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Emma Dawo - Office Management Trainee
Emma Dawo has been an office management trainee in the Human Resources Division here at Saarland University since 2023. Emma’s path to her traineeship was pragmatic. During a career counselling session at the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), Emma learned about the traineeship opportunities at Saarland University and found an open traineeship after taking a look at the positions on offer.
Emma had already completed a secretarial internship at a company, so she knew that she liked this kind of work and that it suits her. What came next? Application, interview - and an offer!
‘It never hurts to ask!’
Emma’s role in the secretary’s office makes her the first point of contact for university staff needing to get in touch with the Human Resources Division. Currently, Emma’s main (and favourite) task is taking care of incoming mail. Twice a day, Emma picks up the mail for the entire HR Division, sorts and distributes it. Sometimes, of course, she needs to open incoming mail and respond accordingly. ‘It might surprise you, but processing the mail can take a long time. But I like to do it, as it means I can get up from my desk and do something “physical”. I also process the emails that get sent directly to the Human Resources Division and of course those that get sent directly to me.’ The emails often contain time-sensitive and confidential topics such as recruitment request forms and employment contracts.
Through the many contacts, questions and projects that Emma handles every day, she has quickly become something of an expert. Whether you need general information or you want to know more about a specific process, or you want to know who to contact with a particular question, Emma can usually help – but if she doesn't know the answer, she'll always say so. That’s why she says, ‘There's no harm in asking! Asking questions is always good and never hurt anyone.’
‘My traineeship at Saarland University is full of variety!’
Emma is a big fan of the flexitime arrangements at Saarland University. When she's not attending classes at her vocational training college, Emma’s working day begins between 8 and 9 in the morning with that classic start to any office day: checking emails and getting the most important tasks out of the way. After that, she processes the mail and takes lunch between 12 and 1 p.m. Emma’s day in the office is shaped by the incoming post, emails and of course, by what phone calls come in. While not an everyday occurrence, one regular part of Emma's job is assisting with events like Trainee Welcome Days or Saarland University's Open Day.
When asked about the highlight of her traineeship at Saarland University, there's no doubt in Emma's mind: her internship in Dublin. Emma first learned about the Erasmus+ programme and the opportunity to complete an internship abroad from her vocational training college. Emma discussed the opportunity with her supervisor and it soon became clear - not only could she participate, she should! The three weeks Emma spent abroad were split between a language course and an internship, which gave her a behind-the-scenes look at a language school.
‘It was a challenge at first, but I certainly don’t regret it.’
Of course, life is not just a highlights reel, there are challenges to be faced as well – as Emma learned not long ago. Recently, Emma became the apprenticeship ambassador for her vocational area 'office management' at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. As a part of her new role, Emma participates in events at schools and career fairs where she speaks with students about her chosen career path in office management.
What was challenging about this new role for Emma? ‘When we first got asked to be ambassadors at school, my first thought and my initial answer was “I don’t want to do that." I couldn’t really picture myself on stage or at events explaining things to people. But then the topic came up again at work and I decided to go to the information event. The people there were so nice and I liked what they told us, so I decided to go for it. It was a challenge at first, but I certainly don’t regret it and I am excited to see where it goes.’
