First name: Camilla
Last name: Ventura Santos
Place of birth: Stuttgart
Current place of residence: Heidelberg
Study program/university: Biochemistry/University of Heidelberg
Current semester: 4th semester
Current employer: University of Heidelberg (HIWI)
Scholarship program: MINT Excellence scholarship since July 2014
allmaxx: What was your motivation to apply for a scholarship in general?
Camilla: I applied for the scholarship primarily to be a little more financially secure. Thanks to the scholarship, I don't have to work while I'm at university, which means I have more time for studying and other activities. I was also interested in the networking events offered in the finalist network.
allmaxx: Why did you choose the MINT Excellence scholarship program?
Camilla: I used the DAAD website to look for scholarships that would suit me and that's how I came across the MINT scholarship from the Manfred Lautenschläger Foundation. I found it interesting that a foundation awarded the scholarships and was quickly able to get used to the philosophy of the Manfred Lautenschläger Foundation. So I decided to apply for the MINT Excellence scholarship.
allmaxx: In which category did you apply and why?
Camilla: I applied for the Studies Excellence category because I didn't have any major scientific or social projects in the first year of my studies and I was advised to do so by MLP.
allmaxx: How did the application phase go? What was your personal highlight?
Camilla: I was invited to an interview where I was able to ask questions about the MLP, the application process and the scholarship. After all preparations had been made and I had sent in my application, I was invited to the assessment center. Shortly afterwards it was announced that there would be a preparation workshop. This was the highlight for me: Here we were prepared for the selection process by, for example, being able to practice self-presentation.
The preparation workshop gave us a very good insight into how companies select personnel, how to best present themselves and what is expected of everyone in the assessment center. I learned a lot from this – not only for the MLP selection days but also for subsequent job interviews!
allmaxx: You were selected for a scholarship. What was crucial and what convinced you? Was it difficult to get the scholarship?
Camilla: I think that self-presentation was the decisive factor in selecting the candidates. Those who had previously taken part in the preparatory seminar had an advantage. Otherwise there was a group discussion and two tests.
allmaxx: What exactly does the scholarship program you are participating in include?
Camilla: The scholarship includes monthly financial support and a wide range of workshops. The workshops are aimed not only at the scholarship holders, but also at all finalists.
allmaxx: What have you benefited from in the scholarship program so far and how has it helped you advance on your career ladder? Have you already been able to take part in networking events?
Camilla: Unfortunately, I haven't taken part in any networking events yet. In particular, taking part in the assessment center and preparing for it will probably help me in the future.
allmaxx: What relevant contacts did you make through the scholarship program?
Camilla: I met a lot of great people during the assessment center. However, I have no contact with anyone at the moment.
allmaxx: What advice do you have for other applicants for the scholarship program?
Camilla: I advise everyone who applies for a MINT scholarship from the Manfred Lautenschläger Foundation to take part in the preparation workshop! Otherwise, you should see the assessment center as an opportunity and not just as a testing situation. You learn a lot from it.
allmaxx: What will happen next for you in your studies and professionally?
Camilla: I will probably do a semester abroad next semester and then finish my bachelor's degree. I'm definitely planning on pursuing a master's degree. However, I don't know yet whether I will stay in Heidelberg or whether I will move to another city.
allmaxx: Thank you very much, Camilla, for the interview and good luck in your future journey!
Are you also curious about MINT funding? Here you can find out everything about the MINT Excellence scholarship program.
Exclusively for allmaxx, Camilla, MLP scholarship holder in the MINT Excellence scholarship program, gives us an interview and shows you how you can get MINT funding.
