"Studying was formative and coherent"

You have an exciting position. What are your day-to-day tasks? 

Nikolas Burtscher: I am responsible for professional, organizational and personnel management. In practice, this means that I work with my team to provide low-threshold initial counseling, crisis intervention, psychological counseling, livelihood security and refugee coaching. In addition, team management, quality development, conceptual work and close networking in the regional social area are among my central tasks. 

What challenges does this entail?

Nikolas Burtscher: A key challenge is dealing with increasing social problems and the growing complexity of cases, while resources remain limited. It is particularly demanding to ensure that low-threshold services such as initial counseling, crisis intervention, psychological counseling, livelihood security and refugee coaching are of a high quality on a permanent basis, while at the same time protecting employees from overwork.

And what opportunities do you see?

Nikolas Burtscher: I can actively help shape Social Work, further develop services and make professional quality and effectiveness visible. Close networking in the social space and cooperation with many system partners can lead to sustainable solutions that support people in difficult situations quickly and effectively and strengthen Social Work as a central pillar of public services.

How has studying at the FHV supported you on your path to success?

Nikolas Burtscher: My studies prepared me very well for my current job at ifs. In particular, the combination of technical work, responsibility and management. I learned to analyze social problems in a differentiated way, to reflect on them professionally and to justify decisions professionally. These skills are key in regional social counseling and in working with crises, livelihood security and psychological counseling.

Do you have any specific experience of this?

Nikolas Burtscher: Yes, and it still has an impact today: Systemic thinking and the focus on networking opened my eyes to the fact that Social Work does not end with the individual case. It is precisely this understanding that I need today as head of the Bregenz counseling center at ifs when it comes to managing initial counseling, crisis intervention and various support services in a meaningful way and anchoring them in the social space: The attitude I learned during my studies of taking people seriously as experts in their own life situation helps me to build bridges between professional Social Work at the ifs and self-help. Overall, the course prepared me well professionally, reflectively and personally for leadership responsibilities in the social sector.

What motivated you to start studying at the FHV back then?

Nikolas Burtscher: I was motivated by the desire to practice Social Work in a sound, professional and effective way. With its first part-time bachelor's degree programme, the FHV offered the opportunity to closely combine study and practice. That was a decisive factor for me. Studying at the same time as working was challenging, but it helped me to reflect on and apply theoretical content directly in practice at an early stage.

You decided to do a Master's in Social Work with a specialization in social work?

Nikolas Burtscher: Yes, I deliberately chose that in order to broaden my perspective. Away from individual cases and towards structures, networks and socio-spatial contexts. This knowledge is particularly relevant for my work at ifs today, for example in regional social counseling, managing initial counseling and crisis intervention as well as in networking.

Looking back, how do you see your choice?

Nikolas Burtscher: Looking back, the decision to study this course was formative and very coherent. The part-time bachelor's degree and the master's degree that built on it gave me a solid professional foundation, a reflective attitude and the skills to not only carry out social work, but to actively help shape it. The compatibility of part-time studies and work was challenging, but manageable. Especially thanks to the great support of my employers.

Did you volunteer for the ÖH alongside your studies?

Nikolas Burtscher: I was head of the Queer Department. My main tasks were to create visibility for queer issues, raise awareness and support students who had experienced discrimination or exclusion. This was not always without conflict, especially because queer issues were also met with a lack of understanding by some students.

How do you view these experiences today?

Nikolas Burtscher: Challenging, but very instructive. I learned how to take a stance, remain open to dialog and deal with different perspectives professionally. Looking back, it was precisely these situations that had a strong influence on my personal and professional development, and my involvement in the ÖH was a great addition to my studies and showed me early on how important it is to take on social responsibility, even when issues are uncomfortable. A competence that still accompanies me in my work at the ifs today.

What advice do you have for other current students in terms of successful career planning?

Nikolas Burtscher: My most important tip is to stick to your guns. Not every path is straightforward, and not everything feels right or comfortable straight away. Especially during your studies and in the first few years of your career, it's worth accepting uncomfortable experiences, listening and learning from them. For me, successful career planning does not mean avoiding everything that is difficult, but rather making the best of challenging situations, developing an attitude and not losing your own compass. If you keep an open mind, reflect and take responsibility, you will find your way. Often differently than planned, but sustainably.

Anything else you would like to share?

Nikolas Burtscher: I enjoyed studying at the FHV. The semester dates were formative both professionally and personally. Looking back, I am particularly aware that it is not a matter of course to be able to complete a high-quality course of study without tuition fees. I would like to thank the dedicated lecturers and the large network that I was able to build up during my studies and that still accompanies me today. These connections, the professional exchange and the shared attitude are an essential part of what I have taken away from my time at FHV.

If you are interested in studying Social Work, you can find all the information about the various bachelor's and master's degree programmes here.