Gerlinde Behr

After handing in my dissertation, I went to Spain for three months to improve my Spanish skills whilst waiting for my grades and graduation ceremony in December. After graduation I went to Ecuador for three months to volunteer with the Fundación Cristo de la Calle in Ibarra working with street children, orphans, native families and prison inmates. Following that, I kept on travelling for a few months and came back to Germany in August 2012.

What are you doing now?

I initially started at my current company in September 2012 as temporary help whilst looking for a 'real' job. I got on well with the team and decided to stay. I am now responsible for the new human resources marketing strategy, coordination of other human resources-related projects and assist with process optimisation and every day management such as contracts or recruiting. 

I am very happy that I found a position where I already have a lot of responsibility and am trusted to do a good job. At the same time my company helps me to develop further, for example through sending me to law employment training courses. My colleagues are always available for questions and open to new suggestions. I enjoy representing Big Dutchman at trade fairs and hope that our new strategy will help to successfully recruit the best possible staff.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

I was explicitly looking for a Masters degree in human resources and Northumbria had one of the best structured courses.

What was the best thing about your course? 

I liked how international the course was and enjoyed the possibilities students have at Northumbria. I was able to represent the Business School Masters' students as their Students' Union postgraduate representative throughout the year and met many wonderful and amazing people who all had different impacts on each other’s lives and hopefully left the University having developed a lot and having found lifelong friendships. As a member of the Team Northumbria Volleyball team, I also enjoyed the competitive environment and how everybody strives to do their best.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

Without my Masters degree I would not have gained the job I have today. Being in a responsible position with a world market leading company less than one year after starting work, I am striving to become an expert in human resources marketing and projects.

What advice would you give somebody who is thinking of studying at Northumbria?

Try to do lots of internships during your studies and start building a strong network early, the hardest step is to find employment as a graduate without work experience. Be prepared for a lot of work but also a lot of fun.