Warm greetings to all you ambitious, exciting people.
My name is Azra Hadžiemrić and I deeply share your favouritism for the unfamiliar as I myself have temporarily moved from my home country, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and decided to test my theoretical knowledge of mechanical engineering in a foreign country that is quite famous for its industrial expertise. I began this journey in the administrative centre of the region Rheinland-Pfalz, Mainz.
Let me tell you something about this city – proximity to Frankfurt is not its greatest feature. I enjoyed Mainz best on a bicycle in the summertime, when the Rhine River promenade is bustling with stands of sweet-smelling treats and fireworks during the fresh nights. Lasting friendships were grounded on this coastline and with them, unforgettable memories that I carry with me. The city came alive in December when the Christmas market lit up on the squares and brought people together with the smell of cinnamon and variety of cake.
My first day at the BayWa r.e. Operation Services GmbH was most exciting, as I was to meet my colleagues and do something I had never done before, be part of a team who oversees power production of wind farms. Since I had no domain knowledge of this topic, this was really out of my comfort zone. Luckily, the team I was assigned to treated me as one of their own, including my incredible mentor who, as alumni of the Programme, very much understood what I was going through. They all made my tasks seem as if I was born to do them. I owe all the knowledge I gained to them.
The most exciting and privileged part of the job was to join the team on the semi-annual on-site inspections of the wind farms. To climb inside a wind turbine nacelle and see all the mechanical and electrical components that made it function was something I will forever be thankful for. Although, I would not recommend it if heights were not your thing.
Besides having the work team on my side, I knew I could always find support with the team of the Internship Programme of German Business. They are the ones who had prepared us for what we encountered in the first days of our stay and who created a friendly environment. They prepared us in various ways, including an unforgettable introductory week prior to the beginning of our internships. Back then I realised that the scholarship holders would be the would be my new family for the next six months – and they still are.
Learning about how differently one successful economy functions and comparing it to a developing place, you come from can change the way you think about legacy and possibility. Not only do you change your perception of the past, being in a place that acknowledges it so profoundly, but you also shift your mindset of what truly influences and drives your future. You could realise a lot about yourself and learn from your peers only if you let it all influence you, and this is the perfect opportunity to get immersed.
Azra Hadžiemrić, generation 2023