Administration and Technology
As an administrator or technology specialist at the university, you and your colleagues work as a team to contribute to the HKA's success in teaching and research. The HKA is a reliable employer that offers flexible working hours, salary progression and secure, long-term career prospects. You will discover all of the above within the inspiring working environment of a university.
"It's so much fun to bike to the university in the morning“
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“I often get a smile in return.”
Nicole Bregulla (35) works in the Business Informatics department office. Since 2022, she has been supporting students, lecturers and colleagues, organising, mediating and listening. After years in retail and working for a transport service in day care, she has found her place at the university: in an environment that is friendly, flexible and reliable all at once. For her, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences is not just a workplace, but the place where she can combine her social skills with her organisational talent.
How did you come to work at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences?
I spent twelve years in retail and two years working for a transport service in day care. Even back then, I wanted to move into administration, but the opportunity never arose. When I moved to Karlsruhe, I took the initiative and applied there. It was the best decision I could have made. I wanted a job where I could support people – and that’s exactly what I do here every day.
How would you describe your duties?
I’m the first point of contact for students: no matter what they need help with. Many don’t even know where to turn at first. Then I explain procedures, put them in touch with the right people, and help them understand forms or study plans. Sometimes I’m just there to listen. On top of that, there are organisational matters like exam schedules, lecturers, or room allocation. No two days are the same. That’s exactly what I like about it.
What is special about your work?
I get so much back in return. When students say thank you or leave the office with a smile – that’s what makes the day special. Recently, a first-year student came in who was completely lost because she’d missed the induction week. I put together a list of contacts for her, reassured her – and an hour later she was back, with a thank you. Moments like that are what drive me.
How do you find interacting with students?
Very refreshing! I learn a lot from them – about language, technology and the issues facing their generation. It stops me from getting stuck in the past. Sometimes they’re more relaxed in their manner, spontaneously addressing me informally, but then realise themselves that this is rather unusual for me. I take it in good humour. The important thing is that the students feel confident. Many come in feeling unsure because they’ve heard conflicting information. Then I reassure them: “It’s all right, you’re doing it right.” It’s good to know that they rely on us.
You’re a mum of two. Is that easy to balance with your job?
Very well, in fact. I work part-time, usually six hours a day, and can organise my hours quite flexibly. We simply have opening hours during which we’re expected to be present. I plan the rest of my hours independently around those times. I work from home two days a week. If something unexpected happens, it’s no problem. The other day, for example, my daughter broke her arm at school and had to go to hospital. The team steps in, the office closes at short notice, and everyone just says: ‘Of course, our colleague needs to be with her child now.’ That’s absolutely brilliant.
What does working here mean to you personally?
It gives me stability and security, especially as a mother. I know I’m in the right place here. In the morning, I start the day feeling positive. I enjoy helping others and organising things, and I can combine both here. When I get home in the evening, I feel balanced. I know I’ve made a difference. And sometimes, when students come into my office overjoyed after passing an exam, I simply share their joy. Then I think: that’s exactly why I’m here.
“I’m doing something here for the greater good”
Gülhan Akar works in the data centre at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences. The 32-year-old works as a technical assistant in server technology and supports staff in research, administration and teaching with IT queries. As well as providing support, he is responsible for procurement for the data centre – from laptops to magnetic stickers. In this interview, Gülhan Akar explains why he joined the university after completing his training, what appeals to him about IT, and why he feels his work here “makes sense”.
What exactly do you do at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences?
I’m a technical assistant in the data centre. I manage server and system infrastructures, develop solutions for research and administration, handle procurement and support staff with all IT-related queries. I’ve also been standing in for a colleague as a systems administrator for a few months now. Essentially, I’m a problem-solver for the academic staff, administrative and research staff, and students. In short, for anyone who needs IT support at the university. If something isn’t working, they come to us. Through our work, we try to make the university a little bit better every day.
You’ve only been at the university for a short while. How did you come across your current job?
I studied here for a few semesters a couple of years ago and then left the university. Nevertheless, I always kept Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences in the back of my mind. After completing my training as an IT specialist for system integration and my first job afterwards, I started looking around. A tip from an acquaintance led me back to the university. It just felt right: both professionally and in terms of the environment.
You’ve been here for six months now. Have there been any moments you’ve been particularly proud of?
Yes, right in the first few months. I’m currently standing in for a colleague who looks after the IT at a research institute. There was quite a bit for me to do there – from software installations and bug fixing to issuing laptops. The staff there were really happy and even wrote me a card to wish me a happy birthday. That was a great sign for me that my work there is well received and appreciated.
What appeals to you about IT in general?
I’m curious and have tried my hand at lots of different jobs before: manual trades, commercial roles, administration. But IT has always been what interests me most. It never gets boring here. There are constantly new topics, new problems, new solutions. Every day is different.
Why is the university a good fit for you as an employer?
Because my work here makes sense; I’m doing something for the greater good. I’m not helping some corporation improve its figures, but supporting people who work, research, teach or study. For example, by setting up VPN configurations on their devices for remote working. It just feels right. What’s more, I can contribute my own ideas. When I have a suggestion, people listen, discuss it and often put it into practice. And I’m learning to solve problems myself, rather than passing them on. That’s enjoyable and helps me develop.
What do you value most about working in the data centre?
The interaction. There are only a few of us in the IT team, but we stick together. Everyone has their own tasks, yet we support one another. And although we’re often very busy, the atmosphere remains relaxed. I think that says a lot about the university: it’s friendly, direct and unbureaucratic. That suits me.