Orkun Peker came to Germany from Turkey in 2018 to study vehicle development at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Fachhochschule Dortmund. Today he works as a test engineer.
What inspired you to study in Germany and why did you choose Fachhochschule Dortmund?
The main reason for coming to Germany was my childhood dream of working in the automotive industry and contributing to the development of this promising sector. Germany has been a leader in this sector for decades, which is why it was particularly important for me to study there and gain valuable experience. After intensive research, I chose Fachhochschule Dortmund because I was convinced that I would find an ideal combination of practical teaching and in-depth knowledge to achieve my goals.
What was the biggest challenge when you started in Germany and how did you overcome it?
In the beginning, it was a challenge to overcome the language barrier and adapt to the new everyday life in Germany. However, over time and by studying regularly and being open to the new environment, I was able to settle in well and successfully overcome these hurdles.
How did you start your career after graduating? Were there any challenges and how did you overcome them?
My career start went smoothly overall. I applied to several companies at the same time and although I had to wait a while for feedback, I was able to find a position in a company that exactly matched my expectations while I was working on my Master's thesis.
What content or skills from your studies do you still use in your job today?
During my Master's degree, I was able to gain valuable insights into the automotive industry and its future. I got to know different working methods and formats, particularly in various projects, which help me a lot in my day-to-day work today and which I use regularly in my job.
How would you describe the atmosphere at Fachhochschule Dortmund in three words?
Familiar, innovative, supportive.
What was the best career or life advice you ever received?
The best career tip I ever received came from my supervisor during my internship at a German car company in my home country. He advised me to learn the business locally and gain international experience at the same time. To this day, this advice is the most important in my career.
What developments or trends do you see in your professional field over the next few years?
The biggest and most inevitable change in my field will probably be the move away from combustion engines and possibly also the transition to driverless vehicles.
