Johanna Haas

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Ansbach University of Applied Sciences?
Coffee - sun - inner courtyard

What was the best experience at Ansbach University that you remember?
When we got stuck in the dormitory lift on the way to a university party - that's what bonds us together :)

You can't have studied in Ansbach without...
...drinking the cafeteria coffee.

What motivations determined your choice of studies and career?
Before studying at Ansbach University of Applied Sciences, I worked as a physiotherapist. It's a great profession, but I wasn't really satisfied. However, I really liked the theoretical part of the training. During my second course of education, I thought more carefully about what I was good at and what I was passionate about. Then I looked for a degree programme that was just as suitable as the possible career path afterwards and found what I was looking for at Ansbach University of Applied Sciences. I am currently working in an interface position where medical know-how is just as much in demand as technical and commercial understanding.

What influence did your studies at Ansbach University of Applied Sciences have on your life? Is there anything that has remained particularly memorable for you?
When I studied in Ansbach, I was already a little older than most of my fellow students. Therefore, I would say that the influence on my professional life was greater than that on my private life.

What did you take away from your studies for your professional future?
I appreciated the personal atmosphere at Ansbach University of Applied Sciences. The supervision by the professors, the work in small groups - that was great. I especially learned a lot for my professional future through the practical projects - admittedly, sometimes they were annoying and exhausting, but very instructive for real professional life.

If you could study again today, would you do anything differently?
I would try to build up a good network more consistently.

Looking back on your time as a student: What would you like to give students to take away with them?
Find an exciting Bachelor's thesis topic that interests you! My Bachelor's thesis topic was very practical in the company where I still work. The product that came out of it is now very successful. Seeing that Bachelor's theses are not just written to gather dust, but can be meaningful, is still motivating for me today and connects me with my time at Ansbach UAS.

To what extent do you still feel connected to the university today? Do you still have contact with fellow students?
Not many, but I still have contact with one fellow student, and I'm very happy about that!

What were important stages in your career?
I started as a working student in development at my current company. Then I did my practical semester there in sales and wrote my bachelor's thesis in product development. Since then I have been working there as a product manager and am also responsible for marketing and clinical QM. Over time, my fields of activity have changed or expanded again and again.

What do you particularly like about your job today?
I work in a small, but internationally active company with short lines of communication and flat hierarchies. I like the fact that I can advance something with my own ideas and responsibility.  

What are the three most important skills in your daily work?
Good communication skills, coherent thinking and creativity

In your opinion, how do you make a good career start in your sector (entry routes, application tips)?
I "found" my current company on a trip to MEDICA. I had informed myself about the exhibiting companies, filtered out the ones that were interesting for me and went to their stand to introduce myself in search of an internship. Maybe that will work out for you too?
Otherwise, stay authentic - when I talk to applicants, one of the things I make sure of is that they are themselves and have a clear idea of what is important to them in their future job and why.  

What career advice do you have for students and young graduates?
Especially for young women: Network! It's best to collect contacts during your studies and use them!