Leading an institution with heart and soul
26.10.2022 - After completing her degree in Childhood Education, Julia Schäfer took over as head of a five-group daycare center.
After completing her degree in Childhood Education, Julia Schäfer took over as head of a five-group daycare center.
Where am I & what am I doing?
In September 2022, I completed my bachelor’s degree in the field of “Childhood Education” at Alanus University. During my part-time studies, I was able to gain experience as deputy head of a daycare center. Toward the end of my studies, I devoted myself to my current position as head of a five-group daycare center.
Thanks to the connection between theory and practice, I can contribute a great deal to everyday educational work and process development.
This helps me to work as a “head of institution with heart and soul.”
How did I get here?
Before starting my studies, I had the opportunity to take on deputy management responsibilities at my former institution. For a long time, I considered which degree program would be the right one for me. The feeling that I had not yet reached where I wanted to be professionally kept resurfacing.
Since the degree program is offered part-time, I had the opportunity to continue working at the daycare center while furthering my education at the same time.
Since it is a private university with smaller student groups, I decided to choose Alanus University. The video on the website about the “Childhood Education” degree program inspired me. I felt a strong urge to follow this path in order to develop professionally and later fulfill my dream of becoming the head of an institution.
How did my time at Alanus University shape me?
It was not only my professional development that shaped me. Quite the opposite: as part of my studies, I was able to find myself. On a personal level, I learned a great deal about myself. At Alanus University, I had the opportunity to research the bachelor’s thesis topic that had interested me from the very beginning of my studies. There was always someone available to support me. What was special for me was that I was always met where I was. Through practical exercises, I gained many ideas that inspire me in my educational work.
