Dr. Nicola Bohn (neé Kerschbaumer)

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“My time as a student at the Faculty of Physics at LMU Munich...very instructive and formative, both academically and personally.”

• Current position: Consultant
• Institution / Company: Boston Consulting Group
• Degree: Doctorate
• Graduation year: 2022

Why did you decide to study physics at LMU Munich?

After the Abitur, I didn't have much experience and chose the physics faculty at LMU because it is one of the most renowned in Germany. I decided to stay at LMU because of the broad spectrum of subject areas it covers. From medical physics to biophysics and semiconductor physics, I was able to immerse myself in various subject areas, both theoretically and experimentally. This diversity makes the studies unique.

You did your doctorate in physics. What have you been researching?

During my master's degree, I researched a DNA therapy against Ebola. Here I was able to test new DNA strands on cell cultures as part of a start-up collaboration. In my doctoral thesis, I changed the subject area again and looked at the interaction between thermal radiation and special optical elements. We developed a measuring device to measure the smallest temperature changes using complex laser modes.

What did you do professionally after you graduated?

After my doctorate, I joined the Boston Consulting Group as a management consultant.

What do you particularly like about your work?

What I particularly like about my work is that I can continue to immerse myself in projects from a wide range of subject areas. Many topics also have a strong technical focus, which allows me to make good use of my knowledge of physics.

What advice would you give students?

During my studies and especially during my doctorate, I learned that the people you work with are by far the most important thing. On the one hand, there are great mentors who open up opportunities for students that you could never have dreamed of. On the other hand, mentoring relationships can also put big obstacles in your way. People in supervisory roles can have a very big influence on your own experience and your own path, so you should listen to your gut feeling here or talk to other doctoral students in advance, for example.