From theater to architecture
Rafael Reis was born in Dortmund in 1999 and is now studying architecture at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts. His path to his studies was anything but straightforward. From his initial enthusiasm for theater and directing to a short stint in media design and various internships: Rafael tried out a lot to find out what really fulfills him. He has been in contact with his talent scout Barbara for almost ten years - a contact that has supported him time and again during phases of orientation. In this interview, he talks about his experiences and his plans for the future.
Rafael, did you know early on that you wanted to go to university one day?
Yes, it was clear to me pretty quickly. I had quite good grades at school and my family thought it was somehow obvious that I would try university. What's more, I was allowed to visit the TU Dortmund University Audimax when I was still at elementary school. Since then, I had an idea of how exciting the academic environment can be.
You started with media design, but then dropped out. Why did you take this step?
My first degree course started right during the coronavirus lockdown. A lot of it was just about the screen and I quickly realized that it was too "PC-heavy" for me. I wanted to be out and about more, working creatively on projects. I lacked the practical relevance. So I finished my studies early, worked for a while and did internships to reorient myself.
How did you end up in architecture?
I've always loved designing and building. It was clear to me that I wanted to do something creative, but something that also had tangible, technical aspects. Architecture combines both areas perfectly. It also suits my inclination to actually see a work through from the idea to its realization. This mixture of design and planning really appeals to me.
You are a first-time academic. Did that present you with any additional challenges?
Absolutely. You come from a world without academic role models and then encounter all these processes and structures that you first have to learn. This also included the step of moving out of home. That was a personal milestone because it gave me more freedom to decide where and how I wanted to live. At the same time, there were phases with many doubts. A key issue was: "What do I really want? Where do I see myself in the long term?"
What was challenging for you when you started your second degree at Dortmund UAS?
On the one hand, it was the task of finding new people to talk to. Many people commute to the UAS and go straight home again after the events. You have to actively approach others in order to make connections beyond your everyday studies. Time management is also a huge issue in architecture. We often have demanding projects and everyone is a little different - it wasn't easy to juggle everything.
How did you get involved with NRW talent scouting and your scout Barbara?
It was very straightforward, thanks to a notice at my former school, the Europaschule Dortmund. I signed up, met Barbara and we've been in contact ever since. In almost ten years, she has gotten to know me well as a person - you don't have to explain anything new, you can just start straight away. She also showed me the RuhrTalente student scholarship, which I was later accepted into and where I am still active as an alumnus today.
How does Barbara support you in concrete terms?
She understands both my personal situation and my desire to get my career on the right track now. I talk to her about scholarship opportunities, stays abroad and also about how I can combine my studies with my personal goals. She has always encouraged this bridge between my family background and the academic world - I am very grateful for that.
Do you have any advice for prospective students who are still unsure?
I would say: do internships wherever possible. This gives you a realistic idea of what everyday life is like in a particular profession. Especially if you're young and don't have to earn a lot of money yet, it's a great opportunity to try out different directions. Based on these impressions, you can decide much better whether a particular course of study really suits you.
What does the future hold for you?
I would like to gain international experience. A semester abroad is firmly planned, and for the time after my Bachelor's degree I can well imagine working somewhere else or doing a Master's degree abroad. I definitely want to have contact with people, get to know different cultures and not just sit in an office. Whether it ultimately goes in the direction of curatorial work, theater stage design or a classic architectural office - that remains to be seen. The main thing is that I can shape my ideas and discover new perspectives at the same time.