Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg
Working at the University
The University of Würzburg is a place where academic excellence and professional development go hand in hand. An outstanding example of this is the Faculty of Business and Economics, which has over 3000 students. In addition to a high-quality academic education, it offers students numerous opportunities to become a part of the university worklife. On top of that, the traditional university plays a central role as an employer in the region.
Research assistans
Diverse job opportunities for students
The Faculty of Business and Economics offers a large number of jobs that go far beyond earning some money and combining theory with practice:
- Research assistants at a chair
- Active participation in teaching as a tutor
- Employee in administrative areas
- PhD student
- Temporary worker
- Voluntary worker
Research assistant: Administration or chair
Lea Müller* works as a temporary worker for the Faculty of Business and Economics. Her main task is to plan and implement the introductory events for Master students. These events are designed to help new students get to know the university better and make their first social contacts. Below she gives an insight into her work. *surname changed
Lea Müller*, temporary employee at the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics
*surname changed
Research assistans/ PhD student
Helena Manger is employed full-time as a PhD student at the "Chair of Business Administration, in particular Controlling and Internal Management Accounting". Her main goal is to successfully complete her dissertation and obtain her doctorate. She describes her work in teaching and researching as "challenging but also fulfilling at the same time". In addition to her doctoral thesis, her tasks include:
- Preparation and realisation of exercises
- Supervision of seminar papers and theses
- Creation and correction of exams
Besides her salary, Manger also enjoys a number of other benefits. These include her own office and trust-based working hours.
Tutor
Tutors lead tutorials during lectures to prepare students for the upcoming exams. Current PhD student Manger gave us an in-depth insight into her work as a former tutor. Her working time of 40 hours per month are made up as followed:
- Preparation and realisation of the exercise
- Meeting other tutors
- Support of the chair
In addition, working as a tutor also promotes professionally relevant skills.
Supervising exercises or tutorials improve speaking in front of crowds, communication skills and self-organisation.
Helena Manger
She recommends working at the university, because other students can also get similar benefits from working as a student assistant.
Advantages and disadvantages of working at the university
The following advantages and disadvantages have emerged from the exchange with the students:
Advantages
- Creation of networks
- Financial support
- Flexible working hours
- Training and learning new skills
- Participation in research
- Special consideration of the exam phase
Lea Müller*, temporary employee at the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics
*surname changed
Disadvantages
- Higher salaries in the private sector
- No insights into the classic everyday life in a company
- Double burden of study and work
- Fixed-term employment relationship
Conclusion
Working at the University of Würzburg offers excellent opportunities and valuable experience through professional activities and also helps with your finances at the same time. However, it is also important to consider the potential disadvantages and challenges. Müller* nevertheless recommends JMU as an employer for students. *surname changed
Due to the advantages mentioned and the few disadvantages, I would recommend working at the university.
Helena Manger
Interested? How to apply!
1. Research: Find out about current vacancies on the job portal of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics or at the Career Centre.
2. Application documents: Prepare your application documents, including CV, letter of motivation and relevant certificates.
3. Application: Submit your application by the deadline and prepare for possible interviews.