Berfin Tas: Shaping the green transition as a working student
thyssenkrupp nucera is one of the world market leaders when it comes to green hydrogen. And that is why it was the perfect employer for Berfin Tas who would not let the opportunity to play an active role in shaping the future of green energies pass her by. The 25 year old is currently studying for her Master of Science in Data Science at the Technical University of Dortmund. In addition to this, she is assisting the hydrogen specialist as its transition to a CO2 neutral industry as part of her student traineeship. The young engineer has taken a gamble by leaving her home country of Turkey for the sake of her professional future.
“For me as an engineer, this represents a great opportunity to work for a company that develops technologies for the future,” explains Berfin who started her student traineeship at thyssenkrupp nucera in 2021. “I came across thyssenkrupp nucera on LinkedIn and went straight to the company’s website to find out more about them. At that time, I didn’t know much about hydrogen as a source of energy, but I was so immediately impressed by this technology that I absolutely wanted to work for this company!”
As a passionate engineer and equipped with an international mindset, Berfin was a perfect fit for thyssenkrupp nucera. With a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering under her belt, the young Turkish national is also completing a project management traineeship at the internationally active electrolysis specialist. “Being part of such an important project is such a great opportunity,” says Berfin confidently. “I am excited to work alongside people who are simply the best in their field and be able to learn something new every day.”
Open collaboration promotes the learning curve
Berfin’s memory of her first day is still fresh in her mind. “Having already worked for another employer, I had expected that there would be strict hierarchies in the workplace. But this is not at all the case at thyssenkrupp nucera. Whenever I need to speak to someone, I don’t hesitate to approach them – even my superiors. Everyone has been so nice and helpful from day one. They are interested in my ideas and my professional development as a working student. The best part is that they are willing to teach me everything, without any ifs or buts!”
And that’s not all: The student traineeship at thyssenkrupp nucera provides her with the perfect opportunity to combine her degree and her career: “I am working 19 to 20 hours a week and can organise my working hours in a way that allows me to maintain a good work-life balance,” Berfin reveals. The Master’s student also has a great deal of flexibility with her working hours when it comes to preparing for upcoming exams or completing important projects. And the holidays represent an opportunity for her to take her working hours above this 20-hour per week threshold.
“I enjoy the structured way I am learning as I contribute to various projects at such an established and traditional company,” says Berfin. But specialist experience is by no means the only thing that this daughter of a science teacher and mathematician is getting out of her traineeship: “I get the opportunity to observe my superiors every single day. I think it’s exciting to see how they lead their teams and how well they are able to communicate. This is something that I can’t learn at university, and I am pleased to work alongside people with such good leadership skills.”
From İzmir to Dortmund
Holistic learning, gaining experience, this was all crucial for Berfin as she made the decision to leave her home in Turkey – despite many reservations. “I think moving abroad is one of the bravest decisions a person can make over the course of a lifetime,” says Berfin of her own experience. “When you move to another country, you have to start from scratch and give your best every day. But taking a step like this also means strengthening your own personality. You feel proud of yourself when you see what you can achieve on a daily basis. Every day is a challenge!”
Even though Berfin misses her home of İzmir in Turkey: she has long since found her professional home in Germany. “I can’t imagine a more welcoming workplace,” says Berfin enthusiastically. The fact that thyssenkrupp nucera is one of the leading technology companies for green hydrogen is more than just a bonus for the ambitious engineer: “Green hydrogen will be an important part of our lives in the future. And every engineer wants to be part of an innovative company.” Sustainability is an issue that is also very important to her on a personal level. “thyssenkrupp could be a game changer in the area of sustainability. I am pleased to work for a company that places so much value on issues such as these.” In light of this, it would seem there is little doubt about where Berfin wants to end up once she has completed her Master’s degree.