"One day you end up somewhere you never had in mind"
A place for individual profiles and enthusiastic researchers - Sophie Jentzsch works at the interface between psychology and computer science at the Institute of Software Technology at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR). In an interview, she looks back on the early days of her career, reveals what drives her to work in science and explains why jumping in at the deep end is the ideal scenario for her.
Sophie, what did you study?
I did both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Psychology in Computer Science at the Technical University of Darmstadt. It's a mixture of computer science and psychology, so it's right at the intersection.
Interface - how exactly do computer science and psychology meet?
In fact, this interface is already present in many areas, making both skills useful and necessary. Practical examples include virtual reality and issues such as usability and user experience. The aim is to enable people to interact intuitively with technology and to make artificial environments as immersive as possible. My focus is more on the intelligent development of technical systems. Again, we need to understand how human cognition and communication work in order to transfer this to systems.
Did you have a clear idea of where you wanted to go after graduating?
No, of course not at the beginning of my studies. But over time it became clear that I really wanted to go into science and do a PhD. Unfortunately, although my degree covered a specific and highly relevant subject area due to its interdisciplinary focus, there seems to be limited recognition of this relevance in industry and business. This caused me some concern during my studies. Many traditional companies are looking for either psychologists or developers. I wanted an employer where I wouldn't have to make such compromises.
What happened next?
I just took it one step at a time. During my studies, I pursued the topics that I found most interesting. I did the same when I was looking for a job, and at some point you end up where you didn't necessarily expect to end up.
How did you find out about the job at DLR?
I only realised that there was such a wide variety of research being carried out in the aerospace sector when I started talking to DLR scientists at various job fairs. I then kept my eyes open for interesting topics and suitable job advertisements. During my interview, I really got the feeling that individuality is required and appreciated here. They are specifically looking for interesting profiles and a scientific spirit that provides the motivation to drive research forward in the department.
What motivates you to work in science?
To work in a scientific context, you simply need your own inner motivation and enthusiasm for research. What motivates me is that I find the topics I am working on relevant and that I can make a difference. That's why I think it's so important in science to have a certain degree of flexibility in research objectives - in other words, to give people the freedom to contribute their personal interests and skills.
Did you know what to expect in your new job?
I didn't really know what to expect, but I don't think you can avoid being thrown in at the deep end. Especially when you come from university and leave student life behind (laughs). Suddenly your own research takes on a completely different meaning and international conferences are the order of the day. The company structures were also largely new to me. Through these early experiences, you find out for yourself what will take you further, and that was the best thing for me in my first year.
What will get you ahead?
What I really like about my job is that I have all the options open to me. Especially in relation to my PhD. Although a lot of initiative is required, employees are encouraged and supported as much as possible. This also plays an important role at DLR. There is the DLR_Graduate_Programme, which offers a wide range of specialist training courses. Above all, however, the programme facilitates personal exchange with other doctoral students. You can network across regions, exchange experiences and receive support. For me, this is particularly valuable, and such opportunities cannot be taken for granted.
Have you settled in professionally?
I have settled in well and now feel very much at home in our institute. I certainly haven't arrived yet - I still have too much to
Do you have any ideas about where you would like to take your expertise?
I think it's extremely important to have a vision that drives you forward in what you're currently doing. Formally, the next goal is of course the PhD, which I am working towards. However, the path to that goal may ultimately look different. I'll just keep doing what I've been doing from the beginning: I always take the next step where it feels relevant at the time and where my spirit of research takes me. So far it has worked out quite well. We'll see where it takes me.