16 September 2025 - Career and Training New Faces at the URZ: Mika Astrath und Svenja Balcão start their IT Training
On 1 September, Mika Astrath and Svenja Balcão started their training program at the University Computing Centre (URZ). Last week, they were officially welcomed during an inaugural ceremony in the university's old auditorium. The University Computer Center is delighted that these two motivated young professionals have joined the team and wishes them both much joy and success in their training over the coming years.
For many years, the URZ has successfully provided training for young professionals in various IT fields. The decision to complete their training here means that Mika Astrath and Svenja Balcão have selected a workplace where theory and practice are closely intertwined. Over the next three years, they will rotate through various departments, where they will gain comprehensive insight into the work of a modern computing center.
Today, computers are everywhere – in some instances more obvious than others – and they shape our everyday lives. I find it particularly exciting how all the devices, services and servers seamlessly interact with each other. This fascination has always been with me, and I have decided to create more space for it in my life: to be curious again. I see the URZ as the best place to do that. All the topics and possibilities here are like a never-ending treasure trove of knowledge for me, the perfect place to feed my curiosity. Technology also plays a major role in my free time, especially in the area of gaming. Apart from that, I sing soprano in the church choir, am involved in the community and local politics – and I love to cook and bake, much to the delight of my family and friends.
Svenja Balcão
In my private life, I also enjoy engaging with IT and am always trying out new technologies. Working with computers has actually become a real hobby for me. That's exactly why I decided to pursue training as an IT specialist for system integration—so I can turn my hobby into a profession. I made a conscious decision to join the URZ because it offers a wide range of different jobs and I think working with students will be really interesting. My free time isn't all about IT, of course: I also enjoy hiking and meeting up with friends.
Mika Astrath
In addition to their practical work at the URZ, trainees attend the Hubert Sternberg Vocational School, where they learn the theoretical foundations of their field. This combination ensures a well-rounded education that provides the best possible preparation for the diverse challenges of the digital working world.
