Interview with Gertrud Grünwied
Gertrud Grünwied, a 2001 Master's graduate in Computer Science, now works as professor of technical communication at Munich University of Applied Sciences
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think back to Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences?
The good, friendly atmosphere among the international Master's students and the personal contact with the professors and lecturers.
Why did you decide on this degree program?
I wanted to expand my studies in Computer Engineering by a Master's degree, because I was interested, after a few years of working, to learn about current topics in computer science.
On which subject did you focus on for your studies?
I wrote my master's thesis on the topic of knowledge management in the company, since I worked as a technical writer in the software field.
How did you fare after graduation?
After completing my doctorate on the topic of eye tracking and the psychology of perception at the University of Ulm, I promptly received a call as a professor at Aalen University in 2008. After three years, I changed to Munich University of Applied Sciences as a professor of technical communication in 2011. There I was given the opportunity to found and establish a new study program in technical communication. This degree program has been running for almost 10 years now. It currently employs 5 professors and 25 lecturers. The program is very successful and has a high reputation with the regional industry.
What is your everyday professional life like?
My everyday professional life at the university is made up of teaching and my tasks in self-administration, such as counseling students. On top of this, I carry out applied research on usability and software documentation, in addition to regular publications.
What in particular do you enjoy about your work?
Supervising students who are graduating is always an exciting task as the topics push me forward in my own research. I particularly enjoy working in my own usability lab with several eye tracking systems. This opens up possibilities for exciting projects with companies and students.
In retrospect, would you do anything differently in your life?
By now I am very well established in my professional life and I can choose which projects I do or publish. Therefore, I am very satisfied with my career so far, especially as I can now pick and choose, so to speak.
Do you have any tips for students about to start their career?
My advice is to work for a few years between the bachelor's and master's studies and thereby find out which field is most interesting to you as specialization in the master's program. It is also advisable to change your university, which expands your horizon not only professionally but also culturally.