Katharina Stengg is a doctoral student in Computer Science, currently working and researching in the SERG – Software Engineering Research Group at the Department of Informatics Systems (ISYS).  She previously completed a Master’s degree in Informatics at the University of Klagenfurt and before that a Bachelor’s degree in Informatics at the University of Technology in Graz.

Where does your inclination towards the technical sciences come from?
I think it comes from my dad. He grew up on a farm, but took his chance and studied telematics in Graz. He always encouraged me to follow my interest in maths and study something technical.
What exactly are you studying and why did you choose this technical degree programme of all things?
I am currently studying for a doctorate in Computer Science, before that I completed a Master’s degree in Informatics at the University of Klagenfurt and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Technology in Graz. For a long time I couldn’t decide between computer science, physics and electrical engineering, but in the end I’m glad I decided in favour of computer science. The good thing about studying at a university is that you can also get a taste of other courses. In my early days, for example, I took courses on the basics of electrical engineering or physics to make my decision easier.
How do you explain the content of your degree programme to your family or friends?
Most of the people around me work in the technical field themselves. If someone can’t relate to my work, I always look for an everyday example to explain the basic idea.
Is there anything new for you to experience at the university (either in relation to your chosen degree programme or student life in Klagenfurt)?
As I am now in the doctoral programme, a lot has changed. My ‘everyday student life’ no longer consists of lots of lectures, but of research and sometimes teaching myself. So I would say that this stage in particular offers a lot of variety.
Has your view of the world changed as a result of your studies?
During your studies, especially in the higher semesters, you learn to work scientifically, to scrutinise scientific studies and findings critically and not to believe everything straight away. This view of things helps enormously, especially in our fast-moving times characterised by a flood of media information.
What would be an important piece of advice for first-year students?
You should be aware that a university is very much about self-initiative and self-study. Otherwise, October and March are the best months for a technical degree programme, as there are usually fewer weekly exercises and projects to complete – so enjoy these two months in particular :D!
What would be an important piece of advice for women who want to study a technical programme?
You shouldn’t let yourself be dissuaded from your path. If you want something, you will achieve it if you put in the necessary work. So keep going :D!
Why did you choose to study in Klagenfurt?
Klagenfurt is the perfect size city for me. It offers me a professional environment with the university and Lakeside Park as well as wonderful running routes and the lake to switch off. In any case, I am very grateful for the opportunities offered to me here.
Why should you study at the University of Klagenfurt? Can you think of any places, institutions, people etc. that are unique here?
I always benefit from the good support at our faculty (TeWi). In particular, my research group (SERG – Software Engineering Research Group) at the Department of Informatics Systems (ISYS) offers me everything I need as a young researcher.
What do you look forward to when you arrive on campus?
To the first cup of coffee and the informal exchange about the latest research results with my colleagues.
Where do you see yourself in ten years? Which area would you like to work in?
In ten years, I see myself as a postdoc at an Austrian university, research institution or a company in industry. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to plan for the future, especially in science, but at the moment I’m really enjoying being at the University of Klagenfurt.
WORD RAP
My first day at the University of Klagenfurt was… refreshingly different
My favourite experience in a university course… was when the professor asked me if I would be interested in working at the department.
My student life doesn’t come without… coffee
I am inspired by… Julia Mayer, Maria Eichlseder, and Josef Hochreiter
My studies in three words… Embedding. Exception. Espresso
Der Beitrag Embedding. Exception. Espresso at the Department of Informatics Systems (ISYS) erschien zuerst auf University of Klagenfurt.