“When we shape administration in a way that allows research and teaching to take center stage, that’s when my work is meaningful.”
Korbinian Seitz has been the Head of the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Bern for twelve years. In this interview, he shares what makes his work meaningful, his perspective on international collaboration in his team and what an ideal workday looks like for him.
Interview with Korbinian Seitz, Head of the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Humanities
Since when have you been at the University of Bern, and in which position?
I have been the Head of the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Humanities for twelve years.
When do you feel your work is meaningful?
Whenever our administration contributes to freeing up resources for research and teaching. When professors, lecturers or students notice that we are making it easier for them to navigate their way through administrative processes, and when they tell us that things run much faster and more smoothly here than at other universities – that’s when I know: We’ve done a good job.
How would you describe your contribution to the work culture?
It’s important to me to treat all staff members and external partners with respect and as equals. That’s also how I lead my team.
Which other teams and partners do you collaborate with?
Our Dean’s Office team is very international. We are about twelve people from ten different countries – from Switzerland, Brazil, Belgium, Italy, Afghanistan, Latvia, India, Germany, Austria and France. This diversity is very enriching for our work because it offers different perspectives and helps us see the bigger picture.
How does the University of Bern support you in your professional growth?
The university gives my team and me the freedom to grow both professionally and personally. Of course I have also attended standard further education programs, including a leadership management program; but for me, the most valuable element is the freedom to shape our own paths.
What does an ideal workday look like for you?
On an ideal workday I respond to my emails in the morning and in the evening, and I dedicate the time in between to talking to people – in person, by phone or virtually via Teams. Many topics at the Dean’s Office are complex and best resolved through direct conversations. Workdays during which connecting with others takes center stage are particularly fulfilling for me.