Andreas Witt completed his bachelor's degree in Circular Economy (now Recycling and Waste Management) in 2020. In addition to his work as a sales engineer in the field of extraneous water, exhaust air systems and plant construction, he is a volunteer in the Ravelin 2 remediation association in Magdeburg.
“In three words? I'm a go-getter, sometimes I'm also a driving force and sometimes I'm a bit overworked,” says Andreas Witt with a smile. His life takes place in very different worlds: His main job is as a sales engineer at Unitechnis, a company that operates throughout Germany and is responsible for marketing products and services relating to extraneous water, exhaust air systems and plant engineering. He acquired the technical know-how for this work during his studies at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences and can also incorporate it into his private passion.
He volunteers as the second chairman of the Ravelin 2 redevelopment association in Magdeburg. The association is responsible for the preservation and touristic use of an imposing fortress in the middle of the state capital. The large complex was part of Magdeburg's former fortress ring and was used for military purposes until 1919. Andreas Witt has been actively involved in the association since 2014, helping with construction work and organizing events. Every year, thousands of guests are drawn to the Ravelin and the old casemates for the Magdeburg Fortress Days at Whitsun, for example. Before Christmas, Andreas Witt and his fellow members invite visitors to a large Advent market with music, entertainment and a fire show on a weekend.
Thinking outside the box!
The thirty-something from Jerichow gained the knowledge for his current profession at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences in the Department of Water, Environment, Construction and Safety. Starting in 2010 on the Water Management course, he switched to Circular Economy (now the Bachelor's degree course in Recycling and Waste Management) in 2014 and received his Bachelor's degree in 2020. His honorary posts and part-time jobs - as an event technician or food supplier - have extended his study time somewhat, but have also given him many new impressions and experiences. Among other things, he used his university knowledge during this time to develop his own idea for a biogas generation plant. Witt: “It was always important to me to think outside the box.”
Andreas Witt cites several good reasons for studying in Magdeburg: “I wanted to stay close to home. As an angler, I've always loved being by the water and Magdeburg is a beautiful place, as is the green campus in Magdeburg.” Advantage no. 2: The facilities on campus and the qualified, practice-oriented teaching staff are particularly impressive. He adds: “There are very good professors. And having graduated in Magdeburg means something! It opens doors in the industry. I'm proud of that.”
He never felt left alone, as the lecturers were always approachable and made sure that the students did not lose sight of their research question. “During my studies, I liked being able to freely choose topics that interested me.” This also led the passionate archaeologist to an idea for his own product.
As a history enthusiast and archaeologist, Andreas Witt is dedicated to monuments and historical finds that need to be researched, protected and documented in the ground. “Magdeburg and the surrounding area have some treasures to offer due to its settlement history,” he explains. “I find it extremely exciting to reconstruct the development of mankind based on finds in the ground.” However, he is not only interested in the past of our planet, but also in its future. The versatile alumnus has developed a system that can extract grass cuttings from roadside greenery or parks for biogas plants. In contrast to the use of energy maize, for example, this can be used all year round and with comparatively little effort. This is what makes this product so interesting for generating biogas. In close cooperation with Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences, he and his team are working on a prototype that could make the world a better and healthier place.
In everyday working life
The company, for which Andreas Witt has been responsible for sales full-time since November 2023, takes on odors and other challenges in the wastewater sector, offers innovations for sewer networks and supplies products and the necessary engineering services. He works here with two other fellow students from his degree course. “We make a good team, as together we can contribute all the skills we acquired during our studies.” Andreas confirms that his studies have prepared him perfectly for his day-to-day work.
Between graduating in 2020 and starting his career, he did everything he could to get his prototype off the ground: Writing business plans, putting together a team, securing a patent, founding a company. Together with the university, he is continuing his research to “get the system up and running”. True to his motto: “Think big, because it will work!”
Andreas Witt is certain that he will stay in Magdeburg. He hopes to be able to maintain the good cooperation with the university. He also looks back with gratitude: “I was able to get to know many people along the way. I would like to expressly thank my professors and supporters at the university.”
Volunteering at the Advent market
On December 7 and 8, 2024, Andreas Witt will be at the “Advent im Ravelin” in Magdeburg, in the large fortress complex in Maybachstraße near the main train station. Together with his team, the university graduate has created a cozy Christmas market with regional delicacies, traditional crafts, art and culture.
Photo: Matthias Piekacz