50 Years 50 Faces
Susanne Pfister
Administrative employee at the Business and Engineering Dean’s Office
I was at the SW examination office from 1983 to 1997, and moved to the Business and Engineering Dean’s Office in April 1997. In other words, I am now in my 77th semester at FHWS – but have yet to be threatened with de-registration.
For me, FHWS is …
part of my life, and has been for 38 years, for time working is also time living.
What do you appreciate about FHWS?
FHWS is a reliable employer that offers many opportunities for development. From the beginning, my work involved contact with the public, and working with young people is a challenge I have come to love. Now, I can’t imagine working on my own in a quiet little office.
What was the best decision in your professional career and why? What has changed since then?
Switching from the examination office to the dean’s office brought a new environment with many new duties. I’m glad I had that opportunity, and can only recommend seizing opportunities/challenges like that – either within your organisation or elsewhere.
What do you think has shaped FHWS the most over the last 50 years?
The change to the Framework Act for Higher Education 2007 and the new opportunities and challenges this created for the faculties; the switch from Diplom to Bachelor’s; internationalisation (our faculty developed and launched two English-language degree programmes) and last but not least structural changes to FHWS with the creation of service units, etc.
What is your vision of the future for FHWS? What might FHWS look like in 50 years’ time?
On the basis of current trends, FHWS will become a digital actor – with students based all over the world who can join lectures etc. from anywhere, and only attend in person occasionally. I doubt whether the traditional concept of student life and study with all its social contacts and experiences will still apply. FHWS will develop more degree programmes and expand its international links.
What is your insider tip for the cities of Würzburg or Schweinfurt and why?
As a Schweinfurt native, I can only speak for Schweinfurt. At first glance, the town might appear sleepy and boring. But take another look, and life/studying here is affordable and both the town and county offer a great range of leisure activities – regarding both culture and sports. A special mention must go to the theatre, which stages everything from ABBA to the Magic Flute and welcomes many international artists and theatre companies.