Asking our alumni – Graduating in times of a pandemic
As a student, you are working hard for this very moment of holding your final degree in your hands. But what comes next? In this column, OvGU alumni share their story of stepping into business. This time, it’s up to Denis Wiedemeier.
Having a university degree is a door-opener to many different job opportunities. Yet entering the job market for the first time became a little extra tough in 2020. Denis Wiedemeier, M.Sc. in International Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (IMME), belonged to the first alumni that graduated in the beginning of an unprecedented lockdown in Germany. In this article, he tells his story of how he got his first permanent employment in the midst of a pandemic.
The frustration of applying
“The moment you hand in your master thesis and know that this is potentially the last time you have to finish any task at university is hard to believe and to realize. However, it’ll be a moment one will never forget. In my case, this moment was even more rememberable: Only a few days later, the first lockdown started in Germany. Back then, I thought that it would not be a problem to find a job, but my thinking should change over the next few weeks. The first time I realized that it will be harder than expected was when there were as good as no new job offers during a week. All the companies were careful, because they did not know what the future would hold. So eventually, the only option that remained was to keep applying, stay positive and hope for the best. Not always as simple as it may sound.
After a low there will always be a high
After several denials and a few job interviews, which ended in refusals, I got the opportunity to start an internship at a young e-commerce company for leather bags in Brunswick called HOLZRICHTER Berlin. I was motivated to do something and add more work experience to my CV. As the internship progressed and still all my job applications got denied, I asked the director of HOLZRICHTER if there was a chance to work full time, because I liked the company and the tasks I worked on. Luckily, they offered me a full-time job and I was more than happy to accept it! Now, I work as a Digital Product Manager and am responsible for the optimization of the web shop and for the administration of all the other applications and platforms. As HOLZRICHTER Berlin is planning to internationalize its business, I am looking forward to applying my knowledge from the classes of the Chair of International Management to identify potential risks and opportunities.
4 tips to find a job despite a pandemic
Of course, there is no golden rule or recipe for finding an employment during the Covid-19 pandemic. But lastly, here are a few points everyone should remember.
- Don’t let denials take you down. Remain persistent and keep thinking positive, because there will be an opportunity to come.
- Even if the offer is not the perfect fit, it is worth giving it a try. Every experience will help you find your perfect job eventually.
- If you have the opportunity to educate yourself, take it. If you cannot find a full-time job right away, start with internships. Knowledge and work experience are the most important.
- Try your luck: Jumping at the chance and asking your boss to turn your internship into a full-time position might be worth it.
I am sure that all of you will find a good job and that the things you learned in university will help you find your way.”
Thank you, Denis, for sharing your experience with us! We wish you all the best for your future!
Would you also like to share your experience with us? Please send an e-mail to anika.rosner@ovgu.de.
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