My dual study programme at the Studentenwerk

My name is Ronan and I started my dual study programme at the Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein in 2021. As in an apprenticeship, I work in a company during the dual study programme. However, there are always ten-week block phases in which I look behind the practical work steps at the "Duale Hochschule Schleswig-Holstein" and illuminate the theoretical background of business management issues. As a result, in addition to my vocational training as an office management assistant, I also earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration. I am excited about this varied system, because the linking of theory and practice helps to better understand the complex interrelationships. Furthermore, the degree programme provides targeted support in optimising work processes and projects in the company. Not to be underestimated is also the advantage over the normal degree programme that you already earn your own money and don't have to rely on BAföG or small jobs for students.

In my in-company training at the Studentenwerk, I go through the different departments of the company. In my first year, I was able to gain a lot of experience in different areas of the human resources department, the department for student housing, the secretary's office and the facility management and construction department. In the next two years, my training will take me to the BAföG office, purchasing, financial accounting and the administration of university catering, which I'm really looking forward to. The different stations of the Studentenwerk during my apprenticeship show how diverse our daily business is. Nevertheless, you don't lose sight of the big picture because the responsible training officers present their areas of responsibility in detail and clearly before you are given independent work. The latter point in particular appeals to me a lot about training at the Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein, as independence and initiative are encouraged. It's not unusual for me to be given projects and tasks that I can work out creatively and with my own ideas. It shows me that trust, respect and appreciation are an important aspect of dealing with each other here.

The DHSH (short for the Duale Hochschule Schleswig-Holstein - University of Cooperative Education in Schleswig-Holstein) steps in with theoretical lectures and seminars as a change from the daily work routine. In small study groups of up to 30 students, the modern, well-equipped university is more reminiscent of a small, cosy school. You won't find large lecture halls here, but you will find small seminar rooms and a family-style lounge with a library, where I have spent some pleasant hours with my fellow students. Speaking of fellow students: The other students study business administration just like me, but they come from other sectors such as banking, tax consulting or tourism. That way, you also get to know the perspectives of other, non-industry-specific companies and can thus integrate further experiences into your own everyday working life. Since the Studentenwerk sees itself as a service provider, the focus of my studies in the first four semesters is service-related and dealing with customers. I study how customers can be acquired and retained or how processes within the company should be designed to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction. Very interesting topics, in my opinion.

After three eventful years at work and six semesters at university, I'm preparing for the final examination at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce to complete my vocational training. If I successfully pass this in spring 2024, then I will only have the Bachelor's thesis as the last hurdle before I can finally really start my working life.

Why should you apply for the dual study programme at the Studentenwerk? The dual business studies programme at the Studentenwerk is not only a professional enrichment for you. In addition to varied activities in the company, which promote the urge to work independently, you will gain experience in the various departments for your future career. But the human aspect also plays a big role in the Studentenwerk. For me, joie de vivre and fun are the most important factors in the workplace. A pleasant atmosphere in the office makes it much easier to work. And that's exactly what I experience here.

So what are you waiting for? Apply now, maybe we'll see each other!