Be part of the solution

Watching others get their hands dirty is out of the question for Jovana: "I want to get stuck in myself, even if it means a lot of work. After all, I want to live in this world later on." Her ability to think logically and mathematically became apparent early on: "When I was sixteen, I taught myself image processing and film editing. At some point I needed a better computer for this, but my pocket money was tight. So I did some research and put one together myself from cheap parts." However, she didn't want to become a photographer or filmmaker after all: "At some point I realized that it was the technical questions that interested me: How is a camera constructed? How does a computer work? How does energy flow in circuits?"

The diversity of electrical engineering won Jovana over

Jovana initially wavered between two subjects: electrical engineering and computer science. The multifaceted nature of electrical engineering ultimately tipped the scales. "We also learn a bit of programming. But there is also a lot of other content and practical elements." The students test their knowledge in practice, for example, in the model factory, a highly automated industrial plant on a small scale. Here, students from different Faculties can work together on practical projects to learn about the control and monitoring of such factories and optimally prepare for their future work in Industry 4.0.

Technology enthusiasts at the University of Kassel also contribute their personal interests: they tinker in various working groups, for example on microcontrollers, 3D printers or in the Hercules Racing Team. The latter competes against teams from more than 500 other universities every year with a racing car of their own design. They also make their first contacts with companies.

Jovana works in the automotive industry during the semester break. "Gearboxes for electric cars are produced at our site. Standing in the factory, applying the theory from your studies to a real gearbox and understanding how it works - it's great fun!" Her employer is currently in the midst of a huge transformation towards sustainability. Jovana's expertise is needed here - during and after her studies: "That's important to me; being part of the solution with my work - not the problem."

The University of Kassel has been promoting the topic of sustainability for a long time. The newly founded Kassel Institute for Sustainability is reinforcing this focus and will be launching additional degree programs with a sustainability focus in the future. However, employers already know that graduates like Jovana are prepared to help shape the transformations of the future.

You can find more information about the Bachelor's degree course in Electrical Engineering here: www.uni-kassel.de/go/b_elektrotechnik/

As a mechatronics engineer, Rehan is a sought-after generalist

Rehan likes to tinker, for example with cars and his 3D printer. He uses it to develop and print things that make his everyday life easier. His latest project: an adapter that fits a larger fan. This optimizes cooling during printing. "To put it simply: I used the printer to improve the device itself."

Finding solutions, being creative and the precise, minute precision work: all of this also fascinates Rehan about his subject of mechatronics. This consists of parts of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science. Mechatronics students are multi-talented and can later analyze problems from all angles. This makes them highly sought-after in the globalized and digitalized industry.

Rehan thinks the cliché of the antisocial technology nerd is outdated: "If you have studied mechatronics, you are often the interface in the company, for example between the mechanical engineer and the electrical engineer. You work closely with others and have to put yourself in their shoes."

You can find out more about the Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics at the University of Kassel here: www.uni-kassel.de/go/b_mechatronik

Studying even without a high school diploma

Before studying, Rehan trained as a mechatronics technician at a car manufacturer. The company needed his expertise, supported his studies with a scholarship and offered him a permanent position after graduation. The experience he gained during his apprenticeship benefits him during his studies: "Of course, it helps that I have already acquired a certain amount of discipline and practical skills."

You can also study at the University of Kassel without a general higher education entrance qualification, i.e. the traditional Abitur, for example with a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification or training plus professional experience. Rehan himself has the Fachabitur. He wants to encourage others: "Of course it was difficult at the beginning. For the people with A-levels, for example, the preliminary math course was just a repetition, but for me a lot of things were new. The others are already swimming and you're just trying to keep your head above water, which isn't a nice feeling. In the end, I passed the exam! If you stay on the ball, it's doable even without an A-level."

The regular mentoring sessions with the professors helped him to persevere: "They really motivated me. In the first and second semesters, there is a fixed appointment where you can ask any questions. But we can always come to the consultation hours outside of these appointments too."

Are you interested in studying without a traditional Abitur? You can find more information here: https://www.uni-kassel.de/go/Durchblick_bekommen

"The professors barbecued for everyone"

Rehan likes to go to the gym to clear his head. Jovana is involved in the student council. The student council organizes events for students in the Faculty and represents their interests within the university. For Jovana, this is an opportunity to get to know her fellow students better: "For me, it's simply part of studying to do something together outside of study groups or lecture halls. The atmosphere here in the Faculty and the way we interact with each other is very relaxed. We recently organized a summer party where the professors grilled sausages for everyone."

"Three years ago, I didn't even think I would study"

The two are confident about their future. Jovana is aiming for a management position: "I'm already the technology expert for friends. If you go on to study electrical engineering, it makes sense to pass on your knowledge professionally at some point and guide others." Rehan wants to keep everything open after graduation: "I'm letting it come to me. Three years ago, I didn't even think I would go to university later!"

The article originally appeared in: "StadtZeit Kassel", No. 117, Volume 20 (August/September 2023 issue). The entire magazine is available online at https://stadtzeit-kassel.de/pdf/StadtZeit-117.pdf