We were looking for a good replacement for Matthias, while he’s on parental leave – and we found one. Meet our two new colleagues Christina and Stephan, who share a full-time position.

Dear Christina, dear Stephan – welcome to the AIL team. We’re very happy to have you on board and would like to introduce you to our interested readers.

Stephan, you’ve been with the AIL since October, what brought you to us?

ST: I’ve always found the AIL really exciting – so I’m very happy that my search for an innovative job has led me to you.

Christina – you joined us in December, how did you end up applying?
CB: I came across the Agro Innovation Lab job posting via the job portal of the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, where I’m currently completing my master’s degree. Since I’m passionate about innovation in agriculture as well as always looking for more practical experience and new opportunities to develop myself, I decided to apply for the position as a Farming Services Supporter.

Please briefly describe your field of activity and what you most like about it.
CB: My work in the AIL team revolves around the area of soil sampling. On the one hand, this includes the organisation and preparation of sampling and, on the other hand, it also involves carrying out this sampling in the field and at the customer’s site. What I particularly like about this work is that, in addition to days in the office, I also have the opportunity to spend time surrounded by nature and to maintain active contact with farmers in the field.

ST: My field of activity covers the organisational part of our soil sampling service. I’m responsible for maintaining order data and registrations and coordinating our drivers, and I’m also the contact person for our partners (Lagerhaus cooperatives). I particularly enjoy the variety of the work and the constant contact with customers, employees and partners.

What’s special about working in the AIL team?
ST: I’ve never experienced such a motivated team. And I’d also like to emphasise the helpfulness of the entire team, which has made it very easy for me to find my way around.

CB: There’s a really friendly and enjoyable working atmosphere in the AIL team. My colleagues have a wide range of expertise, which means that I’m still able to learn a lot about the different areas of agricultural innovation. I can ask questions at any time and I always get a detailed answer, even if this takes a little longer.

2021 is coming to an end, what do you wish for 2022?
CB: My first wish for 2022, which is probably shared by most of us, is that the corona situation improves and that we can soon return to normality. And my second wish is that I successfully complete my master’s degree and am able to learn a lot during my time at AIL.

ST: Many, many applications for “Zukunft Erde” 😊.

Thanks for your insights and here’s to a great New Year together!

Foto: (c) AIL, Robert Gebauer