An Espresso with… Gotthard Dittrich

Our alumnus Gotthard Dittrich studied economics at the University of Bremen in the 1970s and 34 years ago, he founded Rahn Education, a non-profit school society in Leipzig, which is now the largest provider of independent schools in Germany. Read more about his career and connection to the University of Bremen.

Why did you study at the University of Bremen?

Well, there were actually some very crazy circumstances. Initially, I studied social economics at the Bremen College for social pedagogy and social economics (Bremer Hochschule für Sozialpädagogik und Sozialökonomie, HfSS), which was located in the GW1 building at the time. I decided to study there because economics was definitely my subject and I was very interested in the connection to social issues. However, during my studies I realized that social economy in Bremen meant nutritional sciences, so two semesters before my diploma at the HfSS, I additionally enrolled in economics at the University of Bremen in the Faculty 7 (Economic Sciences). That’s how I became both a nutritional scientist and got my degree in economics from the University of Bremen.

What was the most formative experience during your studies at the University of Bremen?

Regarding the professors, Prof. Dr. Kassner and Prof. Dr. Heide Wieseker both influenced me a lot. At the time, it was truly a reform university, and we addressed the lecturers informally, which is probably not the case today. It was a way of teaching that very much suited my personality, and the University of Bremen was so relaxed and open that I felt very comfortable. For example, when I visited a friend in Munich and attended a lecture there as an auditor, it was a huge difference to Bremen. I realized that I would have been too afraid to study in Munich or another city. Therefore, the time at the University of Bremen was very important for me to develop my self-confidence.

However, when I think back to the lectures, I have to say that relatively little economic know-how was conveyed. They were more like attempted humanitarian experiments, and while they were certainly important for my personal development, I wonder at various content from today's perspective. It was also said at the time: If you study humanities in Bremen, you will never get a job. I am one of many positive examples and got a great job, but that was quite special back then. But surely a lot has changed in the meantime.

What significance did your studies in Bremen have for your career path and later work?

My time in Bremen has generally shaped me a lot. During my studies, I earned money at a Norwegian foreign trade company. There, I had highly interesting conversations with my boss and developed a close working relationship with him. When Norway first voted not to join the EU, the products we imported from Norway became more expensive due to customs clearance. Then I had the idea to suggest to my boss that I go to Leipzig and check out the autumn fair there. Although I couldn't imagine that Norwegian food products would be particularly desirable in Leipzig, I wanted to at least try. And since I had learned to speak freely and had developed a confident demeanor at the university, I was able to make contacts in a completely different environment and initiate the first compensation deals. In 1984, I moved to Leipzig for four years as part of my job and fell in love with the city and the region.

When the reunification came about and compensation deals were no longer necessary, I approached the small Rahn school in Nienburg on the Weser, which I had attended and maintained contact with, even holding seminars on "Trading in State-Trade Countries". I had the idea to try implementing something like this in the DDR (German Democratic Republic), where there were no private schools yet. I succeeded together with the Rahn family and we founded the company in Leipzig 34 years ago. Today, however, I am the sole managing director, as we parted ways professionally in 2000 due to diverging expectations.

Overall, I attribute my professional development to the fact that I learned to confidently engage with strangers at the University of Bremen. I am equally glad that I have managed to engage with very diverse cultures, people, and regions and foster cooperations.

What would you recommend to today's students based on your own experiences?

I would recommend that students not only focus on their studies but also try to establish a connection to the practical world through jobs or projects. It is important to focus not only on theoretical studies that, but to also look outside and get to know working life and society as it is. In my opinion, connecting with reality alongside studying is useful so as not to assess the world from a purely theoretical point of view.

What do you still associate with the University and the city of Bremen today?

I don’t associate much with the University of Bremen today, except that I am in the alumni association. My former fellow students are scattered far and wide, and unfortunately, I am only still in contact with one person. I wouldn’t move back to the city of Bremen today, but I still enjoy visiting, at least annually for the Christmas market. I just associate a lot with Bremen, as I experienced and learned a lot in the twelve years I lived there. I will definitely remain loyal to the city.