Politics meets Industry: Sinan's Internship at Evonik

Hello!

My name is Sinan. I study Political Science and Economics at the University of Würzburg and am currently doing an internship in the Governmental Affairs department at Evonik in Berlin. Evonik was already a familiar name to me, especially because I am a BVB fan and came across it early on. I ultimately found my way to Evonik through the #mitreden format, which I won in 2022 together with a school friend – with Evonik as a sponsor and an inspiring speech by CEO Christian Kullmann in the NRW state parliament.

Before joining Evonik, I had already completed internships in the German Bundestag and the NRW state parliament. I am also a scholarship holder of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and have been actively involved in politics on a voluntary basis for several years.
I am a big fan of German industry and firmly believe that Germany must remain an industrial nation. That is exactly why it was particularly exciting for me to gain insights into the intersection of politics and industry at Evonik.

My Tasks in the Governmental Affairs Department

During my internship, political monitoring, research, report writing, and supporting my colleagues were part of my daily tasks. I also had the opportunity to attend many events and conferences in Berlin and to prepare and give presentations. It was a particular honor to meet and interact with many politicians.
A key focus of my work was environmental law, which I explored in greater depth. I was able to closely support my colleagues and develop a deeper understanding of political processes and the importance of regulatory issues for the industry.

Experiences

This internship was a deep dive into political Berlin, corporate processes at Evonik, and the complex world of economic politics - an experience that truly broadened my perspective. Personally, I was able to make many new contacts and felt involved and valued from the very beginning. The working atmosphere was pleasant and open, which made it much easier for me to get started.
One highlight was the events I was able to attend, which were not only professionally enriching but also personally exciting.

Tips for Future Interns

I can only give one piece of advice: always ask questions. Talking to colleagues opens doors and helps you quickly understand connections.

Conclusion

The internship at Evonik was a formative experience that strengthened my career aspiration in the field of public affairs and political work in the business world. I gained important insights that helped me grow both professionally and personally – and will certainly continue to accompany me.

On the students@Evonik blog, students, who work at Evonik, share their experiences about life and work in the company.