Together with Carolin Mück, we look back on 30 years at the university. In this interview, she tells us how she originally came to the university, what has kept her here and motivated her over the past three decades and what it was like when the university was still in its infancy and had just 10 to 12 employees.
Her memories impressively show how the university has developed and how much individual personalities have helped shape this development.
Ms. Mück, who are you – in private?
Privately, I have been married for 42 years now, have 2 grown-up children and 2 grandchildren. I love spending time in my garden, looking after my vegetables or traveling with our camper.
And how would you describe your career path?
I’ve been at university for 30 years. After training as a wholesale clerk and taking parental leave, I initially returned to work part-time. After the insolvency of my employer at the time, I took the opportunity to brush up on my IT skills and then started at the university in 1996.
At that time, there were about 10 to 12 employees and everyone did everything somehow. I was also responsible for public relations at the time and processed internship contracts for the Student Office.
in 2000, I joined the Real Estate Department, which is now called Facility Management.
You still work in Facility Management today. How has your area of responsibility developed?
I have a very broad range of responsibilities, including cleaning tenders for all locations, maintenance and inspections of all kinds, protocols, as well as activation, relocations and much more. We have also driven forward and optimized the digitalization of the department, especially in view of my retirement.
How do you typically start your day?
I usually start my day with a 15-20 minute gym session, take a shower and then start my working day between 7 and 7:30 am. In summer I cycle to work and otherwise I walk home and my husband runs to meet me.
How did you come to the university?
I found out about the position at the university through my colleague of many years, Christine Semm. We had previously worked together at another company and then for many years here at the university before Ms. Semm retired shortly before me.
What has kept you at the university for so many years?
Clearly my team and the good team spirit. We have an incredibly positive and respectful relationship with each other and also enjoy meeting up in private.
But I’m also glad that I’ve learned that everyone here speaks to each other as equals. At first, I was a little worried that this might not be the case, but that didn’t turn out to be the case.
What tips would you give new employees?
I think it’s very important to contribute yourself and your ideas & to get on well with your colleagues. Actively saying no certainly also helps to define your area of responsibility.
What do you particularly enjoy in your day-to-day work – and what do you enjoy less?
I am a very enthusiastic person. For example, I’m really happy when my colleague is in the office before me and has already made coffee.
I always get annoyed when I notice injustices and see people being treated unfairly.
My retirement is now imminent and I will certainly miss the people here, but also the many contacts and daily challenges. But I’m also looking forward to having lots of time for the garden and traveling. I also enjoy being out in nature with my husband or riding my e-bike. I am also very happy when I continue to be invited to university events.”
Carolin Mück
We wish Carolin Mück all the best for her retirement, good health and many fulfilling new moments.
