Internship and maybe a new start

[Tove09Tilda]

Hello guys, 
I thought as I have nowhere else to share this and it might be appreciated here, I'd post it. 

 

Three weeks ago, I applied to a very well-known (not allowed to say which one) saddlery here in Germany for an apprenticeship. At first, I was hesitant — starting again from zero with two higher education degrees is scary! Especially after being told (and basically lied to) for years that a degree in economics would secure my future.

Well… times have changed since I got my master’s degree last year. After a year of grinding my teeth, sending out endless job applications for any position I could find, getting only one interview, and being ghosted over 500 times — I was done. My chronic depression was acting up again, the worst episodes I had in years. One following the next. 

My options were:
A - Leave Germany and never come back (which the job center actually suggested - one problem less in their book), or
B -  Change careers completely, despite not having had the chance to work in my actual career since finishing my degree (fun fact - I've even won a price for a concept 😆)

After some serious thinking, I realized a career change might be for the better.
The final nail in the coffin was when a psychologist told me I should “get married and have children” because I’d studied for a job I’d only get if I had a family — or if I were a man. That was the moment I accepted that finance and consulting might not be for me or just as a hobby — at least, in this society.

So, what was left? Passion.

Don’t get me wrong, I love helping emerging companies succeed, and I’m passionate about female entrepreneurship and family business consulting — but let’s face reality: I’m a woman in my mid-20s.

I’ve always had a deep love for leatherwork. Saddles have fascinated me for as long as I can remember — and don’t even get me started on bridles! So when I saw that this company was still looking for an apprentice, I just sent in my application: CV, degree, motivation letter, and a detailed portfolio. I was terrified.

The last saddlery I applied to (after a boring PhD seminar that had me reminiscing a lot) had sent me a very "kind" rejection. So I expected the usual phrases like:
“We had more qualified applicants” or “Thank you for your application, but we had too many.”

But instead, something almost magical happened — I was offered a two-week internship to see if we’re a good match.

No “you’re overqualified,” no “another failed academic.” Just a kind invitation, a start date in January, and a short list of what to bring and where to stay.

Never in my life did I think I’d be so happy about an internship! Getting this chance means the world to me — even if it doesn’t work out. Just being given the opportunity for a new beginning, and not being treated like a problem for once, feels amazing.

I was also informed that I’m not allowed to share anything about the saddlery online, especially during my stay, since they own several patents. That’s fine by me — I’m used to NDAs from working with companies during my master’s. (Fun fact: when you hire  a consultant, you always let them sign one because of sensitive data!) They can hand me one, and I’ll gladly sign — though, of course, I always read before signing 😆

I’m just beyond excited to get a glimpse into the professional leatherworking world — and maybe even meet my master along the way.

Until January, I plan to level up my leatherworking skills as much as I can. In start-up consultancy, we say: “A raw diamond is perfect because you can shape and sharpen it — until it either breaks or becomes a jewel.”
That probably applies to apprentices too, but I still feel like I want to be of use right from the start.

Sorry for the novel — and to anyone who read the full story: thank you! ❤️ Feel appreciated! 

 

[AlZilla]

Congratulations. Advice from long, long ago - when looking for your "calling", find what makes time disappear for you. As in, you look up and realize 3 hours had passed in the blink of an eye. That could be your path. Sounds like you figured it out.

Saddle making wouldn't be a bad way to pass the day.

[Sheilajeanne]

Tilda, your path in life so far brings back painful memories of mine at the same age. After getting a degree in environmental science, I was unable to find a job. Finally, just to bring in some money, I brushed up on my Gr. 9 typing skills, and started to get temporary clerical/secretarial work assignments at the university. Some of them were interesting enough that I wouldn't have minded doing them full time*, but every time I applied for a full time job, they'd say, "You've go a science degree. You won't stay - you'll find something in your field. And every time I applied for 'something in my field', I either didn't get an interview or was told 'you've only got your bachelor's degree. Go and get your masters, then maybe we'll talk!" 

Fortunately, no one told me to get married and have kids. I don't know what my response would have been, but it certainly would NOT have been polite! 

To make a long story short, finally I did find my passion, which was community nursing. 

I am happy for you that you have - hopefully - found yours! Wishing you all the best with this apprenticeship! I really hope it turns out to be everything you've dreamed about!

