As a girl from Hamburg, you're always feeling the wind. That's how it is here in the north. The wind of change blows incessantly. I didn't find out what that would mean for me until much later.

“YOU’RE DOING A COMMERCIAL TRAINING, THAT’S WHAT YOU’VE GOT!”

So, in 1981, on my parents' advice, I began my apprenticeship as an industrial clerk in an oil mill in Hamburg. My dream was actually to become a travel agent. Even back then, I was excited about change and traveling. But many beliefs dashed my dream: I wouldn't earn anything there, or it's just unsafe. Do something sensible.

Many of the 'sensible' jobs that followed lasted a year or two until I got bored or realized: this can't be it. Again, not the right job... What should I do? Completely unconsciously, I did something back then that I advise many applicants today: trial and error! Just try new things, otherwise you won't know what you like.