Here, participants in the Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ) report on their experiences in the Department of Ecological Economics at the University of Oldenburg.

Why did you decide to do a Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ)?

I decided to do a Voluntary Scientific Year because I was still unsure about my choice of study and career at the time. During this phase of disorientation, I received an email from my school informing me about the FWJ programme. This news came at an ideal time and helped me gain a valuable perspective on my professional and academic future.

Where are you employed and what are your areas of responsibility?

I work in the Ecological Economics working group and support the team in various areas. My tasks range from public relations, such as managing a YouTube channel and maintaining the website, to literature research and the qualitative and quantitative analysis of data. I also provide support at stakeholder meetings and provide technical assistance when problems arise. Other activities include creative tasks such as designing lecture slides and posters.

What surprised you positively

I was particularly positively surprised by the openness and friendliness of my working group and the way in which I was integrated into the day-to-day academic work. I have the feeling that I am a fully-fledged member of the team, which is greatly appreciated. I get both support and enough freedom to develop myself individually, which helps me a lot in learning new skills and gaining clarity in orienting my academic appointment.

What have you learnt during your voluntary service so far?

I have gained an in-depth insight into research and teaching at a university and was able to gain experience in a university environment before I even started my degree programme. I have learnt about both the advantages and disadvantages of everyday academic work. I also noticed a significant improvement in my technical skills, especially in dealing with programmes such as Typo3 and Excel. However, the biggest change I noticed was in my approach to academic appointments, which I now approach with new structures and more creativity, which has significantly increased my performance.

What advice would you give to future volunteers?

I would advise future volunteers to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible during this year. The insights you can gain during this time are worth their weight in gold, and you have the opportunity to get to know interesting people with a wide range of backgrounds and qualifications. It is important not to see the FWJ as a classic nine-to-five job, but as an opportunity to gain experience that can significantly advance your personal development. If you embrace the concept and actively take advantage of the orientation opportunities, such as observing lectures and conducting interviews, you will benefit enormously both professionally and personally.