*1995 | Germany
Field: Natural Sciences | Technology
Master Confectioner | Master Baker | Certified Business Administrator (HWO) | Medical Student
My work:
Manager of my parents’ bakery • Medical student
Brief job description:
Scheduling, crisis management, cost estimation, cake consultation, preparation of special-occasion cakes, hiring and selection of staff, organization
Priyanka Balamohan
“Diversity and variety are what set our trade apart—let’s continue to open our doors to everyone who finds their calling in the trade!”
Her vision for “Women in STEM”
Every person is unique and not destined for just one calling. Even when obstacles stand in your way, you can achieve what you believe in. Unfortunately, these obstacles come in many forms—whether it’s social background, discrimination, or a disability—but I believe that goals can be achieved with strong willpower, and that is what I want to encourage.
Did you have a clear idea of what your future would look like when you were a child? How did that evolve? Did your vision come true?
Even as a child, I wanted to become a “doctor”; I enjoyed playing with syringes and loved going to the doctor. But after graduating from high school, it was clear that I wouldn’t get into college anytime soon. My father’s master’s exam in pastry making, which took place when I was 16, inspired me to learn a trade and use that time to build up my waiting semesters.
I enjoy the craft; I love it, and it fascinates me. As a pastry chef, I can also express my creativity. Now I’m in my eighth semester of medical school after waiting seven years, I finally got a spot and at the same time, I continue to work in my parents’ business, where I get to make people happy with cakes.
Which person(s) or experience(s) had the greatest influence on your decision about what career to pursue, and why?
Studying medicine has always been a dream of mine; it gives me a sense of security and fulfillment to know so much about the human body and to be able to share that knowledge with others.
My father inspired me to train as a pastry chef; at age 50, he earned his master pastry chef certification alongside his master baker certification while running his own business. Watching him take the master’s exams was truly fascinating it really inspired me.
Please tell us how your interest in your profession, field of study, or craft was sparked.
Being a pastry chef allows me to express myself artistically. It combines art and a love of food. Art is like a snapshot in time. That’s what I love about it. Plus, you can build and create incredibly beautiful sculptures using sugar or chocolate. A Taj Mahal made of white chocolate, a Tamil drum shaped like a cake, and chocolates filled with fruity flavors. That was my father’s master’s exam, and I was also able to express my creativity in my own exam.
My interest in studying medicine was sparked because I’m fascinated by helping people, and as I got older, I really enjoyed working with children. Children have an incredibly inspiring perception of reality that helps you break out of your daily routine, which is why I’d like to become a pediatrician.
What do you like most about your current job?
To be able to create cakes that are unique and personal, and that delight and bring joy to people.
These qualities have helped me along the way:
Determination, curiosity, and the desire to excel at what you do.
If you could give young women some advice, what would it be?
I hope that young women will take the time to listen to their inner voices and reflect on what brings them fulfillment. I hope they’ll break free from stereotypes, which vary from culture to culture, and see just how many opportunities are out there for them. I hope they won’t be deterred by male-dominated fields, even if those fields can indeed be intimidating. I hope they’ll believe in themselves and not let others talk them out of it. Even if sexism and racism don’t make the path so easy to see, we all have the right to walk it and become what we aspire to be.
Contact information:
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Fax 069 / 713 79 69-190
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