Study and earn money at the same time? A dual study program is the ideal combination of theory and practice, especially at the beginning of your career. Joshua Böhm is a dual student at OAS. Today he gives us and future students information about his course of studies and the process of a dual study at OAS.
Joshua, welcome to OAS! Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions and tell us a little more about the dual study program. First of all, tell us what course of study did you choose?
Hello Janine, I am also happy to have been given this opportunity at OAS AG. I am doing the dual study in business administration. After 2 years I will finish the apprenticeship as an industrial clerk and after 7 semesters I will get a bachelor in business administration.
It's a great opportunity, what OAS offers in the field of career! How did you hear about us, do you have family, friends, acquaintances with us?
Before I started the dual study program, I didn't know anyone in Bremen. I became aware of the dual study program at OAS AG via the online job portal "Stepstone".
The various online portals now offer really good opportunities to find out about a wide range of career paths. You opted for a dual course of study instead of the usual one. Can you tell us why?
A big aspect and at the same time particularly important to me is the variety between university and company, this is what the dual study program offers me. In addition, what is otherwise the most difficult thing is to be able to apply your new knowledge right away. Thanks to the dual study program, I can put what I've learned directly into practice after each semester. It's a great feeling when you often come across topics that the professors mentioned in lectures just a short time ago.
Can you tell us more about the main difference between vocational training and a dual study program?
The dual study program takes place in monthly blocks. This means that you can concentrate completely on your studies for 3 months and then completely on your training for another 3 months. During vocational training, this often takes place at the same time, i.e. the trainees alternate between school and work during the week. The learning material is much more extensive in a dual study program than in an apprenticeship.
You've already mentioned that the subject matter of your training is much more extensive. Can you tell us whether this option is more difficult or particularly time-consuming?
The time spent at the university is extremely stressful because the same content is taught as in a normal course of study, but the semester is shorter in the dual study program. On top of that, you don't have a semester break, but rather the usual vacation days like any other employee. That doesn't leave much time for traditional student life. But we make up for that a little bit during the practical phase 😊.
Despite time-intensive training, you make a relaxed impression on me 😊. What is certainly also interesting for the future graduates, when do I apply for a dual study and especially where, at the company, at the university, at both?
Another advantage of dual studies: the company organizes everything necessary and communicates with the university. However, you still have to officially enroll and meet the deadlines, but it's really simple! The Bremen university offers, among other things, the digital variant, sometimes simply via smartphone.
Some know directly after graduation which way they want to go, others may first do an apprenticeship and then perhaps want to catch up on studies. Is it possible to do dual studies without a high school diploma?
You need a general university entrance qualification or a technical college entrance qualification. Some of my fellow students have already completed a commercial apprenticeship and are pursuing the dual study program, so you can really be very flexible.
Keyword training. The first training salary is earned and then back to study again? Everyone knows that studying costs money! Are tuition fees generally paid by the company in the case of dual studies?
The good thing is that the tuition fees are generally paid by the company. However, you have to be aware - before you start your studies - that you should not drop out of the dual study program without further ado. In this case, the tuition fees already incurred would have to be paid back to the company. In addition, you will receive a training salary for the entire duration of your training. Many students in regular studies still have to start side jobs, this additional burden does not have you as a dual student. One difference is the semester fees. I am very fortunate to have the fees reimbursed by the company, which is not the case for every fellow student. I was also provided with my own company notebook by OAS for my time at university. These are some of the many reasons why I am really grateful for the opportunity that OAS AG gives me with the dual study program.
These are interesting and really informative impressions you have given us. One last question: What advice would you give to future students/trainees?
Think in detail beforehand about whether you can handle the dual study program (a lot of stress, etc.). It really is a unique opportunity that you get and should definitely take advantage of! For someone for whom the direction is not yet clear, perhaps a more common study would be more suitable. I'm glad I decided to go for the dual study program.
Joshua, thank you very much for your time and all the best for your further way in the dual study!
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