In Jena, there is a lot of support for people who are newly moving here, especially from abroad. In this series, we introduce you to some of the people who provide support with questions about arriving and staying. Today we introduce you to Karolin Ulbricht from the Career Point at the university Jena. We visited her at her office on the third floor at “Am planetarium 8”.
Ms Ulbricht, please briefly introduce yourself and your work at the FSU Career Point.
Karolin Ulbricht:
With pleasure: My name is Karolin Ulbricht and I have been the open ear, advisor, lecturer and coordinator at the Career Point for four years. Before that, I completed a Master’s degree in humanities at the University of Jena and worked in business for almost 10 years in Hamburg, Rostock and Jena. And in between, I spent a year in South America.
Who do you advise and on what topics? What are your daily tasks?
Karolin Ulbricht:
The Career Point offers career counselling for students and new alumni of the University of Jena. We help with questions and problems that one can encounter when starting a career and in the post-university period. This ranges from a regular check of the job application to the preparation for a specific job interview or simply an exchange on various thoughts students have about how to start their career.
What are typical questions you are being asked about Jena? What do you answer? And what were perhaps also curious questions or topics that made you smile?
Karolin Ulbricht:
Many people don’t realise how many more opportunities there are in Jena apart from the large international companies. And that the industries are not limited to optics, photonics and “something with IT”. And also, that you can enter the tech industries with a non-scientific degree. I’m happy about every “Ah, I didn’t know that.”
More about industries in Jena
Why should students stay in Jena after graduation?
Karolin Ulbricht:
Because Jena is the perfect mix of diverse big city and familiar small town.
What are your three or four suggestions for finding a job and starting a career in Jena?
Karolin Ulbricht:
Very important: gain as much practical experience as possible. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a part-time job, a student job, voluntary work or internships outside of the compulsory internship. If you don’t know exactly where you want to go, try out the different sectors. If you already know where you want to go: great, look for jobs in different areas and departments. This way, you will not only get to know the city and the people, but also the internal cooperation and philosophy.
What makes life in Jena special for you? What is typical of Jena for you?
Karolin Ulbricht:
Typically Jena for me are the open and communicative people and the short distances – both out of the city into nature and within.
Would you tell us your favourite place in Jena?
Karolin Ulbricht:
My favourite place is anywhere on the “Jena mountains” where, as a North German I enjoy having the wind blowing in my face and I have a great view of the surroundings.
Thank you very much for the interview!
Career Point at Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Karolin Ulbricht
Office hours Tue trough Thu 09:00 – 14:30
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Am planetarium 8, 3. Floor, Room 303, 07743 Jena
Tel. (03641) 9401541
