Anja Buchmaier
Interview with Anja Buchmaier
Anja Buchmaier is in her 5th semester of the Bachelor's program in Computer Science & Media
How did you decide on this course of study?
My goal was to find a good mix of computer science and design. When searching for a suitable follow-up course of study, I came across the Computer Science and Media course of study at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences.
Why did you decide on this course of study?
In my first course of study in Interaction Design I learned to work and design in a very customer-oriented, user-friendly and methodical way, but not how a project is developed and implemented. In order to deepen these elements and to learn new things, I decided to take this course of studies.
Why did you choose Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences?
Since I am a native of Karlsruhe, I wanted to stay in the vicinity of my hometown. I also found out about the university on the internet and visited the campus day. The conversations I had with students there and also the projects that were on display made me decide in favor of Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences.
What do you like most about the campus?
The many events that are offered and enliven the campus. Also, in my opinion the size of the campus is very pleasant; although you are one person among many, you still don't have the feeling of being just a number despite bearing a student ID.
What fascinates you most about the study program?
I particularly like the interaction of the labs and exercises with the lectures, because you can practice and apply the knowledge you have learned. Here you have the opportunity to get together in groups and work on problems together.
What are your "highlights" so far?
A "highlight" can be any sense of achievement when something "goes click", so to speak. It's unbelievably great when, after a lot of work, you finally have that "nailed it" moment and the whole group is happy that we've achieved something.
What do you think is the biggest difference from school?
My teachers have always said that it's not as easy as it used to be at school because you don't get everything down to the last detail. In addition, the exams at university are always like the "Abitur" finals. They were definitely right. The content of the lectures is well prepared by the lecturers, but a lot of initiative is required. You have to look things up in books or do your own research in order to deepen your knowledge of the topics on your own. The exams are also more extensive than a class test, and in total they result in a small "Abitur" each semester.
Do you already know where you would like to spend your internship semester?
I will start my internship semester in summer semester 2021 at the company inovex GmbH in Karlsruhe. Through the various modules during the semester, I have realized which kind of subjects I enjoy and which rather less. That's why I chose a company where I can develop my strengths in the areas of web/application development. At Inovex I will work together with other interns and working students on a project that was developed especially for us. Here we will work self-organized, get insights into the Agile way of working, and also learn and use the required programming languages.
Do you already have plans and goals for the future?
After graduating, I plan to work in a medium-sized company for a few years, in order to first enter in the professional world and to prove and consolidate what I have learned. A big dream of mine would be to start my own company someday.
What advice would you like to give to prospective students?
Visit the campus day! I learned a lot by talking to the students from the Student Cuncil, getting their impressions of the university and the degree programs, as well as seeing a few projects that were done for studies. I myself am now active in the Student Council, answering questions from first-year students as well as those who are interested, and organizing great events.