Interview with BTU Alumna Sinikka Treuger (Betriebswirtschaftslehre)

Sinikka studied at BTU and now works as a project manager in the community management of Startup Revier EAST, the network for all people interested in starting a business in the region, in Startblock B2 directly at the central campus.

Hello Sinikka, how did you decide to study at the BTU and which of the skills you learned help you now, especially at Startup Revier EAST?
I moved to Cottbus with my husband at the time. He had previously studied civil engineering at the BTU. We moved back to the region from Bavaria to be closer to family. My son was one year old at the time. I'm a trained retail saleswoman and wanted to reorient myself. So I got my vocational diploma and started studying business administration. My stamina and organizational skills help me enormously in my work. Studying with a small child is a challenge. Nevertheless, I was able to graduate with honors and with this motivation I started directly as a project manager and was able to take off with concentrated knowledge.

What exactly is Startup Revier EAST and who are the services for?
Startup Revier EAST is a joint project of the BTU and TH Wildau. Together, we are strengthening the spirit of entrepreneurship in the region. The offer is wide-ranging and intended for all those interested in founding a company. Whether with or without an idea, whether already founded or currently working on a business plan. We knit the right offers for everyone.

What exactly are your tasks as a project manager and how can one imagine your daily work?
My tasks are super complex. As a project manager, I do a lot of coordination, I'm responsible for the financial plans and for keeping the team together. I am also responsible for communicating with all project sponsors and I travel a lot to make the project visible and to maintain our contacts. My day-to-day work has changed a lot, especially because of Corona. Before the pandemic, I was at many events and visited many project partners. The rest of the time I did the usual "office stuff" from the office. There is an incredible amount of administrative work involved in project work. Of course, Corona has changed a lot. My daily work routine now consists of video conferences and online events. A stark contrast to before. In addition, I am currently on parental leave and working part-time on the project. I think we have really made the best of these turbulent times. I'm looking forward to getting out again after my parental leave, meeting people and actively networking.

You already worked at the BTU's start-up service during your studies. Do you have any motivating words for students about why it's worth taking on part-time jobs at the BTU while you're still studying?
Part-time jobs not only give you experience, but also open doors for you. I would recommend it to every student to use the time already during their studies to enter the professional world.

What do you think of most when you remember your studies?
Writing index cards. My index cards were my constant companion. But I also think of the cafeteria and the many pleasant hours spent there with my fellow students, of study sessions that lasted for hours, but were also characterized by a lot of fun and gallows humor. Above all, however, I think of an unforgettable time.