Name, First Name: Vossen, Christina
Nationality: German
City, Country: Ulsteinvik, Norway
Study Program, Degree: Marine Engineering, Diploma
Year of Graduation: 2010
Employer, position: Roll-Royce Marine AS, Shiptechnology Offshore Systems - Senior Engineer

Why did you choose the TUHH back then and was it a good decision from today's perspective?
I chose marine engineering because I was interested in technical things and the maritime industry. It was the right decision for me and I don't regret it.

Can you remember the first impression the TUHH made on you?
A small university with a nice campus. Not overcrowded, so it was easy to get to know other people. A good ratio of students to teaching staff/professors in terms of numbers.

How would you summarize your time at the TUHH?
It was a hard time with a lot of work, a lot of fun and an excellent team around me. I learned how to fail and get back on my feet, and that teamwork is an important part of success.

Where do you live now, what do you like about it and what is the biggest difference to Hamburg?
I've lived on a small island on the west coast of Norway for three years now. Ulsteinvik has 6,000 inhabitants and is characterized by the maritime industry (three different shipyards and shipbuilders, several shipowners, suppliers and subcontractors to the maritime industry). The people are relaxed and enjoy nature, skiing, hiking, hunting, sailing and fishing. The biggest difference to Hamburg? The size, the surroundings, the nature ...

What area are you currently working in?
I am currently involved in research and development projects and also work in the mechanical engineering department, where I am a project engineer working on the detailed engineering of offshore vessels.

What does your typical working day look like and what specialist knowledge do you need for it?
Basically, every working day is different. Sometimes the day can consist of project meetings, customer meetings or meetings with authorities and classification societies. Sometimes it consists of calculations, drawings and self-study. In addition to specialist knowledge, project management, teamwork and team leadership are important factors. There are also social skills - how to deal with colleagues,
customers and suppliers.

What personal recommendations do you have for a good career start in your industry?
Be open! Be prepared to take risks! Try and fail! Build up a network! Broaden your horizons and expand your comfort zone from time to time! And don't be afraid to change jobs after a year. If you don't enjoy your work, you can't work well. Move on and find a new job with the challenges you're looking for.

If you were the president of the TUHH ...
... I would aim to maintain the high standard of our education and try to involve industry more in everyday university life (lectures). Guest lecturers from industry should play an important role. In the higher semesters, I would focus more on project work than "only" on lectures. I would also try to attract more industrial partners from outside northern Germany.