Interview with BTU alumnus Reza Ebrahimi (WHS)

Reza Ebrahimi is originally from Iran, where he completed his bachelor's degree in tourism management in Tehran as well as further training in communication and digital marketing and various software applications. He completed a Master's degree in World Heritage Studies at BTU and now works at the Career Centre at BTU and the Sorbian Institute (Serbski Institut) in Cottbus.

Hello Mr Ebrahimi, how did you come to study at BTU and what was your experience here?
My interest in culture-related discourses, communicating with people and my experience abroad, in particular in Germany, led me to BTU, where I completed my Master's degree in World Heritage Studies. Although I was also interested in Social Work, where I could continue working in the field of museum education, I did not make an application in that field at the time due to my lack of German language skills. My experiences in Germany are quite mixed. After five years in Germany, I had both good and bad experiences. Unfortunately, we were confronted with the coronavirus pandemic in the second semester, which not only affected our studies but also our social life. As I would describe myself as extroverted, the lockdown had a negative impact on me. Despite this situation, I was able to make many friends from different countries. We supported each other and did a lot together during those years.

You now have two jobs in Cottbus. How did that come about and what do you particularly like about the city?
At first it wasn't easy to have two part-time jobs at the same time, but I've got used to it now. To be honest, I now appreciate the variety that two different jobs and different tasks bring. Cottbus is a beautiful city, especially because of its proximity to the Spreewald. What I like best is the peace and quiet and the cleanliness. I usually organise my weekends in my own way and enjoy them very much. However, there is a lack of entertainment and activities, but then I just go to Berlin.

What exactly do you do at the Sorbian Institute and how did you get the job?
I am currently working with various software programmes to create surveys for the Sorbian Institute's research purposes. The aim of these surveys is to find out what interests the public about Sorbian museums and Sorbian/Wendish culture and how Sorbian/Wendish culture is perceived. I will analyse the collected data later using Python. I found the job online and submitted my application documents straight away. It was the perfect time, as I had previously resigned from a job at a museum in Berlin for various reasons.

What exactly do you do at the BTU Career Centre and what are your most important messages to international students?
We primarily support international students with their career paths in Germany. We offer workshops, seminars, information events and counselling sessions to improve application documents such as CVs and cover letters. In the counselling sessions, we teach students various strategies for preparing for job interviews. As an interface between companies and students, we organise job fairs to bring students into contact with employers and make it easier for them to start their careers in Germany.

You are also involved in the Quasimono student club and use the rehearsal rooms next door, how did that come about?
I continued to learn to play the piano so that I could do something that wasn't related to my studies. I learnt to play the piano in Iran and thanks to the Studentenwerk I was able to continue despite time constraints. Studentenwerk provided us with various musical instruments, which allowed me to keep up my skills.

What else is there to experience at Quasimono? What kind of club is it and who can get involved here?
I think it's important for students to have a healthy social life alongside their studies and work. Studying and working are undoubtedly important, but they are not everything. Students, in particular international students, should take care of their mental health. Quasimono offers a very friendly atmosphere where you can meet open-minded people. The owner Robert is a very nice man who personally supports students not only in the organisation of leisure events such as the Salsa Café, but also in other areas.

What do you miss most from your periods of study at BTU?
I miss some of my friends from my periods of study! As I am an extrovert, I made many friends from different countries, in particular from Latin America. We got through this difficult time together. I enjoyed a very rich social life and was able to get on with my life despite all the problems.