Dominik Erdmann

Interview

Where are you currently working and how is your job position called?

I am working as the Head of Marketing and Communication of the Digital Health Factory, a so called company builder, in the healthcare sector.

What are the daily tasks and responsibilities in your job?

My work is divided into various areas. I supervise the marketing- and communication activities for our holding, as well as the ventures within our portfolio. I’m mainly occupied with the creation and development of our marketing strategy, the brand development, media relations and investor relations.

Why did you choose this job and what excites you about it?

The healthcare sector is an extremely interesting field, important and full of impact. We combine digitalization with traditionally established therapy methods in order to make such privileges accessible to people all over the world.

Is this the kind of job you where hoping for when you were still studying?

My scope of duties is very broad and diverse, which means that the job position combines many different areas with each other. That’s something I already appreciated during the studies.

Do you think that the classes and the practice projects prepared you well enough for the real working life?

There is one thing, which I feel has shaped me during my university years: besides the practical relevance, the insight into other cultures and the experience I gathered abroad, I especially developed a constant urge to learn and explore new things, to try and work together with others and to do good things.

Where did you do your practical semester and how do you feel about the experiences you made there?

I completed my internship at RCKT, an agency founded by the company Rocket Internet. RCKT supports the Start-ups of Rocket Internet with marketing and communication, as well as digitalization. Meanwhile RCKT has been appointed Hub agency for the federal ministry of economy and energy.
I learned a lot in a pretty short time. I guess, that was due to the mix of agency-, startup- and entrepreneurial spirit. This is also the reason that RCKT refers to itself as „Entrepreneurial Agency“ and „Digital Native Agency“: they combine strategic consultation with digital creativity. During my time, the work in the agency was divided in three areas: PR, branding and content. I had the chance to get a glimpse of every area, even of those that weren’t part of my studies.
Due to the digital transformation the focus shifted towards the ABC of digital change: Accelerate, Build, Connect. The atmosphere in Berlin was very comfortable and relaxed, one felt free to ask any question that came to mind.

Looking back, how do you feel about the semester you spent at the international partner university? Did you gain important impulses?

Although working in Dublin had some restrictions, it forced me to learn how to work independently. Furthermore the semester abroad was a first time experience of getting to know international fellow students, which helped to build many new friendships. The international spirit at Griffith College paved the way to share new ideas and get insight into other cultures and new impulses.

Did you get along with your fellow students? Are you still in contact with them and what do you expect to gain from those contacts in future?

Although most of us have scattered in and around Germany, we also met new people at the international partner universities. Those friendships still exist and some even build business connections out of it.

Looking back, what did you like the most? Which things didn’t you like?

One of my personal highlights was the participation at the Roger Hatchuel Academy and the combined trip to the Cannes Lions. I was positively surprised about the way in which professors, lecturers and staff members worked together as one. Due to the manner of not only learning theory but combining it with project partners in practice, we are now able to build on a broad fundament.
The internal organization and communication in the university wasn’t always great. For example: sometimes students lacked information about whether classes did or didn’t take place. Compared to other, public universities, there was a lot less campus life at Macromedia. The campus didn’t run a cafeteria and did not provide student tickets for public transportation in each city.

In general, what do you think about the current topic of development and change?

One should be openminded towards new things, experiment a lot and try to cross your own borders in order to go astray and find new exciting things.

How important is it to show openness towards change, in order to survive the modern world?

Openness and change are both essential aspects for progress. There’s nothing worse than standstill and a company that’s blocked by stubbornness. Especially in the age of digitalization new chances arise on a daily basis, curiosity and risk appetite are driving forces for that.

Where do you want to be in ten years?

I want a job which is characterized by divers projects and creates new perspectives for me. A lot is possible in ten years, maybe a leading position in a creative job, my own company or maybe something completely different? You never know which opportunities life will bring to you, you only have to be open for it.