1. your doctorate is complete - what does that mean for you personally?
Completing a doctorate is also the end of a phase in my life. I have learnt a lot and am looking forward to what lies ahead.
2 What is your dissertation about?
In my dissertation, I focussed on the political participation of refugees. Using a qualitative and a quantitative study, I analysed whether and how refugees participate in the political decision-making process in Germany and how their involvement can be explained. The results show that many refugees become politically active due to their precarious living situation in order to improve it for themselves and others. Success factors are integration into networks, especially voluntary and full-time refugee aid organisations, and previous political experience. Their civic and political engagement is part of social integration, both from an individual and societal perspective.
3. what was a highlight or special experience in connection with your doctorate?
One highlight of my doctorate was the final conference of the research project. There, my project manager and supervisor from the OTH and I presented our results and discussed them with experts and representatives from the field.
4. what plans do you have for your professional future?
Professionally, I try to combine research and teaching with the practice of social work. I currently work full-time as an integration counsellor and teach part-time at the OTH Regensburg. In addition, I continue to be active in research, give lectures and publish on my research topics.
5. what tips can you give future doctoral candidates?
It is important to actively seek feedback. It is equally important to reply: "Thank you very much for this suggestion. I will think about it."
6 Why did you choose OTH Regensburg for your doctorate?
Immediately after graduating, I became a research assistant at the Institute for Social Research and Technology Assessment. My doctorate was part of a research project as part of a Bavaria-wide interdisciplinary research network.
