Even during her school years, it became clear where Anne Herrmann’s interests lay: less in languages, more in logic and natural sciences. I was always more interested in science, a lot of biology and chemistry
she says looking back. I like this structure and logic, it suits me more than any French grammar rules that always have exceptions
she adds with a smile.
In high school it was a teacher who opened up a new path for her. She learns more about the school training to become a biological-technical assistant and can’t shake the idea until she graduates. Anne Herrmann leaves high school with a technical college entrance qualification and begins her training.
A fascination with biology
However, when the negative decision from the master BAföG (now advancement BAföG) is in front of her, the dream fades. Without support, school education and life in Cologne cannot be managed. But she reacts pragmatically: I actually went to work for a few years to save money
she says – mainly in the catering industry.
But her fascination with biology never completely leaves her. In her mid-20s she was finally able to fulfill her wish and started her two-year training course. She found exactly what she was looking for: practical laboratory work, analytical chemistry, cell culture and microbiology. I had a lot of fun with that
she remembers.
The job goes north to Lübeck
An interesting position at the University of Lübeck then takes her north to the Baltic Sea coast. She worked for several years at the Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research, supported scientific projects and was involved in laboratory processes from cell cultures to the genotyping of mouse lines.
Later, she was primarily responsible for setting up the reproductive biology laboratory at the University of Lübeck over a period of three years. Part of the laboratory work includes the cryopreservation and revitalization of egg cells and sperm from mice. In this context, for the first time the thought arises as to whether studying might be the right path. Because there is a master’s degree program in Laboratory Animal Science that fits the job – but there is no bachelor’s degree. She decides to study biomedical engineering at the TH Lübeck.
Changing jobs despite studying full-time at the TH Lübeck
The studies begin, the laboratory is set up, and Anne Herrmann realizes: I want something different. She is moving to the Institute of Psychology: They were looking for a person to set up a database of studies and test subjects
she says. Even at the time of her training, she found the topic of databases very exciting because it helps to share knowledge and make it available in an orderly and systematic manner. She started her studies in 2014, works full-time and studies in person – until she reaches her limits in 2019.
In addition to her work in research management and studies, she is also a security officer. The topic of occupational safety is beginning to interest them. So what about becoming an occupational safety specialist? A direction that she could take with a degree in biomedical engineering with a specialization in quality management/quality and safety technology.
Resumption of studies at the TH Lübeck
I thought back and forth. It would have been a shame not to continue because I was already half way through
she tells us about her considerations. For the summer semester of 2025 it is clear: Anne Herrmann will return to the TH Lübeck. Fortunately, I was able to reduce my working hours to 50 percent
she says. This makes it easier to combine a job with face-to-face study.
In the meantime, her career aspirations have changed a little. She was impressed by quality management and auditing. I think I’m one of the few people who thinks bureaucracy is great
she says. It is important to find a common language; So you basically need a translator who sits in quality management and describes the standards in such a way that everyone can talk about them at the end. These are not rigid constructs. The standards and norms that you set must be regularly questioned and adjusted
she says.
Various paths in life intersect at the TH Lübeck
She wants to graduate next year. Anne Herrmann never really had any doubts, she remembers. As a late student you have to catch up on school knowledge at one point or another because it is no longer as accessible; But there were supporting courses at the university.
Anne Herrmann’s journey shows that there is no one right educational path. Sometimes detours lead to exactly where your own strengths lie – you just have to follow the paths.