Who is Who in VHB ProDok
Meet the lecturers of the VHB ProDok programme
Manuel Nicklich is a professor at the Free University Berlin. His research focuses on the intersection between organisational theory and questions of work sociology. Furthermore, industrial relations are one of his particular areas of expertise. He teaches the ProDok course 'Methods of Interviewing'.
What fascinates you about methods of interviewing?
I am fascinated by the opportunity to delve deeper into the part of my work that I find most exciting: talking to people. The course offers a wonderful chance to share this enthusiasm with others. The diversity of disciplines sometimes makes the course challenging, but at the same time it greatly enriches my perspective on interviewing.
What challenges and opportunities do you think early-career researchers face?
In my opinion, the challenges for young scientists lie in dealing with inevitable setbacks. It is particularly important not to relate these experiences too much to oneself or one's own abilities. At the same time, there are many opportunities and a great deal of freedom to actively participate in scientific discussions and contribute new perspectives.
What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from personal encounters – both conversations with colleagues and interviews with interviewees. I also find great inspiration in reading classic texts. I am particularly interested in the question of what these works still have to say to us today – how thoughts influence our current issues and enable insights.
And what else?
I am currently exploring the question of what we should preserve for critical thinking. And it is precisely these open, undefined questions such as ‘and what else?’ that sometimes reveal to us exactly what is important: the spontaneous, the intuitive, that which eludes systematic reasoning. It is precisely when we do not want to force everything into categories that space is created for genuine critical thinking.
Who is Who - About this campaign
VHB ProDok lecturers are distinguished by their strong research skills, internationally recognised expertise and high level of professional commitment. Most of them have been involved in the ProDok programme for many years. As part of the 'Who's Who' campaign, they share insights into their personal motivations and what participants can expect from their courses in short interviews.
The campaign aims to demonstrate that VHB ProDok offers much more than just a course programme. It is a network of dedicated scientists from the German-speaking region and beyond who prioritise sound research, methodological quality and collaborative exchange.