Interview with BTU alumnus Jovan Dimishkovski (Environmental Engineering)
Jovan Dimishkovski came to Cottbus from North Macedonia to study Environmental Engineering, graduating successfully in 2021. He now works as a Corporate Responsibility Manager at NORMA Group SE in Maintal, near Frankfurt am Main. In this interview, he talks about his career path.
Mr Dimishkovski, how did you come to study in Cottbus and what experiences have you had here?
After successfully completing my mechanical engineering degree in my home country, I decided to continue my academic and professional career in Germany. To prepare myself as well as possible for my studies, I first attended a language school in Dresden, where I studied German intensively. Following that, I received admissions from three universities. As the degree programme and the key research area perfectly matched my academic interests, career goals and personal aspirations, I ultimately chose the BTU.
What interested you in Environmental Engineering, and what qualities and interests do you think one should bring to this study programme?
I was particularly interested in Environmental Engineering because it closely links technology with the environment. In this study programme, you learn not only how processes work from a technical perspective, but also how they can be sustainable, thereby making a direct contribution to issues such as climate change, resource scarcity or environmental pollution. I find the interdisciplinary nature particularly exciting: you combine knowledge from engineering and the natural sciences to view and solve diverse problems holistically. Certain qualities and interests are particularly important for the Environmental Engineering study programme. Students should have a solid understanding of technology and the natural sciences. Equally crucial is the ability to think critically and tackle problems systematically. Finally, it helps if you are interested not only in theory but also in practice, so that you can put technical solutions into reality.
You now work at NORMA Group SE as a Corporate Responsibility Manager – how did that come about?
After successfully completing my degree, I decided to move to Frankfurt am Main to explore my career prospects there. Shortly afterwards, an opportunity also arose for my brother to find a job in Frankfurt, so we now live in the city together. For me, career and family are equally important aspects of life. Professionally, I was fortunate enough to secure a position with a renowned industrial group immediately after my studies. This experience enabled me to gain valuable insights into the processes and structures of the industrial sector. After three years of intensive professional experience, I was able to further develop my knowledge and skills and take on new responsibilities. Since 2025, I have been working at NORMA Group SE as a Corporate Responsibility Manager, where I can combine my passion for sustainable and responsible business practices with my specialist knowledge.
To what extent did your studies prepare you for your current role as Corporate Responsibility Manager?
On the one hand, both my degree programmes were strongly technically oriented, enabling me to acquire in-depth specialist knowledge in the fields of Mechanical Engineering and Environmental Engineering. This solid scientific foundation allowed me to understand complex technical interrelationships, develop innovative solutions and systematically analyse technical challenges. On the other hand, I have built up my professional experience in management, where I apply the technical knowledge I have acquired in a targeted manner to manage projects efficiently and make well-founded strategic decisions. My studies not only equipped me with valuable skills in logical thinking, problem-solving and analytical methods, but also significantly deepened my understanding of complex issues. This enables me to optimally combine technical expertise with management skills to successfully meet both the operational and strategic requirements of interdisciplinary projects.
What are your typical tasks at NORMA Group SE and what does your day-to-day work look like?
As a listed company, NORMA Group SE is required to report on sustainability in the form of a non-financial report. I play an active role in implementing this sustainability reporting, taking into account both regulatory and internal requirements. The sustainability report is published once a year and is audited. At the same time, I serve as the main point of contact for various audit-related matters. Another key focus is internal and external communication regarding sustainable corporate activities. In addition, I take on tasks involving cross-functional and global collaboration with interdisciplinary teams from various departments. I am involved in sustainability projects and support the fulfilment of compliance requirements, including through the organisation and delivery of training sessions.
What are the biggest challenges in your job?
One of my biggest challenges is that the reporting process is constantly changing, often very rapidly, due to shifting regulatory requirements. This dynamic requires me not only to react flexibly, but also to plan strategically in advance in order to successfully complete the sustainability report as a project, despite a tight timeframe and numerous concurrent tasks. In doing so, it is crucial to maintain an overview, set clear priorities and consult regularly with the subject matter experts. Another key factor for success is the team. Collaboration and mutual exchange are crucial for developing solutions efficiently and working in a structured manner even under pressure. Through these experiences, I am constantly learning to tackle complex tasks in a solution-oriented way whilst ensuring quality and meeting deadlines. Ultimately, it’s the result that counts: when the report is successfully completed, it fills me with pride to know that I was able to actively contribute to a high-quality outcome.
What are some exciting projects and events at your workplace that you can tell us about?
NORMA Group makes a significant contribution to social engagement through various projects and investments. These include, for example, NORMA Help Day. On this day, we support social and environmental projects worldwide near our sites: from nurseries in Germany to the maintenance of parks in the USA and visits to care homes in China. With another project, NORMA Clean Water, we aim to demonstrate what efficient water management can achieve: improvements in water supply, hygiene and educational opportunities, in particular for girls.
What is your most important message to international students at the BTU in Cottbus?
International students are an important part of the BTU. They have access to a wide range of support services to help them settle into their studies. These include, for example, the ‘Bridge to Studies’ programme, which prepares students for the transition to academic life, a variety of language courses to improve German language skills, and numerous cultural events. Furthermore, as a small, compact city, Cottbus offers a particularly pleasant environment for international students. The city’s manageable size makes it easy to find your way around and allows you to settle in quickly. At the same time, it funds interaction on campus, enabling you to experience student life to the full and make new contacts within a short time. This creates an environment for international students where they feel well looked after, both academically and socially.
What do you miss most about your period of study at the BTU?
When I look back on my period of study, what I miss most is the combination of personal freedom, practical learning and shared experiences. It was a time when I could shape my own daily routine without the strict demands of a working life dictating everything. I had the opportunity to choose courses that really interested me, to try new things and to engage deeply with topics that were close to my heart. At the same time, BTU was a place of exchange. I made friends who are still in my life today and had countless encounters that broadened my horizons. The spontaneous chats in the cafeteria, study groups, student events or simply sitting together after a long day – all of that created a special atmosphere.
What is your fondest memory of BTU or Cottbus?
My fondest memory of BTU, which I particularly enjoy lookingback on, was my time on the student council. I was responsible for actively planning a wide variety of events. This allowed me to put my creative and organisational skills to good use, whether it was preparing student council meetings, organising parties, arranging excursions or even hosting cosy barbecue evenings. I really enjoyed creating unforgettable experiences together with my fellow students and funding a lively, friendly atmosphere on campus.
