Regina Martsch had already worked as an agricultural technical assistant for 26 years before she decided to study Agricultural Management at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences in 2015. Her studies were a complete success: the current breeding assistant graduated as the best Bachelor's graduate in the Department of Agriculture, Ecotrophology and Landscape Development. She was awarded the Hellriegel Prize in May 2021.
Ms. Martsch, congratulations on your graduation. Can you give us an insight into your career before your studies?
I was fascinated by biology and plants in particular as soon as I finished school. That's why I decided to train as an Agriculture Technical Assistant (LTA). I discovered my passion for plant breeding through my many years of work at the University of Göttingen in the Department of Grain Legumes. During this time, I was responsible for supervising the experiments in the breeding garden, greenhouse and climate chamber.
And during this time you developed the desire to deepen your education?
Exactly, I'm not a typical representative of a distance learning program, as I only started studying very late. But by alternating between science and practical application and working with the students, my desire to deepen my knowledge in the agricultural sector through a degree course grew stronger. In addition to my interest in science, I also hoped that the degree would provide me with better employment opportunities. In recent years, there has been an increasing trend for employers to prefer to hire Bachelor's graduates rather than LTAs.
How did you decide on the distance learning program at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences?
As I was only interested in studying at the same time, I found out about studying at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences on the Internet. My doubts were dispelled by a visit to the university information day in Bernburg. The practical relevance of the research and therefore also the modules and the "homely" atmosphere in Strenzfeld convinced me and so I started my studies in September 2015.
You say your doubts were dispelled. What were your doubts?
I had great doubts as to whether I would be able to complete the course in terms of time and requirements. Distance learning students should be prepared to put their private interests on hold for a few years. From the university information day, I remember a conversation with an instructor for plant protection and a lady demonstrating the RAPID TEST (baking bread rolls). The latter told me that she had only completed a retraining course late in life, when she already had children. Both ladies gave me good feedback.
... and they were right. Last year, you graduated with the best Bachelor's degree in the entire Department.
Yes! The joy of receiving this award one year after my graduation confirms once again that I made the right decision. I can only encourage anyone thinking about studying agriculture to go to Anhalt University of Applied Sciences in Bernburg. I always felt very well looked after there.
What advice would you give to employees who are looking for a career-integrated program?
The motivation should be a professional qualification or a great personal interest in the course content. Important questions that should be clarified in advance are, for example, to what extent are online courses available, is attendance compulsory, how many face-to-face events are there, is my vacation sufficient or can I take educational leave? In any case, inform your employer and ask for support.
Ms. Martsch, thank you very much for the interview.
