Studying, working and raising three children at the same time: Stephanie Raphael is studying at the Faculty of Supply Engineering at the Ostfalia Campus in Wolfenbüttel. Having completed her Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering (Energy/Environment), she is now continuing her studies on the Master’s programme in Energy Systems and Environmental Engineering. In this interview, she talks about how she balances her studies and family life, the challenges she faces, and why having children is no reason to give up on her career goals.
Mandy Fleer, Ostfalia editorial team: Stephanie, what was your journey to university like?
Stephanie: It wasn’t exactly a straight path. After my A-levels, I started studying at a technical university. But that didn’t really suit me. So instead, I did an apprenticeship as a tourism manager. Later on, I wanted to combine the business side with my interest in technology, which is how I ended up studying Industrial Engineering at Ostfalia. My husband was already studying here at the time and recommended the university to me.
Did you have any worries before you started your degree?
Stephanie: Yes, mainly financial ones. I’m the first in my family to go to university, and I didn’t know anyone who’d received BAföG. I was really worried I wouldn’t pass my exams and would end up with no money. That pressure was really intense at the start.
And then there was the matter of starting a family as well?
Stephanie: Exactly . I fell pregnant unexpectedly quite early on in my degree. That was just as the coronavirus pandemic began. I briefly considered dropping out, but received a lot of support from the faculty. A professor from the Department of Building Services Engineering went out of his way to help me and assisted me in securing a scholarship from the ‘Energy and Building Services Engineering’ Advisory Board.
What was it like for you having children whilst studying?
Stephanie: To be honest: it was and still is exhausting, but it also has its advantages. Whilst studying, you can adjust the pace more flexibly than you can later on in your career. You’re not completely out of the workforce and can continue your studies step by step. Today I’d say: if you want to have children, university can actually be a good time to do so.
You even wrote your bachelor’s thesis whilst on maternity leave. How did that work?
Stephanie: Somehow, it always works out. You learn to set priorities. My husband and I are both studying, so we plan very carefully who has which appointments and when, and who looks after the children. Children make you incredibly organised. These days, I no longer just plan the day, but often the whole semester in advance.
You also work on the side. What helps you juggle everything?
Stephanie: To be honest, I don’t think you ever manage to juggle everything perfectly. Something always gets left undone. The important thing is to set priorities and not put yourself under too much pressure. In the end, you usually find a way. It also helps a lot to accept support and talk openly about the challenges you face.
What was the biggest challenge for you?
Stephanie: Childcare. We were absolutely certain we’d get a place at the on-campus nursery, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case. So we had to organise things differently to how we’d originally planned. What’s more, we don’t have any grandparents nearby, so we’ve always had to manage everything on our own.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt over the last few years?
Stephanie: That having children isn’t a reason to give up on your own goals. On the contrary: they’ve made me more organised, resilient and focused. These skills help me both in my studies and in my career.
What advice would you give to other students with children?
Stephanie: Talk about it and seek support. Many people think they have to manage everything on their own or feel ashamed of studying whilst having children. It shouldn’t be like that. Approach your lecturers, ask for solutions and accept help. And above all: don’t let the standard duration of study put you under pressure. Life rarely goes to plan, and that’s perfectly fine.
Would you like to study at Ostfalia too? You can find an overview of all degree programmes here! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Central Student Advisory Service.