Name: Barbara Ortner
Course: BA (Hons) English & American Literature and German, 1975-1979
What are you doing now?
I am Head of Market Reporting, a global role at a major data company.
What attracted you to your course, and to Kent?
I enjoyed speaking German and reading literature. I particularly enjoyed my year abroad in Vienna, teaching English and speaking German.
What impressed you most about our academic staff?
They were very well read, and we had fun in the translation class.
Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now in your career?
Fluency in German and the discipline to learn other languages, like Mandarin.
Are you still in touch with any of your fellow students?
I am still married to one, and we recently had a reunion of our friends in Canterbury.
Could you describe a typical day in your current role?
I travel all over the world, train up reporters in London, Houston and Singapore, and do internal audits.
What are your future plans/aspirations?
I hope to manage an acquisition company.
What is your favourite memory of Kent?
Parties in Rutherford College and college discos.
What advice would you give to somebody thinking of coming to Kent?
Don’t go home to London at the weekends!
How would you describe your time at Kent in three words?
Fun, friendly, worthwhile.
