Dual study program at Department 6

Dear Rouven, you have opted for a dual study program in Mechanical Engineering. Why? What advantages did you see for yourself?

RG: Before I started my studies, I completed an apprenticeship as a technical product designer specializing in mechanical and plant engineering, which sparked my interest in Mechanical Engineering. In addition, mathematics and physics were already among my strongest subjects in high school, which is why this degree program offered the perfect opportunity to develop professionally in this field and to advance personally.

How did your studies go? What advantages do you personally see in the dual study program?

RG: After successfully passing my final apprenticeship exam, my company - AEM - "Anhaltinische Elektromotorenwerk Dessau" GmbH - offered to support me in my studies and to pay me a monthly salary, just like during my apprenticeship. As I was still fresh in theory from my apprenticeship, I applied for a dual course of study here at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences after a little time to think about it.
Thanks to the support of my company, I don't have to worry about financing my studies or finding a future practice partner for my Bachelor's thesis. I can also continue to gain valuable practical experience during the lecture-free periods, which gives me a clear link to theory. In addition, I already have the prospect of a secure job.

What does a practical day in your company look like for you, what are your tasks at the moment?

RG: Due to my trained profession, I am mainly responsible for creating technical drawings, which are essential for production in our company in order to manufacture the machines ordered by the customer. My tasks also include smaller tasks such as maintaining the drawing output and revising outdated drawings and assemblies.
In some cases, I also create CAD models for specific components or assemblies. I have also designed several devices and created the corresponding drawing sets.

And what is it like at the university? What does a day in the life of a student look like? What do you particularly enjoy doing? What do you find particularly exciting, what is more strenuous?

RG: I feel very comfortable at the university in Köthen and have quickly settled in, as the environment here is very informal and pleasant. The university also offers numerous leisure activities and events, which you can enjoy attending after lectures or taking part in the various sports courses, for example.
I particularly appreciate the many labs and the practical learning, as this helps you to internalize theory better and approach new topics with more motivation.
The cafeteria also offers a wide range of lunch options, making it the ideal place to enjoy a hot meal every day and relax between lectures.
The only thing that is a bit tiring is the daily commute to Köthen, as I live in Bernburg. However, having commuted to Dessau every day during my training, I'm already used to such distances, so the journey to Köthen is quite pleasant.

As a dual student, you have to be active both at the university and in the company - you are already more involved than other students. What is it like for you in everyday life?

RG: It doesn't affect me in my normal day-to-day studies during the lecture period, as I am completely free during this time. However, as soon as the lecture period ends or on days when there are no lectures, such as bridge days, I work my eight or so hours per semester every day, while non-dual students can relax or study during the semester break or on days off.
Thanks to my vacation days, I still have sufficient time to relax and prepare for examinations. And at the company, I also get the opportunity to study for my examinations if there's a bit more breathing space.
During my time at the company, I look forward all the more to the coming semester and the lecture period - and vice versa, of course. The constant alternation between theory and practice keeps my studies varied and exciting.

You will soon be in your third semester. What expectations did you have before you started studying ... and what are your experiences now?

RG: I actually approached the course without any great expectations and just let it come to me. Fortunately, after a whole year of studying, I can say that my experiences have been almost exclusively positive - whether it's with my fellow students, the instructors, the course content or the first examinations. It's definitely fun and I'm looking forward to the coming semesters.

What are your goals for the coming semesters?

RG: I mainly want to pass all my examinations, ideally at the first attempt, and complete my degree within the normal program length. If I continue to be so motivated after my Bachelor's degree, I'm already toying with the idea of doing a Master's straight afterwards - provided my company would also support me in this regard.
In addition, I would of course like to continue to enjoy the wonderful time of my studies to the fullest and gather many unforgettable moments and valuable experiences with my fellow students.

Studying should also be a time to have fun with fellow students, think outside the box here and there, experience new things and try out new things. Is that compatible with the workload of a dual student? What do you focus on during your studies (so far)?

RG: It definitely is. As already mentioned, I have enough time during the lecture periods to do something with my fellow students in my free time or to take part in the various events at the university.
In the beginning, my focus was almost exclusively on my studies, but after I got to know my fellow students better, my attention shifted more to joint activities and the valuable moments outside the lecture hall.

Campus Köthen is considered a rather quiet place to study and a family campus, so it's actually quite good for focused learning. Does that help you as a dual student?

RG: Definitely, because in my opinion you can study here without any pressure in a relaxed atmosphere. The family environment also makes the professors and instructors much more approachable, which also makes the theory more tangible. Thanks to the smaller group sizes, you also have the opportunity to ask questions in between or after the lecture in an uncomplicated way.

Thank you for the interview and good luck with your studies and in the company!

Interview from September 12, 2024