For me, FHWS is …
the main basis for my professional training and development and a continually developing partner to industry, business as a whole, and a veritable wellspring of young engineers.
What do you appreciate about FHWS?
The cooperative, purposeful collaboration, the variety of degree programmes which take the needs of large-scale industry and SMEs into consideration, their further development and expansion such as into Robotics and Hydrogen Technology.
What was the best decision in your professional career and why? What has changed since then?
Naturally, there have been a lot of decisions such as organisational changes or taking on new responsibilities which have had an impact on my professional life. For me, these – even the changes which came from the outside – were always an opportunity which I seized, and I can also recommend that as my life motto: always look for the opportunity in a change or an offer and don’t let yourself be guided too much by the risks. Be open to new things, leave your “comfort zone” once in a while and just trust in yourself – you will be surprised by what you can achieve. For me, the decision which had the greatest impact, including from a personal perspective, was taking the position of head of development for electric drives, because no-one could have predicted at that time how quickly the importance of e-mobility would increase in recent years, as well as in the future, and how massive the associated changes were, are and continue to be for the ZF Schweinfurt site, the ZF Group and the automotive industry as a whole – and I was able to be involved.
What do you think has shaped FHWS the most over the last 50 years?
Technological change above all, but also the continual modernisation of the facilities, the great variety of new degree programmes, the installation of the e-mobility competence centre, the establishment of the i-Campus and the resulting international and cultural diversity among students, which has also resulted in enrichment for the entire region.
What is your vision of the future for FHWS? What might FHWS look like in 50 years’ time?
FHWS is an integral part of regional companies and their international dependencies. Research is increasing and is increasingly merging with teaching – “real research & innovation”. The time from the initial idea to practical implementation has shortened significantly and follows product lives which are becoming shorter and increasing frequency of innovations. FHWS is a hotbed for business start-ups, spin-offs and new products. The several thousand students come from all around the world. Online and in-person participation in the lectures are standard, the practical course content is communicated using augmented reality, in Schweinfurt or through international partners.
What is your insider tip for the cities of Würzburg or Schweinfurt and why?
Take advantage of the cycle path network and visit the many small events and venues in the region by bike – whether on the Main, in the Steigerwald or as far as the Rhön region. You will discover a lot in doing so and find your own insider tips. But also permit me to do a little promotion for something of my own: Nachsommer Schweinfurt with its varied programme at the old boiler house on the ZF premises. It's simply a great musical cultural event with a fantastic atmosphere. Enjoy!