Burda-Zoyke, Andrea

A moment with...
Professor Andrea Burda-Zoyke

“I’m Professor of Vocational and Business Education at the University of Kiel. After an apprenticeship in banking, I studied Business Education at Paderborn University and completed a doctoral degree in this field.”

(1) What I love about my current job is...
...the virtually endless possibilities to learn and discover new things, along with the very high degree of flexibility I have in deciding what I want to learn. I also love that I have lots of scope for creativity in my work and seeing what that leads to.

(2) One of the highlights of my career so far has been...
...being appointed to my first full professorship, as this opened up completely new scope for exploring my creativity, as well as a whole host of personal development opportunities in comparatively very safe and comfortable conditions.

(3) When I look back on my career to date, I’d say that what has particularly shaped me has been...
...the people I’ve met in different contexts and who I’ve worked with, spent time with and shared experiences and perspectives with.

(4) I’d advise any young women wishing to pursue a career similar to mine to...
...trust in your abilities and don’t be afraid to demonstrate them!

(5) Given my experience as a professional with care responsibilities, I’ve found the following support particularly beneficial...
...great professional, reliable childcare for my son, which has enabled me to focus on my work.

(6) I personally benefited from the equal opportunity measures in place at Paderborn University when I...
...participated in the university’s mentoring programme for female doctoral students while pursuing my doctoral degree.

What I particularly liked about it was...
...being able to talk to other female doctoral students in the same qualification phase about their experiences.

(7) I associate my time at Paderborn University with...
...many wonderful, sometimes exhausting, but incredibly rewarding years of studying and achieving academic qualifications, during which time I met many interesting, inspiring and supportive people.

(8) For the next 50 years, I wish Paderborn University...
...to (continue to) see highly committed students, teaching staff and researchers successfully study and work at the university, with the support of a competent, well-structured Central University Administration, and who collaborate to find solutions to the upcoming big questions and challenges faced by our society. And, of course, to continue to run the student union’s legendary summer festival!

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