It was a gut feeling

She has long been interested in the topic of health, as she herself is very sporty and health-conscious. However, it was a surprise to her that she ended up working in this field. "I started studying, but that didn't really suit me," says Anja. "So, as a 'late bloomer', I did my voluntary social year at the age of 22 and that changed everything."

She trained as a paramedic at the Red Cross in Jennersdorf and realised that she really enjoyed working with people. "That was a gut feeling during my service with the Red Cross. It gives me an incredible amount when I can accompany people and help them. The FSJ was a key experience."

The decision as to where she would study was as clear as day.

Half of the Bachelor's degree programme in Healthcare and Nursing at the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences consists of various internships in different areas. Anja has really enjoyed her internships so far. "It was really cool to see what it's like out in the field." It's still too early for her to decide on a specialisation, but she is eagerly soaking up everything. "I find it particularly instructive to get to know the different characters during the internships. You can learn a lot from them and learn a lot from your counterparts."

She recommends a voluntary social year to all young people who are considering a career in healthcare and nursing. "You should definitely try it out to see if it's the right career for you. And: you don't need to be afraid just because the media sometimes portray the profession more negatively than it is. If you're passionate about the job, you'll get a lot in return."

Anja's next internship will be in home nursing at the Red Cross in Rudersdorf. "We'll be travelling with someone and visiting the patients. I'm really excited and looking forward to it." She is good with older people. Part of the work will involve topics such as personal hygiene, wound care and medication management.

What Anja herself would like to work on: "I'm very inquisitive, open and full of energy in everything I do. I intend to be a little calmer in future and observe things more closely."

You can always work on yourself. But we are convinced that Anja is an asset to every team and, above all, to the patients.