discovered her passion for wood. A journey driven by her love for
learning and the joy of creating something tangible.
"I just think it is cool that in the workshop, you build something from scratch, and then you see
the finished piece and can say, ‘I made this, and it looks great.’ The same goes for planning –
when you finish a plan or a 3D drawing and can use it to inspire others, seeing that they can
now really visualize the project." Clearly, Kerstin has found her calling in her second career
attempt.
When asked why she switched from precious metals to fine woods, Kerstin simply replies: "I
wanted to do something different. Learn something new. And if I am going to make a change,
it has to be something completely different so I can learn as much as possible. Also, I wanted
to complete my Matura." Long-term, being a jeweler didn’t feel right for her, but she has no
regrets. "It is a beautiful profession. I’m really glad I did it, and I learned a lot."
On the Educational Path
A Lifelong Learner
When it comes to learning, Kerstin is hard to beat. In her mid-20s, she recently completed her
Matura in October 2024. She passed her final apprenticeship exam as a carpentry technician
last year, and her jewelry apprenticeship was completed a while ago. As for a bachelors
degree, Kerstin says, "Maybe someday." Who knows? In the meantime, she is working on a
large project at Josef Göbel, making windows for a major order at the Heumarkt in Vienna.
After that, she will likely move on to glazing, and if all goes well, she may return to planning.
Kerstin explains, "The great thing about our company is that there are so many opportunities –
not just in the workshop but also in the office. The variety of tasks allows you to try out different
things." And though she does not say it directly, it is clear that she will continue to take full
advantage of these opportunities. After all, there is always something new to learn.
As a passionate Western rider who spends a good chunk of her free time at the stable,
Kerstin’s love for new challenges is not confined to her career. Whether it is in wood, metal, or
the saddle, she is always eager to lean something new.
