From Chaos to Clarity: Applying New Skills to Complex Tasks

Why did you choose the UX & Service Design (M.A.) programme at SRH Fernhochschule?

I learnt about Professor Faust and the field of service design in a webinar organised by the AGD (Alliance of German Designers). I found the content fascinating and thought that Professor Faust was a great communicator.

Do you work alongside your studies? If so, what do you do and how can you already apply the skills you have learned during your studies?

I work as a freelance communication designer. On the one hand, the new knowledge has made me more aware of what I do on a daily basis; it's like looking over your own shoulder while you work. On top of that, it helps me to structure complex tasks and communicate them clearly, which in turn builds trust with clients.

How do you manage to balance distance learning with your professional and private life?

Here, my younger son would say, ‘That's still a bit of a challenge.’ The recommendation to set fixed, unbreakable study times is undoubtedly correct, but unfortunately, as a self-employed person, this is not easy to implement depending on the status of a project. As the partner of a self-employed architect – and therefore also faced with great irregularities in my everyday working life – studying is only now possible for me, as my children, aged 18 and 22, are now truly independent.

What career goals are you pursuing with your master's degree?

As a rather generalist personality, I hope that this degree will enable me to turn this disadvantage into an advantage. First and foremost, I have a fundamental need to expand my knowledge. In the applied field, my goal is to open up new opportunities for cooperation and areas of activity. At the beginning of my 60s, it's not so clear to me what's ‘still possible.’ That means my goals aren't clearly defined.

Dear Katja, thank you very much for your insights! We wish you continued success in your studies and for your future plans!