Christina Vonhoff, Dipl.-Rom., M.S.Ed.
Current job:
Head of Accreditation at the dean's office of the Business School of the University of Mannheim
Studies in Mannheim:
Romance Studies
Highest degree:
Diplom
Career
When I was pursuing a Diplom in Romance Studies with a qualification in economics and business administration, it was already important to me to gain practical experience in companies. That is why I completed several internships at corporations such as Siemens, L’Oréal, and BASF. I was inspired by every internship. I learned what skills are required in the world of work and got to know different company departments and cultures. Towards the end of my studies, I worked as a student assistant in the International Office of the Business School. I was impressed by the insightful tasks in an international environment, the professionalism of the dean's office, and the commitment of the staff members. That is why I shortlisted working at a university. After completing my studies, I worked on the international accreditations of the Business School. Today, I am Head of Accreditation at the dean's office of the Business School.
Tips for starting your career
I would recommend students to gain practical experience early on, for example by doing internships or joining student organizations. When looking for a job, it is important to pay close attention to the company’s values and culture. I would also recommend young professionals to surround themselves with people who inspire and support them in their professional and personal development.
Relevance of the studied program
I dealt with two completely different subjects during my studies: Business Administration and Romance Studies. In this way, I learned to familiarize myself with different topics and acquire knowledge independently. At the University of Mannheim, you learn essential skills for your professional career, such as structured thinking, problem solving, and perseverance.
During my year abroad at Sorbonne University in Paris, I was able to not only acquire greater language proficiency but also deal with topics of diversity and interculturality. Nowadays, a change of perspective is required in many areas, which is why I am grateful for the experience I gained during my studies.
Personally, I consider my studies the start of my professional career. Learning is a never-ending process. Lifelong learning is not only fun, it is also an investment in yourself. In 2017, I completed a master’s in Higher Education Administration at the City University of New York, which provided me with many new perspectives, topics, approaches, and access to new networks.
Last updated: February 2023
Credit: Leonie Groß-Weege