What the interview is about:
In 2015, Annika Jahn completed her Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy at SRH in Heidelberg. After completing her Master’s degree and PhD at universities in Munich and Tübingen, she returned to the SRH Campus Heidelberg in 2021 – and became a professor at the age of just 29. In an interview, she spoke to us about her career path and her passion for her profession. ✨
Why don’t you tell us what you’re doing at the moment and what your typical working day is like?
Annika: I’m the head of the BSc Physiotherapy programme in Heidelberg. My day-to-day work is very exciting and varied. As well as teaching as a professor in various subjects (all in the fields of training, exercise, health promotion, communication skills, etc.) and supervising bachelor’s theses and course projects, I’m responsible for coordinating placements both in Germany and abroad, as well as state examinations, with the support of my colleagues.
I also coordinate projects on health management and am primarily responsible for organising the degree programme. This means I ensure that teaching is planned by my internal team and external lecturers, and I structure the content with my team. To this end, I hold weekly team meetings and regular meetings with other heads of department. I also sit on the examination board and regularly conduct selection interviews for the programme as well as meetings with current students. I am therefore the point of contact for both the students and the teaching team.
What makes your sector so exciting for you?
Annika: I find the varied nature of my tasks particularly exciting. I definitely see this as a positive, as I really enjoy managing lots of different projects at the same time. I also particularly enjoy supporting and observing the students’ development. The best moment for me is always seeing the students working with patients at the end of their studies and thus making an important contribution to healthcare by training qualified physiotherapists. What motivates me most is helping to advance the field of evidence-based physiotherapy and, more broadly, the promotion of evidence-based therapeutic sciences in Germany.
How do you envisage your future career path?
Annika: I have to say that I’m very happy and proud of my career so far. At the age of 29, I became a professor in 2021 – which is very young – and I have no complaints at the moment, as I’m completely happy in my job.
Job application processes are always exciting. How do you remember this phase straight after finishing your studies? Were there any particular challenges?
Annika: I found it an advantage to have a degree in both physiotherapy and health promotion. This allowed me to stand out a bit and I’ve had some really exciting jobs. I remember the time I spent doing my PhD as a particular challenge.
The important thing is to find a job you really enjoy; then your day-to-day life won’t feel like work and will give you a sense of fulfilment every day.
What did you take away from your studies that has been useful in the workplace?
Annika: I’m a firm believer in our CORE principle. The focus on developing one’s own skills is hugely important and still very helpful to me today. It’s also definitely an advantage that I know the system from the students’ perspective, which means I can empathise with my students very well.
It’s been a long time: how did you come to choose your degree programme?
Annika: At the time, I was torn between studying medicine and sport, so physiotherapy was the perfect mix.
What made your time at SRH University special?
Annika: Friendships that still last today and the personal support from the lecturers.
What advice would you give to students or young alumni as they embark on their journey?
Annika: Study what really interests you and keep your goal in mind. Hard work pays off in that you’ll be very satisfied and happy later on when you have a job you genuinely enjoy, and your career thus becomes a passion.
