Klara Merkel

© AOE

What is your name and where do you live at the moment?

My name is Klara Merkel and I live in Blieskastel in Saarland.

What did you study at Saarland University and when was that?

I studied English Linguistics and Language Science here from 2014 to 2021.

What job did you do after your studies?

After graduating, I worked as a web administrator for about a year and have now been working as a software developer for four years.

What did you particularly like about your studies at Saarland University?

I particularly liked the wide range of subject combinations that were made possible by selecting modules from your main subject, subsidiary subject and career-orientation modules.

Why did you study at Saarland University?

The deciding factors for me were the university's campus character, its proximity to my home and the ideal location between Paris, Luxembourg and Frankfurt.

Do you have any tips for current students?

There are many more career paths beyond the traditional professions such as teacher, doctor, lawyer or working at a university. Don't underestimate yourselves! Nobody expects you to be able to do everything at the start of your career.

What was your favourite place on campus?

In summer, the campus lawn by the Campus‑Mitte bus stop.

Why did you study these subjects specifically?

I originally wanted to become a translator because I've always enjoyed English. However, after taking a career-orientation module, I pivoted in the direction of IT. The exciting possibilities of this field sparked my interest, and today it is part of my daily working life.

How did you make the transition to working life?

I had just started my Bachelor's thesis and was thinking about whether or not to do a Master's degree. At the same time, I applied for a job, even though I was only a 40% match for the job description, and thought to myself, 'Either it will work out or it won't.' It was mainly thanks to my English skills that I actually got the job and then had to finish my Bachelor's thesis very quickly. It goes to show, just do it! A rejection is not the end of the world.

How would you sum up your time at Saarland University in one sentence?

There were many ups and downs, and at least once a semester I questioned whether it was the right path for me, but looking back with the knowledge I have today, it was exactly the right decision.

How would you sum up Saarland University itself in one sentence?

It is a small campus university in a prime location that offers lots of opportunities.

What do you wish you had known when you started your career?

Just because you haven't yet mastered something in a job description doesn't mean you can't learn it. People fresh out of university are not expected to be able to do everything. Working life can actually be less stressful than student life.

What surprised you during your studies?

Myself. But also the people you meet, where they come from and the life-long friends they become. And also that the Abitur (the German higher education entrance qualification) was a walk in the park compared to pretty much every university exam. :)

What would you like to experience again at Saarland University? 

Learning something new all the time.