„It makes me proud to be part of the bigger picture“
Interview: 6 questions, 7 answers
„It makes me proud to be part of the bigger picture“
Astrid Schöps
Field of study: Architecture Now: Technical Infrastructure
Astrid Schöps studied Architecture and joined DLR's Technical Infrastructure in Cologne as a Construction Manager in 2011. She has since become the Deputy Head of the ‘Expert Representatives’ Department and is the technical manager for the ‘Outdoor Facilities’ and ‘Structural Fire Protection’ departments at DLR. In this interview, she provides some insights into her work.
Astrid, what do you look forward to when coming to work in the morning?
Astrid: In particular, I look forward to working with my team and the variety of my tasks. Every day brings different challenges.
What are you researching or working on?
Astrid: I am the Deputy Head of the ‘Expert Representatives’ department, and I am also responsible for the technical management of the ‘Outdoor Facilities’ and ‘Structural Fire Protection’ departments for all of DLR’s Technical Infrastructure.
„Without Technical Infrastructure, there would be no research at DLR“
In this role, I advise and support my colleagues, such as the project managers of the construction sites, in all technical and specialist matters. At certain points in the project, this can also include reviewing planning documents and providing technical approval. But it also includes providing technical advice to management, such as the Heads of the Technical Infrastructure.
I am especially interested in large-scale investment projects. These are investment projects for future research worth 250,000 euros or more. Here, I am the contact person for Technical Infrastructure and the research facilities. Through the major investment projects, I gain insights into many exciting research projects at DLR.
Astrid Schöps is responsible for the ‘Outdoor Facilities’ and ‘Structural Fire Protection’ departments for DLR's Technical Infrastructure
Astrid: The Technical Infrastructure staff is spread across almost all DLR sites, so I spend a lot of time on the phone. Most of the meetings I attend also take place online, as the participants are located all over Germany.
I support and advise colleagues on topics such as structural fire protection and outdoor facilities. In the case of outdoor facilities, for example, I may focus on ensuring that the existing vegetation in the surrounding area is taken into account during planning and that, in periods of extreme heat, climate-resistant plants are chosen as much as possible.
„What I particularly appreciate about my work is the high degree of freedom in combination with teamwork“
Colleagues working on a construction site as part of a large-scale investment project often have queries, be it about the large-scale investment process, the special framework conditions, or the reporting system. I also conduct training in this area.
How does your work support the staff and goals of DLR?
Astrid: My area is very much about supporting DLR’s operational and strategic areas. I see our work as a cog in the wheel that is a key part of the whole system. Without Technical Infrastructure, there would be no research at DLR – no roads, buildings, electricity, media and more that is necessary to supply the research facilities. It makes me proud to be part of the bigger picture.
Gives training courses and supports colleagues in word and deed: Astrid Schöps
Astrid: I really like the professional and personal exchange with colleagues across DLR. I have known many of them since I began working at DLR. I enjoy being able to help with problems and when my advice is requested and appreciated.
What special skills can you make good use of in your job?
Astrid: I have extensive expertise in various disciplines, but another important strength is my social skills, which have helped me in many difficult meetings.
Leave us a final thought.
Astrid: What I particularly appreciate about my work is the high degree of freedom in combination with the teamwork I mentioned before.
I can work independently and introduce new topics, think outside the box, develop ideas with the team and thus make my contribution to DLR.
