50 Years 50 Faces
Lea Michels
Master's graduate in Information Design
10/2013 to 02/2018 Communication Design
10/2018 to 09/2021 Information Design
For me, FHWS is…
a place that became a second home during my studies.
What do you appreciate about FHWS?
The FHWS building at the Faculty of Visual Design in Hubland in Würzburg with the modern premises and the wide range of technical equipment. I also greatly appreciate the freedom that we had during our studies. We were able to express all of our creativity, there were only a few limitations for our semester projects.
What was the best decision in your professional career and why? What has changed since then?
You grow up and become independent while studying, and it is only after your studies that you realise how much this time has shaped you. The degree course had a significant influence – in a positive way – on my way of thinking. Taking various perspectives, understanding and accepting them helps me to advance not only in my professional career, but also in day-to-day life. My studies expanded my horizons and were therefore pivotal for my professional career and my path in private life.
What do you think has shaped FHWS the most over the last 50 years?
The familiar atmosphere which the “small” degree programmes create. There is generally a relationship of friendship and trust between the students as well as with the lecturers.
The mandatory internship in the 5th semester is also an essential part of a degree at FHWS. In contrast to some university degree programmes, practical work experience is a significant part of the teaching at FHWS.
What is your vision of the future for FHWS? What might FHWS look like in 50 years’ time?
FHWS will become very modern, the technical equipment is bang up to date, the course content and study modes are adapted to the future lifestyle of young people. Internationality will increase and digitalisation will result in between networking between the various FHWS partners. In 50 years, we will be talking about a Smart University.
What is your insider tip for the cities of Würzburg or Schweinfurt and why?
Sitting on the stairs in the courtyard at the Faculty of Visual Design in Hubland on mild summer evening and rounding off the day with a view of the valley. Strolling around the Fortress or the Käppele and having a glass of wine there or in the Mainwiesen is also wonderful.