Alumni Reports
Would you like to know what our graduates do after completing their Biotechnology studies? Are you interested in what alumni think about our degree programme?
Some of them now work in large biotechnology companies, others chose the path of working as natural scientists in research institutes. The course of study prepared all of them well for their occupational fields. You will discover that there are many opportunities open to you after successfully completing your studies with us!
You can also find reports from our students about their studies and life on campus, as well as many insights into our research projects on our Instagram channel.
Judith Senger: Bachelor and Master of Biotechnology at FH Aachen
After her training as a BTA, Judith Senger studied Biotechnology in the Bachelor's and, subsequently, in the Master's degree programme at FH Aachen's Faculty of Chemistry and Biotechnology from 2015-2021. In her final theses, she conducted research in the field of optimising fermentation processes of yeasts and, in the field of bioeconomics, on the modification of spent grains. With her Master's thesis, she took first place in the BioDENKER innovation competition.
In her current work at Forschungszentrum Jülich as a natural scientist, she is researching the production of biogenic materials through the compaction of organic waste materials. She is also active in the structural change initiative BioökonomieREVIER.
Jonas Pes: Bachelor and Master of Biotechnology at FH Aachen
I chose this degree programme because of the attractiveness and diversity of the individual areas of biotechnology. I chose FH Aachen because the practical activities in particular seemed very promising. I was not disappointed in this respect. In the course of the Bachelor's programme, I completed many practical trainings in completely different areas, where I learned a lot of useful things for my later everyday laboratory work. It was precisely the versatility of the practical trainings that allowed me to gain an insight into the different "colours" of biotechnology during the Bachelor's studies. Because of this, it was clear to me early on that I felt most comfortable in the field of red biotechnology. When I applied for a practical semester with subsequent Bachelor's thesis, it became clear to me that it was not only myself who thought that the many practical parts of the degree programme created a good foundation. This was also confirmed by the companies and institutes to which I applied.
Even before I finished my Bachelor's thesis, it was clear to me that I wanted to stay in Jülich for my Master's degree. In retrospect, this was the right decision, because in addition to the interesting core subjects, there was also a wide selection of electives that allowed me to further deepen my knowledge in the desired areas.
All in all, I can only say that I am glad I chose the Biotechnology degree programme at FH Aachen. I am currently working on my doctorate, which would not have been possible without the foundations laid by the degree programme.
Die Welt von Müll befreien
Die everwave GmbH ist fokussiert darauf, Plastik am Eintritt in die Ozeane zu hindern und beginnt an den Haupteintritsswegen, den Flüssen. Mit der Hilfe von Müllsammelbooten wird der Wertstoff Plastik eingesammelt und zurück in die Krerislaufwirtschaft überführt. Mehr als 1 Millionen Kilo Müll konnten bereits aus den Flüssen in Kambodschas Hauptstadt gesammelt werden. „Das Image von Müll muss sich grundlegend ändern.“ gibt Jacqueline zu bedenken. Müll muss als Ressource gesehen und landesgrenzenübergreifend bewältigt werden, dafür engagiert sie sich jeden Tag aufs Neue. Der direkte „Impact“ der Arbeit vor Ort ist sichtbar und motiviert die FH Absolventin unvergleichlich. Ist der Fluss an einem Tag noch voller Müll, ist er am nächsten Tag dank der Arbeit der everwave GmbH, die ihren Unternehmenssitz in Aachen hat, aufgeräumt.
Kollaboration als Schlüssel zum Erfolg
„Ich glaube, dass Zusammenarbeit der Schlüssel zum Erfolg ist!“ Insbesondere auf internationaler Ebene beschreibt Jacqueline die Kombination von verschiedenen Denk- und Arbeitsweisen, den Einfluss der unterschiedlichen Kulturen als Erfolgsfaktor. Unter diesem Leitgedanken stellt sich die Alumna der FH Aachen den Herausforderungen, das zu schützen, was sie liebt: die Natur und sämtliche Lebewesen. So findet sie täglich neuen Antrieb und schaut motiviert in die Zukunft, offen für alles, was Ihr Lebensweg noch für sie bereit hält.
Jonas Pes: Bachelor and Master of Biotechnology at FH Aachen
I chose this degree programme because of the attractiveness and diversity of the individual areas of biotechnology. I chose FH Aachen because the practical activities in particular seemed very promising. I was not disappointed in this respect. In the course of the Bachelor's programme, I completed many practical trainings in completely different areas, where I learned a lot of useful things for my later everyday laboratory work. It was precisely the versatility of the practical trainings that allowed me to gain an insight into the different "colours" of biotechnology during the Bachelor's studies. Because of this, it was clear to me early on that I felt most comfortable in the field of red biotechnology. When I applied for a practical semester with subsequent Bachelor's thesis, it became clear to me that it was not only myself who thought that the many practical parts of the degree programme created a good foundation. This was also confirmed by the companies and institutes to which I applied.
