Minerva’s daughters look ahead
Martina works as an assistant to the administrative director at the institute
She works in the administration of the institute and is also active on the representative committee for people with severe disabilities. In this interview, Martina Burggräf tells us how she managed to find a silver lining even in losing a job.
What brought you here? Tell us a bit about your way to the Kohlenforschung!
Martina Burggräf: To be honest, I ended up at the Kohlenforschung thanks to the pandemic (laughs)! My former employer, a Travel Agency, had to lay off some employees due to the pandemic, and so I lost my old job. I then started looking for positions in the administrative field and applied here at the institute. The position I was originally applying for was as a research assistant, but during the interview, I was told that the administrative assistant position was open as well. And since I got along brilliantly with my boss, Dr. Schultz-Coulon, right from that interview, I immediately let them know that I’d be interested in that position. I was hired—and to this day, I’m very grateful to my boss for giving me that chance.
What do you like about your job?
Martina: As assistant tot he head of our administration, I’m sort of at the heart of the institute and I have contact with many colleagues from all departments. I really like that, especially the open exchange. I think the variety of work here at the institute is great. You never know what will land on your desk during the workday (laughs).
What are your career goals?
Martina: Actually, I’d say that I’ve already reached my goal here at the institute, right here and now. Another important goal for me is to work with Ms. Schultz-Coulon to put the institute on solid ground in context of digitalization. Other than that, I’m always open to new projects—I find that very exciting. You never stop learning!
What has been your most difficult step so far?
Martina: Every new step on a career path is, basically, difficult. Losing a job, in particular, isn’t pleasant. But you always have to look ahead. Here at the institute, for example, I first had to get used to working in the public sector. There were many things I wasn’t familiar with from the private sector—and I’m very grateful to my colleagues for all the help they gave me, especially in the beginning. But I’ve realized that every career change has, to some extent, shaped me into the person I am today: flexible and able to adapt to new situations.
Do you have a role model?
Martina: Every strong woman in the world is a role model to me. And by that I don’t just mean celebrities. I am talking about the single mother next door who steadfastly follows her own path, despite all obstacles. I think women who go for what they want are amazing.
What advice would you give to young girls interested in working at a scientific institution?
Martina: I can certainly understand that people might be intimidated by the idea of trying their hand at the natural sciences. But I think that when a door opens, you should seize the opportunity and walk through it. If I eventually realize that it was the wrong door for me, I’ll just have to find a new one. Careers don’t always follow a straight path—I’ve learned that by now.
If you had one wish, what would it be?
Martina: I’d love to go on lots and lots of long-distance trips because I want to get to know the world. Above all other countries, I’d love to see Costa Rica and travel across the entire African continent. I also find Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam incredibly appealing as travel destinations.
