All good things come in threes? #ChallengeAccepted
With an excellent A-levels in his pocket a study was set for Jan Rohde. But finding the right course of study was not as easy as expected. It was only through the detours of law and teacher training course - both combined with frustration and a lot of theory - that he finally found out that he was missing the practical part. So the solution to his problem was a dual course of study that offered him both: theory and practice.
Why did you stop your studies?
During the first two courses of study, I noticed little by little that I missed the practical relevance and was bored in the long run. I wanted to be able to apply my acquired knowledge in practice. So that a dual course of studies seemed to be the right way for me.
How did you find your apprenticeship at thyssenkrupp AG?
First of all, I considered which course of study could be interesting for me and then looked for suitable vacancies for me on the well-known apprenticeship platforms azubiyo.de and ausbildung.de. Fortunately, the job at thyssenkrupp was also listed.
What was the next step?
After I had sent my application, some time passed until I received an invitation to the recruitment test at the thyssenkrupp headquarters in Essen. Then I was invited for an interview and got my job acceptance shortly before Christmas – that was a very nice, early Christmas present.
And never regretted the step?
No, not at all. I finally found something that satisfies me and challenges me theoretically as well as fulfilling my ambition for practical work. We are already involved in smaller projects during the apprenticeship, which provides a lot of variety and is also a sign of appreciation of the different departments.
How exactly is your dual course of study structured?
I am studying Business Administration at FOM in Wuppertal, and parallel to this I completed the first one and a half years of an apprenticeship as an office management assistant, which I was able to shorten from three to one and a half years. Now it’s 3 more semesters until I have my Bachelor’s degree. Parallel to these two degrees, we also have the opportunity to obtain a degree as a foreign language correspondent and thus, after three and a half years, we have a total of three degrees in our hands.
What do you particularly like about your dual course of study?
The alternation between theory and practice and the moments when you find content from university or vocational school in real working life. That also helps to motivate yourself to learn. The additional learning days that thyssenkrupp offers for university exams also help to prepare for the exams.
What is the relationship between apprentice and vocational trainer?
Very relaxed. We are on first-name terms here, which creates a relaxed atmosphere and makes it easier for apprentices to approach our vocational trainer if they have problems or other issues.
What are the requirements for the dual course of studies in Business Administration?
In principle, you should not have been at war with the subjects math, English and German at school. In addition, you should have a certain basic interest in business processes and you should also be organized, as the days are already very busy now and then, especially if you still want to involve hobbies and friends.
In addition to your studies, you are also a member of the youth and apprentice representation of thyssenkrupp AG. What exactly is your job there?
As youth and apprentice representation, we are the mouthpiece for the apprentices, so to say, and help them with any problems they may have. We work together with our vocational trainer, the works council and IG Metall to always find the best solution to all problems and ensure the best possible apprenticeship quality. In addition, we hold a youth and apprentice representation meeting approximately every two weeks and alternately attend the works council meetings of thyssenkrupp AG.
thyssenkrupp in one word?
#teamspirit