Graduate interview: Sabrina - Freelance lecturer
06/07/2024After graduating, Sabrina worked as a freelancer in adult education at the Kolping Academy Würzburg, the University of Würzburg and Furtwangen University. She teaches integration courses, seminars on scientific work and German as a foreign language, creates her own materials and supports learners individually. Numerous university offers such as courses at the computer centre, the KOMPASS mentoring training and Career Centre events have helped her a lot on her way. Work shadowing in various departments has also given her valuable insights into different teaching methods. ⠀
What did you study at the University of Würzburg?
Bachelor German Studies Hf/ History Nf
Master German Studies
What is your current job?
I am a freelance lecturer in adult education.
Which company/employer do you work for?
1. lecturer at the Kolping Academy Würzburg
2. teaching position at the University of Würzburg (Language Centre)
3. teaching position at Furtwangen University
What tasks do you take on?
I teach second language courses, integration courses (A1-B1) and the associated orientation courses in tandem. I teach the participants the language skills, grammar, but also basic things they need in everyday life, correct writing tasks and prepare them for the exam in the areas of listening, reading, writing and speaking. I also create my own learning and practice materials for this. In the DaF A2 course at the university, in addition to the tasks mentioned above, I also mark the examination tasks at the end of the course.
In the second language courses, which are before the start of A1, I explain the pronunciation and phonetic structure of letters, syllables and words to the participants in addition to the Latin script. Writing and reading are also practised intensively. The integration courses also include orientation courses in which I teach participants about the German legal system, history and culture.
In addition to the language courses, I also teach a seminar on scientific work, where I plan, manage and create learning materials independently. Here I explain to the students how to work and write academically using various methods, examples and exercises. I also set the homework and the respective exams, which I then correct and give the students feedback. I also support the students in thesis seminars and counselling sessions for their final theses.
How did you orientate yourself professionally during and after your studies?
In several semesters, the Career Centre offered a lecture series for humanities graduates, in which a wide variety of people who had studied a humanities subject presented themselves and their careers. That was very interesting because you could see once again what opportunities you can have as a humanities graduate alongside a teaching degree. I also worked in the private sector. On the one hand, this gave me a good insight into the application process and on the other, it gave me a first impression of what the world of work is like.
Did you make use of certain university services (e.g. Career Centre, alumni office, mentoring programme, guest lectures, etc.) for career guidance?
I attended various lecture series, almost all courses at the Computer Centre and some workshops and seminars such as project management for humanities scholars at the Career Centre. In addition, I have attended further education and training courses and lectures and completed training as a writing tutor as well as the KOMPASS tutor and mentor training programme.
How did you find out about the position you applied for? Is there a particular portal that you could recommend to students in the future?
A colleague at the university drew my attention to both the integration courses and the teaching position at the Language Centre. I am also on a mailing list for academic writing, which has also enabled me to get teaching assignments.
What was your application process like and what was the timeline from the first contact to acceptance?
Firstly, I wrote an email to the person responsible at the course organiser and asked whether they were currently looking for lecturers for integration courses and what qualifications I needed. I received a reply very quickly. They then asked to see my CV, gave me all the important information about my questions and I was accepted very quickly. However, I then had to apply to the BAMF for authorisation to teach. In order to receive this authorisation, I had to complete an additional qualification. During the training programme, I was able to apply for early permission to teach on the integration course as part of the exemption regulation, which enabled me to teach while the training programme was still ongoing. During the course, I also received an offer from another course organiser to teach with her and was able to make further contacts.
I quickly received confirmation that I could work for the course organiser. But the process from the enquiry to actually teaching took almost a year.
Were there any questions in the interview that you didn't expect? If so, which ones?
Not really. Beforehand, I always took the time to think about what questions might be asked that might not be typical questions and how I would answer them. It's important that you go into such an interview calmly and confidently and that the answers you give don't sound like they've been memorised or are following a script.
Which skills from your degree programme are helpful or essential for your current job?
- Researching, analysing texts and summarising information
- Creating learning materials and presentations
- Grammar, linguistic style and written expression
- Intercultural competences and communication skills
- Project management
- Time management and stress management
- Counselling and motivation techniques
How did you acquire additional skills (e.g. workshops and seminars, internships, part-time job, clubs, voluntary work, traineeships, further training, etc.)?
On the one hand, through the programmes offered by the University of Würzburg mentioned above. Secondly, I have worked in the private sector since my school days and then during my studies, for example in an institution for disabled people or as a student assistant in sales. Later on in my degree programme, I was able to work as a student assistant and obtain my first teaching assignments and a part-time position.
I also think it's important to note that, in addition to the various skills I was able to acquire, I also received various certificates and job references that have helped me with job applications and will help me in the future.
What advice can you give students for successful preparation for future job interviews?
You should definitely find out about the company and what career opportunities and possibilities for further training you have. You should also take the time beforehand to write down all the questions you have and would like to ask during the interview. On the one hand, you won't forget anything and can make a note of the information during the interview. On the other hand, you will also look well prepared.
Do you have any general tips for professional orientation and career planning?
You should be flexible and think outside the box. Career planning in particular is not always straightforward, you sometimes suffer setbacks or it takes some time and you may have to spontaneously rethink career offers. That's why you should always remain open to new ideas.
You should also take every opportunity for further training that you get. But also see every job, even if it's not perfect or not 100% what you wanted, as an opportunity to learn new things and broaden your horizons.
What do you recommend to students who want to work in your industry or profession?
Do work shadowing in the field of teaching or adult education, and not just in the area you want to teach, but also in other subject areas. I found it incredibly exciting to watch other teachers and lecturers and learnt a lot in the process. Above all, I learnt that teaching and methods can be very varied and different. The dialogue with colleagues is also very helpful and gives you new input. It's also always good to make new contacts.
You need to be flexible and creative when dealing with pupils or students. Not every course is the same and what works in one course may not work in another.
If you want to work as a freelancer or self-employed person, you should check with your pension insurance, health insurance provider and tax advisor beforehand to make sure you have all the information you need to make the right decision as to whether freelancing or self-employment is right for you. After all, this means a great deal of personal responsibility and that you are responsible for all activities, planning and everything that goes with it.
