"I love to shape things"

10/28/2024

Hasso Plattner Institute: You have been working as a faculty manager at HPI for six months. How have you settled in during this time, and what were your first impressions of the institute? 

Hülya Kerschkewicz: I received a very warm and friendly welcome from my new colleagues, which made it much easier for me to settle in. However, I can't yet claim to have seen everything or to know everything about HPI. Even after six months, I still learn something new about our institute almost daily.  I perceive the HPI as a living organism: it is very complex, has grown structures but also many new processes. I have noticed positively that a lot is made possible with flexibility and commitment.  

HPI: Can you give us an overview of your main tasks and responsibilities as Faculty Manager? 

Hülya: There are diverse and varied tasks, making my job appealing. I am the contact person for all questions concerning our connection to the University of Potsdam and the organisation of the Faculty of Digital Engineering as part of the university. These can be questions about admission regulations, study and examination regulations for our degree programs, or appeals from non-admitted applicants. I also receive legal questions about the working methods and decisions of our committees, such as the Faculty Council.  

HPI: A central part of your work is supporting appointment procedures for new professors. What role do you play in this?  

Hülya: As an appointments officer, I support the appointment process from the very beginning and act as an interface with the University of Potsdam's administration. My main task is to ensure the procedure complies with the legal regulations. So far, no two procedures have been the same, so it is always exciting, and the decision on the procedure's success is only made when the new professor accepts the appointment. We aim to attract the most suitable candidates for the HPI, professionally and personally, so it is more of a two-way process. 

HPI: The topics of diversity and international orientation are essential to our faculty. How are you working to integrate these aspects into your daily work and the strategic orientation of the faculty? 

Hülya: These topics are also close to my heart, so I have also been nominated as deputy equal opportunities officer for our faculty. I think it's important that an outstanding research and academic institution like HPI is also aware of its social responsibility. We should be a role model by making room for and embracing diversity in all its forms. Within the scope of my possibilities, I incorporate the criteria of diversity and internationality into the processes and decisions of the HPI and the DEF.   

HPI: What do you value most about your work as a Faculty Manager? Are there any special projects or tasks that you particularly enjoy? 

Hülya: I love to shape things, and I am given this opportunity in my position. I am currently setting up standardized and optimized processes for my area of work, which I enjoy because it makes the processes at HPI and the faculty more efficient and gives us more time for creative work. 

HPI: Is there anything you would like to tell the staff at the faculty about your work? Perhaps about a project or initiative you are currently working on? 

Hülya: Some things are not yet ready to be finalized. However, I can say that there is no standstill, and the development of HPI is advancing.  

HPI: How can our colleagues support you in your work?  

Hülya: I feel very supported by everyone. I think it is important that we maintain our positive working atmosphere and the special spirit, then we will all continue to achieve good work results.    

HPI: Please complete the following sentence: 'For me, HPI is ... 

Hülya: ... like binoculars that allow a glimpse into the future.'  

Thank you very much for the insight into your work at HPI!