Since the beginning of March Janina Kuhlmann has been at CHANCEN eG as a financial analysis/accounting intern. Halfway through her internship, she tells us in this interview about her criteria for selected her internship, her insider tips for the summer in Berlin and why she is particularly looking forward to working for the non-profit subsidiary CHANCEN International.
Dear Janina, you have enriched our team over the last 3 months, in particular with your expertise in the field of accounting. Why do you know this so well?
I am educated as an assistant tax consultant and have worked for a few years in a tax consultant office in Berlin-Charlottenburg. Accounting was an essential part of my work there.
Why did you decide to study again after completing your education as an assistant tax consultant?
Because of my high affinity for figures. I liked the work at the firm very much. However, I was not completely satisfied. I could not imagine working in this profession till I retired. I always wanted to have a job that makes a social impact, something fulfilling. That is why I decided to start studying towards a degree to broaden my opportunities.
You actually intended to do your compulsory internship with an NGO. Why did you finally choose CHANCEN eG?
When choosing an internship, it was particularly important for me to work for a company or an organization whose activities make a social impact. Since my intention for studying was to reorient myself professionally, it was also very important to me that I had the opportunity to learn as much as possible. However, I did not want to neglect my affinity for numbers. Finally I found CHANCEN eG. I thought that an internship as a Financial Analysist could be very exciting. Luckily is also corresponds with the other aspects I was looking for. That is why I chose CHANCEN eG, even if it is not an NGO.
What was your favourite project at CHANCEN eG so far?
In addition to accounting, I have already been able to work with the ISA risk calculator and financing model. I focused on the new partner university Akkon and researched on the future income of their students within the different study programmes at the Akkon University. That was exciting for me.
What are you looking forward to for the next three months of your internship?
Soon I will have the opportunity to take a closer look at the financing model of CHANCEN eG’s non-profit subsidiary, CHANCEN International. I think it is great that this financing model also enables people in Rwanda to study. I am very pleased to be able to contribute to this project.
Besides your expertise in accounting and your wonderful sense of humour, we also appreciate your tips and special knowledge as an original Berliner. Do you have any insider tips for the summer in Berlin?
Berlin has a lot to offer, especially in the summer. At the Bode Museum, for example, there is an open-air dance floor. Dance events take place there, especially in the evenings. Sometimes you can also find street musicians there. I enjoy listening to their music while spending a nice evening sitting at the Spree. I can also highly recommend the Long Night of Sciences on June 9th.
