Name, Firstname: Jung, Alexander
Nationality: German
City, Country: ?, Germany
Study program, Degree: Mechanical Engineering, Dr.-Ing.
Year of graduation:
Employer, position:
Dr. Nürnberg, you studied mechanical engineering at the TUHH and then completed your doctorate. How has the TUHH changed since then?
In the fall of 1983, I began studying marine engineering at the TUHH. The technical center was the only completed building. Parts of the hospital and numerous premises in the Harburg city and port area were used for the work areas at the time. Our semester consisted of 12 students. Three came from other universities with an intermediate diploma, the others had already completed a university of applied sciences degree. We were in the first year of teaching at the TUHH. There were considerably more professors and assistants than students and we enjoyed the attention we were given. There was a remarkable spirit of optimism and a "yes, it can be done" attitude in the academic and administrative world. Improvisation was the basis for a successful start. We found that very motivating. Today, the TUHH has an excellent infrastructure and has become an integral part of Hamburg. Everything is much more professional, bigger and therefore different. This is a natural and necessary development if you want to play in the premier league of technical universities.
Where did you spend your time as a student in Harburg?
Harburg had little to offer students in the mid-80s. I still remember the posters in Eißendorf with the slogan: "No university in the residential area!" So we had a rather exotic status back then. Concrete answers: In the Technikum, in Harburger Schloßstraße and in Lauenbruch Ost. I spent my free time in Ottensen, which was just waking up.
What happened to your career after your doctorate in 1991?
On January 2, 1992, I started working as a development engineer at HATLAPA in Uetersen. My mentor at the start of my studies at the TUHH was my first boss. The world can be that small! I became Head of Design in 1994, then Head of Production in 1995 and Managing Director in 1996. I still am today. Although I have been working in the same company for 22 years now, no two days have ever been the same.
Good grades? Studying within the standard period of study? What is important for a successful career start?
I'm more of an example of the unconventional route. Advanced courses in English and history, A-levels with an average of 3.1 don't make it easy to start studying mechanical engineering today. Then I also needed a remarkable 10 semesters for the intermediate diploma, which I completed with a 2.7. In today's Bachelor system, that would have been it. After 4 semesters, I completed my main degree with a 2.0 and after another 4 years I completed my doctorate with a very good grade. During my time as a student, I worked a lot in industry and enjoyed taking on responsibility. That made it easy for me to start my career and the development wasn't too bad either...
In your opinion, what are the advantages of studying at the TUHH?
The TUHH is a modern, international university with a clearly formulated performance standard. Its size enables good personal contact and the courses on offer are focused. This makes it possible to achieve a high standard. I also find the academic environment remarkable, be it music, sport or art. That is quality of life in action!
In addition to your professional duties, you are also involved in the alumni association and the TUHH Foundation. What motivates you to do this?
During my time at the TUHH, I was taught by outstanding personalities to whom I owe a great deal. I have often compared the interaction with the time of the Greek philosophers and their students in the marketplaces. The transfer of knowledge went far beyond the technical and the dialog sharpened thinking and understanding. Education is a very important asset and I want to play my part in ensuring that this can be achieved in society.
