1974-1994: Worked at Lippstadt Protestant Grammar School and in various adult education establishments, latterly as research assistant at the Regional Institute for School and Further Education, North Rhine-Westphalia, in Soest
Since October 2000, taught intermittently at the Faculty for Social Sciences, Ruhr University, Bochum
1974-1978: Chairman of the Young Socialists, Western Westphalia district
1978-2000: Member of the Western Westphalia SPD District Executive