Daniela Temmel

As part of the “Alumni.Erzählen.” initiative, Daniela Temmel shares insights into her time as a distance learning student at FERNFH and explains how she applies the knowledge she gained to her professional practice.

I decided to pursue a distance learning program—specifically, the FERNFH—because …
… this format allowed me to balance my studies perfectly with my life (family, friends, career). The nearly complete flexibility in managing my time was essential to successfully completing the program.

My personal situation during my studies … (work, family, free time, etc.)
… I am the mother of two wonderful daughters; when I started my studies, they were three and four years old. My partner, as well as my family and friends, were very supportive of me during my studies. Professionally, I worked—and still work—as a registered nurse (DGKP) at a state hospital, working between 50 and 75 percent of full-time hours.

Looking back, the biggest challenge for me during my distance learning program was …
…probably managing my time. Juggling my studies, work, and household responsibilities while still finding time for family and friends was often difficult. But the pandemic-related situation also played a role, with online classes where you have no in-person contact with fellow students or instructors. That in-person contact was always very enriching for me. 

One experience from my college days that I fondly remember …
… the group dynamics that emerged during group projects, especially when the deadline was fast approaching. I found it fascinating to see just how much could be accomplished when the group worked well together. But I was also struck by the great results that can be achieved when people with different professional backgrounds and differing opinions and ideas work together. 

Here’s how the distance learning program has influenced my career and professional situation …
… even though I will continue to work as a registered nurse (DGKP)—and I do so out of conviction—the knowledge I’ve gained has shaped my professional situation; I now often have a better understanding of the broader context and the strategic decisions made by the executive board. In particular, the material from the Quality Management and Process Management courses is applied in my day-to-day work. The program and my degree have also had a positive impact on my self-confidence.

This is what I benefited from most through distance learning:
The fact that I realized that teamwork and networking conserve one’s own resources and can lead to “better” results.
 

These skills and abilities are becoming increasingly important in my profession/industry …
… the ability to actively deal with change and to help shape it—or the desire to do so. In my opinion, this ability is a necessity in today’s world, regardless of the industry.
 

My tips for first-year students and anyone interested in a degree program or course at FERNFH:
Just go for it! 😉 The experiences I’ve had and the friendships (“networks”) I’ve made have been so enriching for my life. And see your fellow students as a resource—they understand you best and can support you and help you through it if things aren’t going well.

I’d like to add one more thing…
These have been wonderful, exhausting, educational, challenging, and exciting six semesters—it’s almost a shame they’re already over. I’ve not only gained a lot of knowledge but also made many friends during this time, and for that I’m very grateful to the Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH.