50 Years 50 Faces
Rainer Schäffner
Laboratory Engineer in the study area Geo
At FHWS since 1998
For me, FHWS is ...
a guaranteed diverse and exciting workplace.
What do you appreciate about FHWS?
What I appreciate most is working with young people and being able to support them on their journey to graduation. At the same time I really enjoy the varied work and the opportunity to work with the latest technology and software. I can directly pass on my newly developed knowledge to students.
What was the best decision in your professional career and why? What has changed since then?
After my studies at FHWS, I started my professional career at an engineering office. When I heard of the newly created position at the Lab for Geographic Information Systems at FHWS, I knew directly that I wanted to work there. Luckily I got the job and was thus able to build and shape the newly created lab.
What do you think has shaped FHWS the most over the last 50 years?
Empty hallways and lecture halls – faces covered with masks – contact only via phone, e-mail or virtual meeting: The corona pandemic has set changes to university life into motion which would have been unthinkable before. Some technical or organisational aspects might have changed even without the pandemic but it definitely accelerated the change process. Now, we can only hope that we can keep the positive changes and abandon the limitations, e.g. due to wearing face masks.
What is your vision of the future for FHWS? What might FHWS look like in 50 years’ time?
New, today still unimaginable technologies will surely influence life, work and studying within the next 50 years. I wish for FHWS to take on current developments thematically, and to continue offering students an ideal balance of theory and practice.
What is your insider tip for the cities of Würzburg or Schweinfurt and why?
It might not be an insider tip but the Würzburg Stein is always worth visiting - be it for jogging, taking a walk or going on a bike ride. That way you get out of the hustle and bustle of the city while at the same time enjoying the splendid view upon Würzburg and Marienberg Fortress.