(interviewed in 2023)

Thomas Scheufler

Profile	Theresa Nadler
Degree program:	Continuing Education Research and Organizational Development (German: WBF/OE)
Faculty	Education
Study period	October 2018 until June 2021
Current work	Digital Consultant, focus on business agility coaching

Why did you decide to study at TU Dresden?

After completing my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, I wanted to focus on Education for my Master's degree. Thanks to the interdisciplinary nature of the course, I was able to effectively build on my Bachelor's degree, while at the same time broadening my horizons. I also thought that Dresden was a really interesting city: The Elbe river, the proximity to the Saxon Switzerland National Park, the size of the city, and the trendy Neustadt district. It’s a charming place!

What made you chose this degree program?

The interdisciplinarity of education, psychology, sociology, business and economics appealed to me.

Who from research and teaching influenced you the most during your studies?

Due to the generally small seminar and lecture groups (usually fewer than 10 students), the teacher was able to challenge and encourage students individually. This in turn allowed us to set priorities, which in turn strengthened our motivation to get involved. I can't directly name one person or academic who influenced me the most, but I would say basically the way of teaching was really inspiring.

Where are you employed today, and what are your responsibilities?

I work at dotSource as a digital consultant specializing in business agility coaching. As part of my work, I advise and support clients with regard to agile transformation projects. We support our clients from the outset all the way up to the successful establishment of agile organizational structures. My area of responsibility is a colorful bouquet of strategic conceptual work and operational implementation. This includes, for example, analyzing organizational processes, designing and implementing dynamic training courses and workshops, introducing agile practices and tools, and coaching individual employees.

What advice would you give to our current first-years?

Have your say! Be curious! Make the most of your time as a student! If you are interested in a challenging Master's degree program in the field of adult education, you’ve come to the right place. Even though the degree program may sound very specific at first, you’ll end up with a very broad range of specialist knowledge and will be qualified in many different subject areas.

What do you remember most fondly about your time as a student?

The WBF/OE degree program is particularly well known for its interdisciplinary orientation. The fundamental lectures are supplemented by a large number of seminars, which allow you to focus on your own areas of interest. I was particularly fond of the lively and practice-oriented discussions. And I remember really enjoying our research work (such as the research document or the Master's thesis) that we did in a small group - because real research is rarely done in solitude.

Was was your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place at university was the SLUB library, where I practically lived during stressful periods. The magical atmosphere in what I called the Hogwarts Room, which was basically the reading room, always inspired me and spurred me on. Its also a place where you can arrange to meet up or spontaneously hang out with fellow students and friends for a break, whether by chance or on purpose.

What still has a lot of value for you today/would you like to have had more of?

Above all, I still benefit from the ability to quickly familiarize myself with new and complex subject areas, and I really have my studies to thank for that. And my studies helped me to see the bigger picture. In today’s complex world, a lot of things are indeed connected. Being aware of this and learning something new every day is fantastic.

What tips do you have for hitting the ground running in your industry?

To ensure a seamless entry into the world of work, I would recommend that everyone get a taste of this area of work during their studies by participating in internships or working as a student. You should also make sure you establish a focus during your studies, for example in the research semester.

What connects you to TU Dresden today?

I am still in contact with my colleagues and professors. This meant that we ended up having a guest lecture for students on the WBF/OE course on the topic of "Agile Coaching." But the most valuable thing is the friendships I made during my studies!

Contact:
Theresa Nadler
Digital Consultant, Business Agility Coaching

Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-nadler/