“I’m truly motivated to work here every day.”
Lucia Klepochova is in her third year of her commercial apprenticeship with a Vocational Baccalaureate for the Administrative Directorate of the University of Bern. She appreciates the diversity of her training, the supportive environment – and that she has been able to contribute as an integral member of the team from day one.
Interview with Lucia Klepochová, Commercial Apprentice with Vocational Baccalaureate
What do you tell your family and friends about your apprenticeship at the University of Bern?
I really appreciate that I have already worked in different areas in my training – including in the HR Office and in Facility Services. I especially value interacting with people, at the main switchboard or when processing applications. The teams I have worked in so far have all been incredibly friendly, open and helpful. I was warmly welcomed everywhere – that makes working at the university particularly rewarding for me.
What brought you to your apprenticeship at the University of Bern?
I originally attended a Baccalaureate School, but then realized I wanted to pursue a more practical path. That is when I discovered the option of doing a commercial apprenticeship in combination with a Vocational Baccalaureate. I came across the University of Bern more by chance, on a job portal – and was immediately drawn to it. The combination of practical work, school and the opportunity to work for an institution like the University of Bern convinced me. I also received an offer from a local municipality, but my gut feeling told me “Go for the university”. And I have never regretted that choice.
What is the work culture at the University of Bern like for you?
What I like most: Apprentices are not treated as “extra help”, but as part of the team. I am given responsibility and I am allowed to work independently – not just standard “apprentice jobs”. I am taken seriously and treated as an equal, and I really appreciate that.
Which statement about the University of Bern resonates most with you – and why?
It has to be: “The University of Bern is diverse.” I have experienced that time and again during my apprenticeship – both in terms of content and organization. I would never have imagined that the university is such a large and diverse organization – with a multitude of locations, collaborations with the Bern University Hospital (Inselspital), numerous libraries and a large sports campus. The fact that I am experiencing all of this from the inside and can actively contribute to it is incredibly exciting to me.
How have you been supported during your apprenticeship?
I have been supported really well – both on the job and with schoolwork. The people around me are helpful and I can always ask questions. I particularly appreciate that I’m given a weekly study hour and additional revision time before my final exams. Language stays and certificates are also supported. I had the chance to participate in two language study trips and a sports camp – the university granted me three additional weeks for this and also covered half the costs.
Looking back, was there a specific moment that particularly shaped you?
The moment I started was definitely a formative experience for me: I was warmly welcomed right from the get-go and onboarded by a senior apprentice. Since then, I have felt at ease and in the right place. This openness is something I continue to experience – and it motivates me every single day.