*The most interesting, challenging job I had during this time was working at the Banting and Best Institute at the university. Yes, I actually got to meet Dr. Best, the co-founder of insulin! My work was mainly typing up scholarly papers for the professors for submission to scientific journals. Their handwriting was not the best, and they used complicated scientific terminology, which I had to spell correctly. There were also lots of scientific symbols that required a special 'ball' on my IBM typewriter. 

The job I was doing was open on a full time basis, and I did apply, but was not chosen. One of the professors, the one who was the most difficult to work for as he was very picky, was VERY upset when he found out I hadn't been hired. He said, "They just get someone trained to do this work, and now I'll have to start all over again!" It was the best compliment I had during the time I was doing this work. 

Yeah, it was not a time in my life I look back on with any fondness...

Edited Friday at 04:49 PM by Sheilajeanne

[Sheilajeanne]

Missed the edit window - there are two places in my reply where I said 'full time' and meant to say 'permanent'. Probably it's obvious that's what I meant, just wanted to clarify! 

[Tove09Tilda]

On 10/17/2025 at 6:36 PM, Sheilajeanne said:

Tilda, your path in life so far brings back painful memories of mine at the same age. After getting a degree in environmental science, I was unable to find a job. Finally, just to bring in some money, I brushed up on my Gr. 9 typing skills, and started to get temporary clerical/secretarial work assignments at the university. Some of them were interesting enough that I wouldn't have minded doing them full time*, but every time I applied for a full time job, they'd say, "You've go a science degree. You won't stay - you'll find something in your field. And every time I applied for 'something in my field', I either didn't get an interview or was told 'you've only got your bachelor's degree. Go and get your masters, then maybe we'll talk!" 

Fortunately, no one told me to get married and have kids. I don't know what my response would have been, but it certainly would NOT have been polite! 

To make a long story short, finally I did find my passion, which was community nursing. 

I am happy for you that you have - hopefully - found yours! Wishing you all the best with this apprenticeship! I really hope it turns out to be everything you've dreamed about!

*The most interesting, challenging job I had during this time was working at the Banting and Best Institute at the university. Yes, I actually got to meet Dr. Best, the co-founder of insulin! My work was mainly typing up scholarly papers for the professors for submission to scientific journals. Their handwriting was not the best, and they used complicated scientific terminology, which I had to spell correctly. There were also lots of scientific symbols that required a special 'ball' on my IBM typewriter. 

The job I was doing was open on a full time basis, and I did apply, but was not chosen. One of the professors, the one who was the most difficult to work for as he was very picky, was VERY upset when he found out I hadn't been hired. He said, "They just get someone trained to do this work, and now I'll have to start all over again!" It was the best compliment I had during the time I was doing this work. 

Yeah, it was not a time in my life I look back on with any fondness...

Oh Sheila, that sounds really too familiar! It's a men's world, we are just allowed to exist in it as it feels.

Some time ago, I used to be furious about it. Now I just shrug and say, “As long as no man kills me, it’s fine.” It’s dark humor, but honestly… it’s survival.

In my field, it’s insane how you can be highly qualified and still not get the job, while a man with barely any qualifications — just a few more month of experience in any field, but yours — gets hired easily and then looks at you like you’re crazy for even daring to apply. I’ve beaten McKinsey consultants in practical exams, but none of that seems to matter anymore. Instead, people get angry that I refuse to work for free.

So really, changing careers just feels healthier — especially considering how the political climate here in Germany is shifting.

And thank you for sharing your story! And glad you found your place as a nurse! The Dr. Best story sounds amazing and inspiring. I can totally understand why you would have loved to do this permanently. 

My best story is probably working with THE family business consultant and scholar (he loves! like really loves, alpro chocolate milk and is the most chill Italian guy I've ever met! Plus had the craziest stories form sitting in family boards) and being told by an Ex-Wallstreet Broker, that he thinks I'm highly talented (best about that: A McKinnsey Consultant heard that and was sooooo goddamn mad at me, she really showed her "best" character" 😂).

Since then, I can't take any McKinsey Consultant seriously for life of me.

[fredk]

Well done Tilda. May you have lots of happiness and few stabbed fingers in your new profession

Take it as it comes.

I'm a man, a bloke, and it makes me really, really mad that women have to fight to get the jobs they want or especially qualified for

One of my sisters went to a posh grammar school. She got 11 'O levels' and 6 'A Levels' = that meant she was very smart. Her careers officer told her to learn to type and get a secretarial job!