Sina Herrmann, Chemistry with Materials Science

‘It was always clear to me that my degree would be an entry ticket.’ Sina Herrmann knew right from the start of her studies where her path would lead her one day. However, during her school days, she was not someone who particularly fancied test tubes, microscopes and Bunsen burners. It was only after her school days, when she was working at an online shop, that her boss, a pharmacist, got her hooked on chemistry.

Chemistry lessons only lasted one hour in the subsequent A-levels. ‘So there was no real basis for studying chemistry now.’ When choosing her degree programme, however, she weighed up the options: ‘I knew that if I did what everyone else was doing, then I would just be one of many.’ So she decided to do something rather exotic and chose ‘Chemistry with Materials Science’ at H-BRS.

‘But I didn't want to end up in some lab, I wanted to be close to people.’ The clichéd image of laboratories in which white coats with dishevelled hair scurry around did not correspond to her idea at all. Even as a first-year student, she planned to apply her future knowledge commercially, sell products and advise people. Although studying was difficult, Herrmann says she was always driven by her motivation.

‘Looking back, I feel very connected to the university because it prepared me well for my professional life.’ She particularly remembers the well-stocked library and her professors. ‘They were always fair with us. The standards were very high, but they never put unnecessary obstacles in our way.’

She found her current job at GKN Filters, which manufactures industrial filter systems for various applications, at a job fair. The spectrum is broad: from the chemical industry to the food industry to Airbus. As a sales engineer, she is the link between production and the customer. She visits and advises international companies of all kinds and frequently travels to trade fairs.

‘Normally, you're nobody in chemistry with a bachelor's degree. In my job, your degree only proves that you are capable of thinking technically. Primarily, however, it's about dealing well with customers. You travel all over the world, meet different people and cultures and have to adapt to new situations every time.’ Above all, you have to be good with different people. And Hermann can do that. She is enthusiastic about her job, especially because she is treated fairly. ‘Nobody asks me what degree I have anymore. Unlike in the lab, it's all about what you actually do.’

Text: Marcel Geitmann

Marcel Geitmann is studying Technical Journalism at H-BRS. He wrote this portrait as part of an alumni project on the Technical Journalism course in the 2015/2016 winter semester.