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." Her ability to think logically and mathematically became apparent at an early age: "When I was sixteen, I taught myself image editing and film editing. At some point I needed a better computer for that, but my pocket money was tight. So I did some research and built one myself from inexpensive parts." But she didn't want to become a photographer or filmmaker: "At some point, I realized that it was the technical questions that interested me: How is a camera built? How does a computer work? How does energy flow in circuits?"

The diversity of electrical engineering convinced Jovana

At first, Jovana was still wavering between two subjects: electrical engineering and computer science. The multifaceted nature of electrical engineering finally tipped the scales. "We also learn a bit of programming. But in addition, there is a lot of other content and practical parts." The students test their knowledge in practice, for example, in the model factory, a highly automated industrial plant in miniature. Here, students from different disciplines can work together on practical projects to learn about the control and monitoring of such factories and prepare themselves optimally for their future work in Industry 4.0.

Technology enthusiasts at the University of Kassel also bring their personal interests to the table: They tinker in various AGs, for example on microcontrollers, 3D printers or in the Hercules Racing Team. The latter competes annually with a self-designed racing vehicle against teams from more than 500 other universities. Along the way, they make their first contacts with companies.

Jovana works in the automotive industry during the semester breaks. "Transmissions for electric cars are produced at our site. Standing in the factory, applying the theory from my studies to a real transmission and understanding how it works - that's just great fun!" Her employer is currently in the midst of an enormous transformation toward 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 pushing the issue of sustainability for a long time. The newly founded Kassel Institute for Sustainability is strengthening this focus even further and will launch additional degree programs with a sustainability focus in the future. Already, however, employers know that graduates like Jovana are prepared to help shape the transformations of the future.

You can find out more about the bachelor's degree program 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, on cars for example, and on 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. That optimizes cooling during printing. "So simply put, I used the printer to improve the device itself."

Finding solutions, being creative and the exact, teeny-tiny fine work: all of this also fascinates Rehan about his mechatronics major. This consists of parts of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science. Mechatronics engineers are multi-talented and can later analyze problems from all angles. This makes them very much in demand in the globalized and digitalized industry.

Rehan finds the cliché of the antisocial technology nerd 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 program in mechatronics at the University of Kassel here: www.uni-kassel.de/go/b_mechatronik

Studying even without a high school diploma

Before starting his studies, Rehan trained as a mechatronics technician at a car manufacturer. The company needs his expertise, supports his studies with a scholarship and offers him a permanent position after he graduates. The experience from the apprenticeship benefits him in his studies: "It helps, of course, that I've already acquired a certain discipline and practical basics."

At the University of Kassel, it is also possible to study without a general university entrance qualification, i.e. the classic Abitur, for example with a subject-related university entrance qualification or an apprenticeship plus work experience. Rehan himself has a specialized baccalaureate. He wants to encourage others: "Of course it was difficult at the beginning. For people with a high school diploma, 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 at first you're just trying to stay afloat, which is not a nice feeling. In the end, I passed the exam! If you stay on the ball, it's doable even without a high school diploma."

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

Are you interested in studying without a traditional high school diploma? More info here: https://www.uni-kassel.de/go/Durchblick_bekommen

"The profs had a barbecue for everyone".

To clear his head, Rehan likes to do sports at the gym. Jovana is involved in the student council. The student council organizes events for students in the department 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 rooms. The atmosphere here in the department and the way we interact with each other are very relaxed. The other day we organized a summer party, where the profs grilled sausages for everyone."

"Three years ago, I didn't even think I'd be studying."

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