Dr. Anja Heßler

What did you study?

I studied Business Mathematics at the TH Mittelhessen for my Bachelor's degree and Operations Research for my Master's degree.

In which subject area did you do your doctorate and what did you research?

I did research in the field of operations research, in particular on mathematical modelling and optimization in intralogistics.

My dissertation topic was "Stochastic performance analysis of warehouse systems - analytical models for travel time-optimized individual games".

What is your current job like?

I am currently working as a software developer for SSI Schäfer, a leading global solution provider of modular warehouse and logistics systems. In my work, I develop optimization algorithms to calculate optimized pallet packing patterns for robot-assisted picking.

In other words, our software is the "robot brain" that tells the packing robots how to pack the ordered items on the pallets in the best possible way.

Did you spend any time abroad during your studies or doctorate?

No.

Did you do any (voluntary) work on the side?

I was a mentor for female Master's students.

Did you take part in interdisciplinary continuing education programs?

I took part in numerous workshops at the Graduate Academy (including on the topics of career profile, personality & leadership, negotiating according to the Harvard principle, hybrid project management), the "Wert(e)volle Führung" leadership workshop at the ESG and the coaching & mentoring program for doctoral students.

What language skills do you need in your job today?

German and English

Have you already gained practical experience during your studies?

Before my studies, I completed vocational training as an industrial clerk and worked as a temp in the quality assurance department of a medical technology company.

Parallel to my studies, I was a web developer (scheduling software for freight forwarders) and completed an internship and bachelor's thesis at GfK SE (market research institute).

What have you benefited most from in your job?

I benefit most from the following skills;

- Quick grasp of abstract contexts

- Independent familiarization with completely new topics

- Structured presentation of complex issues both verbally and in writing

- Building trusting and reliable relationships.

What do you need in your job today that you didn't learn during your studies/doctorate?

In-depth IT knowledge, communication skills and active listening, resilience and the ability to clarify and mediate conflicts are important in today's job.

Is there anything you would like to pass on to our graduates?

I would like to share with you the saying that accompanied me on the way to my doctorate and always gave me courage:

"Just go for it - it could turn out well!"