)

Practical relevance and the quality of teaching were decisive factors in my choice of degree course. In the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics at Aachen University of Applied Sciences, I found a place to study that impressed me with its excellent contacts to industry, small learning groups and direct exchange between professors and students. The faculty also offered me a wide range of further education opportunities.

Aachen is a typical student city for me. There are lots of young people and lots of things to do for little money (e.g. university sports, university cinema, pub culture, student parties). My favorite means of transportation was the bicycle. It was only a few minutes from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics to the city center. I have fond memories of that time.

Studying mechanical engineering had its ups and downs. However, I think that this is independent of the choice of course and place of study. The foundation course demanded self-management, discipline and frustration tolerance. I had to work through a lot of content from scratch. My analytical ability to grasp complex interrelationships did not develop overnight. But it helps me a lot today. One of the highlights of my studies was taking part in the Pro8 project course.  It taught me more about my strengths and how I can use them to contribute to the success of a team. For me, this experience is one of the most important learning outcomes of my studies.

If I were to study again today, I would spend more time on additional courses offered by the faculty (e.g. additional qualifications, stays abroad, etc.). A career begins with the first semester. You will never again have as much time and be able to invest as cheaply in your personal development as you did as a student.

My studies prepared me well for my current position. Paradoxically, this is reflected in the fact that I work successfully in a field that has little to do with my undergraduate degree (mechanical engineering, specializing in manufacturing). I am a project engineer in the research and development department of a leading medical technology company. Today, the personal and methodological skills I developed during my studies (teamwork, adaptability, self-management) are helping me to progress. I am expanding my professional expertise with further training courses offered by the company (project management, leadership without a superior function, virtual communication).