Janina Giebhardt
Graduated in September 2005

Career

• October 2005 – May 2011
  Statistics Department, Foreign direct investment stock statistics group, lecturer at the Bundesbank's training centre in Eltville for the Banking Operations Service programme (financial mathematics)
• October 2006 – July 2010
  Second degree in business education at the Goethe University in Frankfurt; graduated as a teacher for commercial vocational schools
• May 2011 – May 2013
  Deutsche Bundesbank's Representative Office in New York
• May 2013 – June 2015
  Statistics Department, Securities holdings statistics group
• Since June 2015
  Financial Stability Department, Strategic Office

Interview

What tasks are you currently working on?

I am currently working in the Strategic Office of the Financial Stability Department and am responsible for intra and interdepartmental coordination.

How did your studies at the Bundesbank's University of Applied Sciences prepare you for the requirements of your job, especially your current position?

During my studies in Hachenburg, I acquired extensive knowledge on topics relating to business administration and economics, which I have so far always been able to put to good use in my different activities. I was also able to draw on the contents of my hefty "Hachenburg folder" for the three internal interviews I've had. What is more, during the studies you of course not only develop specialist skills, but also learn to work systematically and research in an independent and targeted manner.
In particular, the strict time limits we were given meant that I developed the ability to obtain an overview when presented with a large volume of material and pick out the key points.
Another big advantage of the dual studies is that during the practical periods at various locations and operational areas you gain a very good overview of the structure and the different tasks of the Bundesbank and can make a wide range of contacts. This has proved to be very useful to me, particularly during my time at the Representative Office in New York. I was quickly able to see how topics fitted into the wider picture and to communicate responsibilities and positions appropriately to the outside world.

In what way has studying at the Bundesbank's University of Applied Sciences influenced you?

It has influenced me in that I have acquired the ability to learn in a systematic and comprehensive manner and moreover to develop a healthy balance, switching between studying files and visiting the pub in the castle's basement. During this time, I had the opportunity to learn and work excellently in a team. These ties are so strong that I am still in contact with and have very good friendships with many of my fellow students. This being together – living, learning and partying in the castle – created a close-knit community, which means that I am still happy to call on that network today.

What was the biggest challenge you faced while studying?

The final examination at the end of the course – referred to as LAPO. You had to be able to answer questions on all of the contents of the course on four examination days. (This has changed, however, since the Bachelor's degree was introduced). It was also a challenge to increase my repertoire of German dialects. After the LAPO at the latest, every Hachenburg student knows that "three-quarters eight" simply means "quarter to eight" and that the residents of Berlin do not actually call their donuts "Berliner" as others do, but "Pfannkuchen", and that these are called "Kreppel" in Hesse.

Do you still feel connected to "your" university?

I still feel very connected to "my" university and am very happy to return to the castle for training events. In the Statistics Department, I tutored students carrying out their practical period there. I was very happy to look after them as I know how important it is to gain practical experience and to realise that statistics are not as dry in practice as they might seem in theory. Many students are therefore happy to return to our division once they have completed their studies.
I am also kept up-to-date through indirect contacts to Hachenburg and informed about any course developments.