Adnan Bilbeisi's time at the GJU and in the Bundestag: A journey of growth and opportunites
Growing up in Jordan, I used to joke that we should probably just rename the country "The Land of Engineers." Engineering is such a big part of our culture that it almost felt like the natural path to take. But I wanted something different - a mix of business and engineering. That’s why I chose Industrial Engineering at GJU - it offered the best of both worlds. Plus, the chance to study at home while gaining international experience, like my Erasmus scholarship in Istanbul, made the choice even better.
During my time at GJU, I spent nearly 1.5 years in Germany, and this gave me the chance to dive into two completely different work environments. I interned at Husqvarna, a 300-year-old company, learning how legacy companies keep their momentum going. Then, I switched gears and worked at Alpha Protein, a startup focused on creating protein from mealworms. These two experiences - traditional industry versus the fast-paced startup world - really broadened my view of business and innovation.
Of course, the journey wasn’t without its bumps. As part of the group that went to Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding an internship was tough. I sent out almost 300 applications and faced a lot of rejections. But every "no" just made me more determined, and in the end, I found the right opportunity. That process taught me a lot about resilience and how hard work really does pay off.
My next step took me to the German Bundestag, where I took part in the International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS). Although politics was never really my area of interest, this experience fundamentally changed my perspective. I realized that politics is not only about big conflicts, but also about the everyday challenges that people face.
I wasn't sure at first whether an industrial engineer like me would be accepted for a politically oriented opportunity, but my academic background wasn't the only factor considered. My German language skills were valued, and my other activities, such as being a member of a debating club, also gave me an advantage. The one-month fellowship in the Bundestag was a significant change from my everyday life after university. The first three weeks consisted of meetings, seminars and travel, highlighting topics such as Middle Eastern politics, renewable energy and societal impact. Meetings with high-level officials and parliamentarians provided new perspectives, and the diverse group of 25 students from across the Arab world enriched every discussion.
The final week was memorable and coincided with the opening of the parliamentary session. Working in the office of the Vice President of the German Bundestag, Ms. Aydan Özoğuz, gave me a direct insight into the political process.
I took part in committees discussing topics such as immigration policy and the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and experienced the debates from the front row. Managing social media and dealing with citizens' inquiries showed how Members of Parliament balance their responsibilities with civic engagement. There was a lively working atmosphere in the Bundestag, with many interns working enthusiastically everywhere.
After this valuable experience and my graduation, I started my career at Dar Al Manhal Publishers in Business Development. I introduced internships at the company, helping 10 GJU students get involved, and some of their translations even made it to the Frankfurt Book Fair, which was pretty amazing. It felt good to bring a new mindset to the educational publishing industry, where we’re not just focused on profits but on making a real impact in education.
Looking ahead, I’ve learned that you don’t have to lock yourself into one career path. There’s always room for new opportunities, side projects, and the chance to turn a small idea into something bigger. I’ve come to trust the process, stay open to challenges, and rely on faith as a guide. I’m excited to see where the future takes me, knowing that each step is preparing me for the next adventure.
Are you also interested in an internship in the Bundestag? Then find out more here:
Internationales Parlamentsstipendium (IPS)
