Whether it's a dual course of study, a classic university or an apprenticeship: each of these opportunities offers opportunities and leads to exciting jobs. Ragnhild Struss by Toni Knows shows how you make the right decision.
Who is a dual degree suitable for?
The concept of dual study started in Germany. The main reason for this was the criticism of many employers that university graduates often lack practical knowledge. In the dual study, pure theory is supplemented with valuable practical experience. On-site learning at companies is an important part of training. The students take turns at the university and in the partner company – and can thus test their knowledge in practice.
The following reasons could speak for a dual degree:
- You like to learn from a concrete example and need your own experience: The Working in the partner companywhat makes a dual degree special is ideal for you. With this motivation, theoretical learning can be easier for you.
- You want to get to your destination quickly and efficiently: Another feature of a dual degree is that bulging program. While other students have semester breaks, the dual students spend their time in the company. If you decide to do this, you should have a good portion Ambition and determination bring. For this you have the chance in just 3.5 years to complete a bachelor AND vocational training.
- You want to start working as soon as possible: Thanks to the intensive theoretical and practical learning experience, dual students can expect high takeover chances in the partner companies as well as generally good job prospects. Most graduates can immediately get into the jobwithout completing another master’s degree.
- You would like to stay in Germany to work: The dual study system is hardly known abroad. It is therefore particularly suitable for graduates who would like to work in Germany – and here in Germany reputation want to benefit from a dual degree. Of course, it is not out of the question to find a job abroad.
- The option of a management position appeals to you: Who wants to lead and a career in middle to upper management dual study is ideal for him. Because there are many attractive partner companies, where you can prove yourself from the start and then often climb quickly. However, you should be early and yourself a year and a half before your graduation apply to your desired practice partner. This makes it more likely to get one of the coveted places – another reason why focused graduates in particular are taking the path of dual study.
What subjects are there as dual studies?
Dual courses of study exist primarily in the areas of social affairs, economics and technology. Social work, tourism management or mechanical engineering are typical subjects that can be implemented perfectly as a dual study program.
What are the admission requirements for a dual study program?
If you want to complete your studies in a dual system, you need either the traditional Abitur, the subject-specific university entrance qualification or the university entrance qualification. You also need a training contract with the partner company of your choice. You can find a cooperating company via lists that offer vocational academies and dual universities. Or you can contact your desired company directly and suggest the possibility of training as part of a dual study program.
Dual study or "normal" study: who is better off at a classic university?
Here is the greatest variety in terms of subject selection and spectrum of universities: from large state universities to small, more specialized universities of applied sciences to private institutes, everything is included. Many courses are offered at several universities. That is why you have the freedom to take other aspects into account in your classical studies – for example location, atmosphere on campus or reputation of the university.
The following reasons could speak for a classical degree:
- You love to have a lot of freedom: Not only with the Choice of university, but also during the study many decisions are left to you. So you can own thematic focus set and freely allocate your time for some things, for example for a semester abroad or a vacation semester.
- You are self-employed and can organize yourself well: The more freedom a degree offers, the more individual responsibility is necessary. Depending on the type of university and the level of supervision, little structure given – in contrast to school. You have to keep an eye on deadlines for seminar registrations and put together your "timetable".
- You are also ready to gain practical experience: It is important to compensate in advance for the potential disadvantage on the job market that graduates of traditional studies may encounter. For dual students and trainees, practical experience is part of the program. As a classic student, you should study yourself strive for internshipswhere you can apply what you've learned.
- You are tempted by the idea of studying or working abroad: The bachelor and master system has a modular structure internationally the same. So it is no problem with classical studies to change to a university in another European country or to study there from the beginning. The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) makes it easy to have course achievements credited anywhere. It also becomes the way to a later one Job in another European country leveled.
- You would like to work scientifically: A classic course of study Focus on theory and empirical research – and is therefore THE standard way for everyone who wants to pursue a scientific career. Dedicated students can start one Tutorial for younger students and as research assistant (HiWi) work in their department. So you have a foot in the door for another academic career.
Dual studies or even more practice: for whom is training recommended?
With an apprenticeship, school graduates get into working life immediately. It is not theorized for long, but you immediately experience everyday work with its specific activities and tasks. Structurally, only a little changes: the teaching system at vocational schools is similar to that of the school with exams and holidays. This makes the transition from school to training easier for many young people. After the apprenticeship, it is possible to further qualify or to study further.
The following reasons could speak for an apprenticeship:
- You unfold in doing: Do you have one Preference for practical work – and maybe you couldn't show at school what you're made of? Then the decision for an apprenticeship can give you a real push for your self-confidence and make you blossom.
- You like individual support: Teachers and employers usually work closely with you during an apprenticeship. You get lots of direct feedbackthat you can learn from immediately. Also the structure predefined from the outside conveys security and ensures that you do not feel left alone or disoriented.
- You would like to study, but the step to a university still seems too big for you: Then an apprenticeship is a great starting point. You can try it out on "safe terrain" first, become more independent and orient yourself professionally. In addition, many apprenticeships form one ideal basis for a subsequent study: For example, if you are considering studying architecture, you can start as a trained boat builder or carpenter. And an interested person in osteopathy lays a suitable foundation with training as a physiotherapist.
Tip: write down the arguments and make the decision carefully
Perhaps you already have a feeling which of the three ways would best harmonize with your personality. Before you make your final decision, however, you should weigh it up carefully and create a written basis for decision-making in the form of a pros and cons list. Take three pieces of paper for dual study, classic university and training. Collect personal reasons there that speak for the respective option – and which against. Be honest with yourself and don't take what you want to be as a basis. It happens to many that all the freedoms of a classic course of study sound very tempting – but on closer inspection it doesn't really suit them.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What are the best conditions to learn?
- What has to be given to get me going?
- Which environment motivates me?
- Can I organize myself well?
- Or do I prefer others to set the structure or make the decisions for me?
When you reflect, take a look back at your school days, part-time jobs or internships. If you understand which factors have inspired you so far, you will come closer to your decision.
Are you still unsure about what you want to study? Find out with Toni Knows' test!