"...the co-post tackles where the women* don't know what to do"

I came across the coordination office by chance. While I was still on parental leave, I started to reorient myself professionally as I had realized that I couldn't carry out my original plans of a doctoral thesis with research abroad with twins (+ another toddler) in tow. The professional development course I had signed up for with the education association was funded by the coordination office. I applied for this funding and also found out about the possibility of individual counseling.

My first appointments with Ms. Berse were very open as I had no idea what direction I wanted to take. I felt that I was in very good hands with Ms. Berse right from the start, as she showed me a lot of understanding and encouragement during this difficult and challenging phase.

On her recommendation, I signed up for the "New Perspectives for Highly Qualified People" program offered by the Federal Employment Agency, where I am now specifically looking at career aspirations and application strategies. The consultations with Ms. Berse continue to take place and are particularly important for my personal development.

At a time when society expects women to work as if they didn't have children and to look after their children as if they weren't working, the co-location tackles issues where women* don't know what to do. On the one hand, it offers an appreciative and encouraging environment and, on the other, concrete tools to further their education and find support.

Johanna Prien-Kaplan