Alina Praun (M.A.)

I work as a Research Associate at TU Dresden in the interdisciplinary research network TUDiSC (Disruption and Societal Change). In the "Disrupt!Research" project, I am researching interdisciplinarity and science communication from the perspective of disruption with colleagues from technical design, economics, literature and cultural studies. My area of responsibility is research and writing my doctoral thesis. On the one hand, this means a lot of reading, but also collecting and analyzing data and planning sub-studies in our project in the first place. I also organize events with external partners or workshops planned for the project.

The course offers a variety of subject-specific content, which of course helps me professionally. In particular, the content of Educational Governance and the methods and research courses are still helpful in my day-to-day work. I also learned a basic set of theories and methods that help me in my research. Above all, the ability to acquire knowledge should not be underestimated. You will never know all the theories, but it is important to be able to build on solid prior knowledge in order to read up on them yourself. Above all, the research project not only gave you the tools of the trade, but also the opportunity to implement your own research in a way that is guided by your own interests.

The interdisciplinary orientation and composition of the degree program helps me today, especially when collaborating with my colleagues from other departments and in my day-to-day work. I got to know other specialist thinking styles and theories during my studies and acquired the ability to change perspectives and engage with unfamiliar ideas. This is particularly helpful in interdisciplinary collaboration. The same applies to the exchange with fellow students from other specialist backgrounds. You learn to find a common language here.

Look for partners! Research work in particular can be a lot more fruitful when you work together and give you ideas, exchange, motivation and confidence, or even help you to overcome your inner bastard. You also learn teamwork here.

Think outside the box! Do internships or part-time jobs that give you the opportunity to apply what you have learned. At the same time, you can also try things out and find out what you want to do after your studies.

Take up as many offers as possible! You will never again in your life have the opportunity to receive such a high-quality education virtually for free. Studying is more than just collecting ECTS and you can broaden your professional horizons.