Student Sabine Bublitz explains why social work is also a subject for late entrants.
More and more people are deciding to change careers in the course of their lives - often after the age of 30. Two students at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences show how studying social work can be a meaningful and fulfilling next step even after a first career - whether it be professional or family-related.
Sabine Bublitz and Andreas Baensch made a conscious decision to study at the university - as personal development, as a response to social challenges and with the desire to work professionally for other people in the future.
Andreas Baensch enrolled for a degree in Social Work at the HSZG at the age of 47. He was already working with young people as an instructor and later also provided educational support in an elementary school during the coronavirus pandemic. The desire to do this professionally grew and the eldest of his 4 children encouraged him to do so, as she had also studied social work.
Sabine Bublitz (39), on the other hand, studied as follows: After graduating from high school, she initially studied German language and literature at Leipzig University until her family "intervened". With 4 children and her husband, a Protestant pastor, she then came to Upper Lusatia. The decision was made on the recommendation of female graduates: Here in Görlitz it works out with studies and family.
What did you do professionally or in your family before studying social work?
After graduating from high school in Thuringia in 2004, I started studying to become a teacher at the University of Leipzig. Shortly afterwards, I met my current husband and had my first child. After a break of one year, I continued my studies in Halle/Saale. After I had my second son, I no longer wanted to commute every day and decided to continue studying for a Bachelor's degree in German Studies in Leipzig. It was a nice plan, but unfortunately it didn't quite fit in with my life... Shortly before my bachelor's degree, my husband, our two children and I, pregnant with our third child, moved to Upper Lusatia. At the time, my husband had completed his theology studies with the 2nd Church Examination and was now assigned his first position: in Bischdorf near Löbau.
The many tasks, family responsibilities and the distance ultimately meant that I didn't complete my studies at the time. I struggled with this at first, but very quickly realized that I could put my skills and talents to good use in the parish. I took over the church choir, learned to play the organ and became a lector. At the same time, I looked after the children's and youth work for many years. And I had a fourth child at the same time. We really enjoyed our time as a family. Today, I'm very glad that I made this decision, because it really allowed me to share everyday life with my husband, spend a lot of time together, learn new things and try things out in many different ways.
Was there a specific moment or trigger that made you decide: 'I'm going back to university now'?
Yes, quite a few! I really wanted to have a professional qualification because I had experienced what it's like not to have one. You can use your knowledge, but you don't get more than pocket money for it. I had resolved to support all my children's transition to secondary school at all costs. When my youngest son made it, I applied. I had always enjoyed studying and was sure that my family would be able to cope if I was away from home more often. I also kept coming up against limits in my everyday life as a pastor's wife, which I would have liked to "underpin" with more professionalism. These were complex conversational situations or situations in which I had to set boundaries with a person in need of help.
Why social work in particular? What particularly appealed to you about this degree course? And what about the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences?
"Social work" didn't really feature in my idea of a degree course before. I simply didn't know the professional field. Today I know that I had contact with social workers when I was young - I didn't think about it at the time. I find the profession very versatile: on the one hand, you can work practically in a wide variety of areas, but on the other hand, the degree also has a social science side that appeals to me. I have several female graduates of the HSZG in my circle of friends who have told me about the course and who were older themselves when they started studying. Above all, they praised the compatibility of studying and family life. Görlitz is good to get to from where I live, it would have been too far to Dresden.
How did you find starting your studies - especially in comparison to your younger fellow students?
I've always enjoyed studying. I like listening, discussing, reading specialist literature and writing texts. I think I'm also good at organizing myself. Much better than I was able to do in my early 20s. I make better use of my time - precisely because it is scarcer. Of course, there are also restrictions: I don't take part in the typical student life with parties and cultural events. But that doesn't bother me too much, I've already had all that... I find it very enriching to be in contact with young, committed people from this region. I am very interested in their views and thoughts on future prospects, political developments and, above all, how to deal with diversity.
What are the biggest challenges for you - and what are the greatest enrichments?
The biggest challenge is balancing my everyday family life, my voluntary work and my free time with the demands of my studies. I find the contact with my fellow students and lecturers enriching. I really enjoy working with academic literature and exchanging ideas about it. I am grateful for the gift of being able to learn. I have time for it, I can afford it, I can broaden my horizons and advance my career.
How do you experience the exchange with lecturers and the university in general? Do you feel seen with your life path?
On the whole, yes. I was able to discuss a lot of things and was usually met with a willingness to accommodate. In the last semester I had difficulties with exam dates. My husband has very strict vacation requirements and our summer vacation with the children was planned for a long time (even before I started studying). I couldn't just take my exams in the revision period as they were group examinations. I would have liked there to have been a set procedure for such cases (similar to early enrollment in the course). As it was, I was a supplicant everywhere and had even more organizational work on top of my everyday stress and exam preparation. This requires a change of perspective. Who is the "normal student"? In the end, I was met by some very committed lecturers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them once again.
What do you wish for the visibility of people who start studying late (again)?
My only wish is that such a life path is not perceived as problematic within the university organization, but that it is considered the norm. After all, there are also younger students who take on caring responsibilities for relatives, for example. And this interview is a great opportunity to draw attention to this. Socially, I have only experienced approval of my decision so far.
What goals or dreams do you associate with your degree?
I would like to have a professional qualification. That's the first thing - I can imagine working in many different areas. At the moment, I'm doing an internship with the social services department at the Saxon Hospital in Großschweidnitz on an addiction admission ward. I really like that. However, I'm not sure where I'll end up later. I have many areas of interest. The only thing I don't want to do exclusively is work with small children and on the night shift. I could also imagine staying in the academic field. Of course, that also depends on how well I do in my studies. But I've been very satisfied so far.
What would you say to people who are considering going back to university at 40 or 50 - but are still hesitating?
I would say: if you are determined and hard-working, then go for it. I was immediately recognized by younger students. I am not shunned. Especially in the social sector, there are people who are understanding. I'm also often asked for advice or for opinions from my perspective. Initially, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to keep up with certain technical innovations. That turned out to be a misjudgement. On the contrary, I'm getting on very well. Of course, it's also a financial question. I'm in an extremely privileged position, I don't need any support from BaföG and the like. But ultimately, a university degree can also give you the qualifications you need to work in a better-paid position with more creative freedom and responsibility later on. My husband gives me great support every day. He participates in family life without any compromises. You have to discuss something like this in advance. The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is definitely a place where everyone is welcome - no matter how old.
