Susanne Bannuscher-Hansen, former staff (thus Class 05-21 :) )
(NIT Manager of Programs & Student Affairs from 2004-2021)
Current place of residence: Hamburg
Currently working as: Office Manager at Planetwheel – Die mobile Fahrradwerkstatt (Mobile bicycle workshop)
Where are you currently working and what is the biggest issue that you are facing at work or what is currently keeping you busy there?
I’m now working in the company of my husband. He is running a mobile bike service. We have developed and started our business in summer 1998, like the NIT, so we also celebrate our 25th anniversary this year. I have always worked in the company, besides my job at the NIT. But in recent years, the bike market and interest in cycling has grown, so it was necessary to support my husband with more than just a few hours a week. Currently I am working on developing the company in terms of digitalization to make it fit for the future, so that maybe in 5-10 years we can find young entrepreneurs to take over the company.
Has there been a professional challenge since you were a employee at the NIT for which your experiences at the NIT have prepared you for perfectly?
Even though I held the same position at the NIT for so long, it was never boring. Every class was a new challenge, and I learned how to communicate with people from different cultures. Since the students are young and talented, and the international faculty also have certain expectations, the service was always expected to be up to date, so I had to learn new skills and new tools. This made me curious and I still benefit from this.
What has happened in your private life in the meantime?
My private life has not changed much in the past few years. Only insofar as our two daughters have moved out. The older one still lives in Hamburg and the younger one in Vienna.
What is your most precious / special / remarkable memory from your time working at the NIT?
I can still remember my first day working at the NIT. It was in December 2004 and the Advent meeting was taking place. I got to know my colleagues, students and host families. I always enjoyed this event in the following years, as well as the graduation ceremonies at the NIT. Every class’ graduation was (and probably still is) different and special.
Another special memory is when I traveled to Nanjing for the start of NIT China. Unfortunately, the program only lasted two years, but I remember the students very well because they were so open-minded, motivated and dedicated. But that's a quality that most of the NIT students have. For me, it was always a great pleasure to work for all these talented young people coming from all over the world.
How to keep in touch with me:
Via LinkedIn.
