Stefanie Unbehauen

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Ansbach University of Applied Sciences?
It was a very nice time for me to study. The city and the university are not too big, so you settle in quickly and make friends in no time. The HS is a small, modern university with good facilities. I would study departmental journalism here again at any time.

What was the best experience at Ansbach University that you can remember?
There wasn't really "one" nice experience. It was rather the mixture of good friendships, interesting teaching content and a nice student life that I keep in positive memory as a whole.

You can't have studied in Ansbach without ...
... visiting one or two university parties. Or strolling through the Brückencenter during the lunch break.

What motivations determined your choice of studies and career?
The love of writing and the desire to travel the world and always be on the lookout for the next story. In my eyes, the profession of journalism is varied, exciting and fulfilling. You get the chance to give people a voice, get to the bottom of things and acquire a great deal of general knowledge.  

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?
I particularly enjoyed the practical modules in my major, where we worked together in small groups. Journalists who came from the field explained their craft to us and told us about their everyday professional life. That had a great impact on me.  

What did you take away from your studies for your professional future?
Especially in the practice-oriented modules, I was able to take away a lot, from video editing, photography and image editing to podcast production and writing reports and PR texts. But media ethics and research are also cornerstones on which my daily work is built.

If you could study again today, would you do anything differently?
I wouldn't do anything differently. After all, experiences shape you.

Looking back on your time as a student: What would you like to pass on to the students?
Just start. Don't think or worry too much. In the beginning, everyone is thrown in at the deep end and you grow with your tasks. Enjoy your time at university, you'll never have that much free time again ;)

To what extent do you still feel connected to the university today? Do you still have contact with fellow students?
I'm in Ansbach from time to time and often remember my wonderful student days when I walk through the streets or pass the university. I am still in contact with some of my former fellow students and am still close friends with a few of them.

What were important stations on your professional path?
The most important and formative time for me was at Storymachine in Berlin. I did my practical semester there - unfortunately in lockdown. After that, I continued working as a student trainee for a whole year. Before that, I worked for the a cappella band VivaVoce in Ansbach. So of course I had the home advantage.

What do you particularly like about your job today?
I especially like the freedom. I can arrange my working hours the way I want. I'm not tied to a specific location and can work from anywhere in the world. By writing about a wide variety of topics, I also broaden my horizons, learn things I would never have stumbled across otherwise and can constantly expand my general knowledge.

What are the three most important skills in your everyday work?
The ability to have an eye for topics. Being able to approach people and listen. And of course the most beautiful part: writing. For me, language is something very special and the centre of my professional everyday life.

In your opinion, how do you make a good career start in your sector (entry routes, application tips)?
Of course, it's best to make contact with companies while you're still studying. Be it through a working student position or an internship. Also use social networks like Twitter or LinkedIn. And if you want to work in journalism, simply write to editors and propose a topic or a finished article. If it works out, you'll have a sample of your work to show the next time. Especially the beginning is quite hard as a freelancer and you have to fight your way through a bit.

What career tips do you have for students and young graduates?
It's best to start trying out jobs on the side early on. As a working student, you learn a lot about professional practice. But don't put yourself under pressure if you don't know what you want to do later. Hardly anyone in their early 20s already knows what they want to do later. And: Fortunately, we live in a time when you can quickly change your career. No decision is set in stone, so just try it out.