You joined CNC after completing your doctorate. Did "working life" as a consultant come as a big adjustment? What were your first 100 days at CNC like?
Leaving university and beginning a professional life is a major turning point for everyone. Settling into this new stage of life is an even greater challenge if the chosen profession is consulting. It is important that from the very beginning you get involved and take responsibility for things that extend beyond your own individual project. That being said, during my first days at CNC there was not a single difficulty that I wasn't able to overcome with the help of my colleagues. There is a tradition in CNC that communication with one another is expressly supported, and even forms the basis of a project's success. An open atmosphere that encourages dialogue makes entering the consultancy business a great deal easier.
What experience from your doctorate have you been able to apply so far at CNC?
The ability to familiarise yourself quickly and as thoroughly as possible with new and often complex circumstances is a basic requirement for working at CNC. You don't necessarily need a doctorate for that. Though, I do value my time spent as a doctorate student. Apart from scientific approaches to subjects, I learnt how to structure and organise my work better. This is of great benefit to me at CNC.
You work on many Public Affairs projects. In your opinion, what is the most interesting part of this communications discipline?
In my opinion, Public Affairs is a very complex communications discipline, which essentially is the most appealing thing about it. Public Affairs is not restricted to just the political process and the central political figures involved. All relevant stakeholders - from NGOs, via unions, all the way to the media - must be included in the communications. Developing customised communications strategies tailored to each of these stakeholders is always an exciting challenge.
You've been in Brussels since the start of the year and are playing an important role in starting up the new office there. What are the differences between your tasks there and your previous tasks in the Berlin office?
Since many of my Public Affairs projects have for a long time been closely related to the EU, the change to Brussels has not involved a fundamental transformation in my working environment. Naturally, the emphasis of my work has seen a significant shift towards issues on an EU level. And, of course, it is very exciting to build up a new office from scratch. There is a lot more demand in terms of personal commitment, in expanding the network, as well as in the strategic alignment of recently acquired projects. That means additional responsibility and, for me personally, additional enjoyment in my work.
What is it like working with an experienced communications specialist and expert in EU political processes like Dr Hanns Glatz?
Essentially, a young consultant could wish for nothing more than to be able to work together with such an accomplished expert as Dr Glatz. His experience and exhaustive knowledge of EU issues speak for themselves. What is more, I am constantly impressed by his ability to look critically at his own work and remain open to new approaches and methods. In short, I have learnt, and continue to learn, a great deal from him.
