As part of the “Alumni.Erzählen.” initiative, Angela Koch answers a few questions about distance learning, shares insights into her time at FERNFH, and explains how she applies the knowledge she gained to her professional practice.
- Why did you decide to study at the Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH back then?
At some point, I lost my passion for my job at the time. While searching for a high-quality educational program, I very quickly came across the “Aging Services Management” degree program.
The circumstances were perfect for my situation at the time as a working mom of five children. Being able to study on my own schedule, not having to give up my job, and “only” having to be away from home for two days six times a year for my studies seemed doable to me. So I applied, and everything just fell into place….
- Looking back, what was the biggest challenge you faced while studying remotely?
Balancing family, work, and school, and ensuring a fair distribution of resources. I didn’t want my studies to take time away from my family—especially my children.
So during the day I worked, in the afternoons and evenings as well as on weekends I was a mom, and later, when things quieted down at home, I was a student. There were many evenings when I fell asleep over my study materials, and I had very little sleep in the nights leading up to exam weekends. Doing this for three years requires not only a very structured daily routine but, above all, a great deal of understanding and support from my partner and family. - What do you remember most about your time at FERNFH?
The first thing that comes to mind is all the wonderful new people I’ve met. You expand your network tremendously, and that alone is a huge benefit. But I also have fond memories of how incredibly well-organized and professional the program was. All the lecture notes printed in book form, online courses and materials made freely available, the many little reminder and informational emails… all of this sets this way of studying apart from the traditional forms of learning. And it’s exactly this way of learning that makes it so possible to balance studying with family and work.
- How did the distance learning program at FERNFH impact your career or your current professional situation?
My college experience meant the world to me! At first, I had a career goal—or rather, it was more of a dream. I started college with a very clear plan to eventually break into my dream field. But at the end of my first year of college, “my dream job” was posted. I just had to apply, and today I’ve been living my professional dream for more than two years. I manage a large senior center in Graz. What I learned in college helps me every single day. Above all, good organization, flexibility, and speed—along with strong social skills—are very important. These are all skills you have to acquire during your studies.
- Which skills or abilities will become more important in your profession or industry in the future?
In the field of nursing, those working in the sector are required to possess a very high level of both personal and professional skills. Demographic trends pose an enormous challenge to the healthcare system as a whole. When it comes to key or leadership positions in the healthcare sector, it will become increasingly important to demonstrate core competencies in the economic, health, and social sectors. One must be able to approach daily challenges from different perspectives and, above all, understand the diverse professional groups involved. Degree programs such as “Aging Services Management” address precisely these needs and therefore make an important and necessary contribution to the future of the healthcare sector.
- What three pieces of advice can you offer prospective students as they embark on their journey?
- Don't lose sight of your own goal so you can stay motivated.
- Take it one step at a time, and you'll keep moving forward little by little.
- Plan some time off to recharge with friends and family.