Interview with Jule Strecker

In the winter semester 2025/26, Jule Strecker completed an internship at the Research Center for Comparative History of Religious Orders (FOVOG). In this interview, she reveals what particularly interests her about history, what experiences she had during her internship and what she liked best. The interview was conducted by Laura-Marie Lang.

Introduce yourself briefly.

My name is Jule Strecker, I'm 22 years old and this semester I started studying for a Bachelor's degree in Humanities, Social and Cultural Sciences, majoring in History and German Studies. During the winter semester 25/26, I am completing a 240-hour internship at FOVOG as part of my studies.

What interests you most about history and do you have a favorite era?

I am particularly interested in the history of women across epochs and everything that cannot be properly clarified due to a lack of sources. As a child, I was very fascinated by Ancient Egypt and antiquity. Today, I am particularly interested in the National Socialist era and the Middle Ages.

Why did you decide to do your internship with us at FOVOG?

In the summer of 2025, I took a reading course with Mr. Breitenstein and came into contact with the topics of "religious history" and "mysticism" for the first time. As I had to complete an internship as part of my studies anyway and there were no SHK positions available at FOVOG at the time, this gave me the opportunity to get to know FOVOG.

What were your expectations of the internship and were they met?

To be honest, I didn't have any great expectations. What was most important to me was a positive atmosphere and friendly colleagues. These expectations were definitely met.

What were your tasks during the internship?

I spent most of my internship checking, scanning and inventorying essays in folders. I also completed other tasks that arose for the SHKs. Since November, I have been working in a targeted manner on the project "Sankt Marien zu Helfta. A monastery in the networks of its time (13th to 16th century)".

What was a highlight of your internship?

A particular highlight of my internship was the FOVOG anniversary, which took place on November 27 and 28, 2025. I was able to experience the atmosphere of a conference for the first time and helped the other SHKs to ensure that everything ran smoothly.

Did the internship help you with your career orientation?

Definitely, because I gained a comprehensive insight into research and was also able to take a closer look at medieval studies.

How would you describe your internship with us in three words?

Interesting, enriching, positive