"One reason for applying for the scholarship at that time was, of course, the financial aspect." The monetary support, which also influences the decision to pursue studies, has given her a lot of security. However, she sees much greater value in the idealistic support she was able to experience during her time as a scholarship student at ALTANA .
Through the mentoring program as part of the ALTANA scholarship, she was able to get to know the day-to-day work of her current colleagues and thus gather valuable contacts. They offered her the opportunity to write both her bachelor's and master's theses at the company. In addition, her colleagues supported Kristina Frey in the application process for her current position. A big advantage: thanks to the mentoring, she was already familiar with the company, which gave her an edge over other applicants: after all, both sides already knew that the chemistry was right.
Kristina Frey has been employed at BYK-Chemie GmbH as a plant engineer since 2018. She has been fulfilling her role as mentor for new Deutschlandstipendiaten since 2019. From her own experience, she knows how important it is to get to know the practice behind the theory learned in studies and is happy to pass this on to her mentees. As a mentor, it is particularly important to her to have an open ear for her scholarship students. Her aim is to help with questions about the studies, but also about starting a career, and to build a long-term and sustainable relationship with her protégés.
What she would like to pass on to new scholarship students is relatively simple: "Be sure to accept offers from the sponsors and don't be afraid to ask for opportunities such as a company tour. The opportunities that arise from such meetings can mean so much for your future!"
Kristina Frey's way.
- Plant engineer
BYK-Chemie GmbH, Kempen plant - M.Eng. Chemical Engineering
Technical Chemistry (HSNR)
Master's student in process safety at BYK-Chemie GmbH - B.Eng. Chemical Engineering
Technical Chemistry (HSNR)
Bachelor's thesis in Research and Application Engineering at BYK-Chemie GmbH - Apprenticeship as
Chemical laboratory assistant (HSNR)
Part of the dual Bachelor's degree programme in chemical engineering - German scholarship holder
from 2014-2018
