She has two perspectives here: On the one hand, as a scientist, doctoral student, junior professor and finally professor in biology didactics. Secondly, as President of the University of Osnabrück, as Chair of the Lower Saxony Rectors' Conference and as a member of the Executive Committee of the German Rectors' Conference.

In the form of an interview, Prof. Dr. Susanne Menzel-Riedl answered questions about her career, reported on successes, promising opportunities and decisions made, but also on uncertainties and doubts, challenges and failures. As a first-time academic, she literally had to work hard to acquire all the knowledge she needed about the academic world. She cited her ability to make good decisions and not question them as helpful for her career. In addition, she always had other career options in mind so as not to be rigidly fixated on a single goal. "Because," says Prof. Menzel-Riedl, "I would have been happy as a non-professor too." There were several good choices. Because it is clear: even if all formal requirements are met, the professorship is not secure and an equally good plan B is an important consideration. This is also about recognizing personal motivations and strengths and pursuing them. But it is also important to seize opportunities and have confidence in yourself.

Susanne Menzel-Riedl also reported on her perspective from university management and interest groups and answered questions such as: How would she describe her leadership style? What recommendations would she give young female academics for their career path? How does she assess opportunities and development possibilities in the academic world?

After the discussion, which was moderated by the coordinators of the mentoring³ program, Julia Leising, Anke Kujawski and Theresa Witt, there was an opportunity to put questions to Ms. Menzel-Riedl, which was actively used. This allowed many, though of course not all, aspects to be highlighted and questions answered. After a very motivating and stimulating exchange, for which Susanne Menzel-Riedl took a lot of time, found very open words and provided honest insights into her personal career and experiences, her encouraging conclusion was: The opportunities for a career in science are now better than ever - seize them!

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