Even before I finished my Bachelor's thesis, it was clear to me that I wanted to stay in Jülich for my Master's degree. In retrospect, this was the right decision, because in addition to the interesting core subjects, there was also a wide selection of electives that allowed me to further deepen my knowledge in the desired areas.
All in all, I can only say that I am glad I chose the Biotechnology degree programme at FH Aachen. I am currently working on my doctorate, which would not have been possible without the foundations laid by the degree programme.
Natalie Haustein: Bachelor of Biotechnology at FH Aachen
Biotechnology is an incredibly diverse field. I really liked the fact that I gained an insight into all areas during my Bachelor's studies. Due to the many laboratory practcial trainings during my studies, I was able to acquire sound theoretical and practical knowledge. This directly benefited me in my practical semester outside of the university and in my Bachelor's thesis. I was able to quickly master the tasks set on my own. I really appreciate the degree I obtained at the university of applied sciences because it gives me the opportunity to work in industry as well as in research.
I am particularly enthusiastic about Medical Biotechnology with the areas of immunology and virology. I am now completing my Master's degree in Vienna, specialising in this field. When I applied for Master's studies abroad, I benefited from the good reputation of FH Aachen, because the university is also well-known outside of Germany. I really enjoyed my time at FH Aachen and I am very glad that I chose this degree programme.
Jan Pietschmann: Bachelor and Master of Biotechnology at FH Aachen
The Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in Biotechnology at FH Aachen have provided me with a great deal of knowledge in various research areas in the industry. I was particularly enthusiastic about the close link between theory and practice, which enabled me to discover my own strengths in order to be best prepared for the time after graduation. I was able to benefit from this both in industry during my Bachelor's thesis at Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, but also during my Master's thesis at the Research Centre Jülich. The Master's degree programme, which specifically teaches important soft skills such as presentation, deserves special mention. The independent completion of project work, which is elementarily important to prove oneself, is also very important in this degree programme. This has prepared me excellently for my current doctorate at the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology.
I am glad I made the decision to study Biotechnology at FH Aachen and can recommend it to anyone who wants to prepare themselves in the best possible way, both theoretically and practically, for their future professional life.
Nina P.: Biotechnology at FH Aachen
Throughout my school years, biology was always one of my favourite subjects. I particularly liked the diversity of the degree programme and the fact that once you have a degree, you can always go in a pharmaceutical direction. I was also convinced by the good reputation of FH Aachen and the many practical learning units. Today, I am very glad that I chose this degree programme, because it was only in the course of my studies that I discovered that I really enjoy the technical side of the profession. That's why I now work as a service engineer and mainly deal with the construction of fermenter enclosures. When I was looking for a job after graduation, I found out that the good reputation of FH Aachen is actually known by large companies as well (BASF, Quiagen).
I met former students of FH Aachen at almost every job interview. This is why I would choose FH Aachen again at any time.
Markus Weise: Bachelor and Master of Biotechnology at FH Aachen
During my training as a biological-technical assistant, it became clear to me that Technical Biology suits me. I decided to study at FH Aachen because the degree programme in Biotechnology has a good reputation and has been taught there for decades. What I particularly liked about the degree programme was the wide range of subjects and the versatility of the lectures. In the numerous laboratory practical trainings, the theory learnt could also be put into practice and the learning success increased. Furthermore, the practical semester followed by the Bachelor's thesis was good preparation for the working world and gave me the opportunity to set my focus. In my current job as a process specialist in biopharmaceutical production, I can always fall back on what I have learnt and have a broad network in all sectors of biotechnology through my former fellow students.
Markus Leygeber: Bachelor and Master of Biotechnology at FH Aachen
During my Bachelor's studies of Biotechnology, I really enjoyed the variety of topics related to biotechnology. You get a wide range of insights and perspectives into this diverse field and, through the many practical trainings, you also quickly realise what you particularly enjoy. I completed my Bachelor's thesis in the Laboratory for Cell Culture Technology and was able to benefit from one of the industry-oriented research cooperations at FH Aachen. Afterwards, I got a place at university in the Master's degree programme in Biotechnology. The advantage of these Master's studies is, above all, the small number of students, which makes it possible to do many scientific lectures and individual project work. The many lectures in particular are ideal practice for later work. I did my Master's thesis at Sanofi in Frankfurt in the field of Process Upstream Development, where I was also subsequently employed as an engineer in the Media Development and Viral Safety Skill Centre. During many job interviews and when in contact with various pharmaceutical companies, the good reputation of FH Aachen in the field of biotechnology consistently paved the way from studies to employment. I can recommend studying at FH Aachen to anyone who wants to make biotechnology their career.