Why did you choose the dual study programme in civil engineering? What interests you about it?
I first came into contact with construction when I did a holiday job at PORR in 10th grade. I enjoyed the job a lot back then and it gave me my first insights into the world of construction. At that time, however, I was not yet thinking about studying to become a civil engineer. This was followed by another holiday job at PORR in the 11th grade, which I again enjoyed a lot. The decisive factor, however, was a 2-week internship in the 12th grade - also at PORR.
During this internship I really liked the job of a construction manager. I experienced the entire daily routine. No day was like the other. For me, this was one of the reasons why I ultimately decided to study civil engineering. It is simply impressive to experience how different construction projects are realised. Every day you observe the progress, how a home or a workplace, for example, can be created from nothing. Of course, it's also nice when you drive past a project a few years later and know that you were involved in creating something so big. The close cooperation with the colleagues I got to know during my internship was also one of the reasons why I think this profession is so cool. When the internship was over, I decided to study to become a civil engineer.
Your father has been working for PORR for years, first externally and now internally. Has that influenced you in any way?
Of course it plays a role that my father works in the construction industry. Through my father I had heard a lot of positive things about PORR and had a connection to the company. However, I decided on PORR as a training company during my studies because of my own experiences at PORR. I felt very comfortable and was immediately accepted as part of the team. What I also find exciting about the company is that PORR carries out a wide variety of large-scale projects in a wide variety of locations. I think that I can learn a lot here and that there are many development opportunities.
Your mother has now also started at PORR. What do you think about that?
I have a very good relationship with my parents and would also work well with them in my professional life. However, there have been no points of contact so far. PORR is very large and has a wide variety of work areas, which is why I rarely have professional contact with my parents. But if one day things were different, we would be a good team in our professional lives as well as in our private lives.
After more than a year of studying: What makes working at PORR so special?
PORR gave me a great welcome. I felt welcome from the very first second. On the very first day, I was a full member of the team. I was given responsibility and my tasks were immediately exciting and instructive. I don't think that can be taken for granted and that's why I find it so special to work at PORR.
What stages have you been through so far? Which activities/tasks have you enjoyed the most?
In the first practical phase, I was assigned to a construction site in Travemünde, where I mainly worked outside: I assisted with damming, shuttering, concreting, etc. to get a feel for the work being done. In addition, I was also involved in checking precast elements. The first phase gave me a complete overview of what was happening and being done on the construction site.
In the second phase, I got an insight into costing. I got to know the tools that the office staff works with and was allowed to create a mass determination.
The third practical phase has recently begun: I have now been assigned to a permanent team and am on the "Überseequartier" construction site in Hamburg's HafenCity. Here I am involved in the activities of a construction manager.
I have the most fun when I'm out and about on the construction site and get to know new things. It's always impressive to experience first-hand what goes on at a construction site.
What would you tell pupils who are interested in the dual study programme?
I think the dual study programme is a great thing: you get to know everyday working life and learn aspects in theory that you can apply directly in your practical phases. But you also learn aspects in the practical phase that help you to understand the theory. This mix enables you to better understand and apply what you have learned.
As they say, theory and practice are two worlds, but this way you get to know both sides and use them for yourself.
Thank you very much.
Would you also like to get a taste of construction? You can find all internship and career opportunities on our careers page.
