Interview: Dual study programme – a combination of university and company lif

Mikko on his industrial engineering studies at the Nordakademie and his parallel work at Elektrosil.

 

Mikko, how did you come to Elektrosil?

I already knew at school that I would like to study industrial engineering. Elektrosil's partner university, the Nordakademie, is very close to me and convinced me of itself at an information event.

I then came across Elektrosil via the university's website, first qualified for a course of study at the Nordakademie and then applied to Elektrosil. I already had my job and study place at Elektrosil and the Nordakademie before I graduated from high school and could start directly in the university and working world.

 

Wie läuft dein Studium parallel zum Arbeiten bei Elektrosil ab?

The lectures at the Nordakademie are always in blocks in the Bachelor's degree programmes. Once every six months, I have 10 weeks of lectures and exams on campus. The rest of the time I work at Elektrosil. I am studying industrial engineering, so I have both engineering modules such as electrical engineering or technical mechanics and economic modules such as financial accounting or business administration at the university.

By alternating between theory at university and practical application at Elektrosil, I never get bored. In general, I see the constant variety during my dual studies as the biggest advantage. In contrast to a regular course of study, I have the opportunity to put what I learn theoretically into practice or to understand the theory more easily with the help of projects and tasks from practice.

 

Mikko assembling a test stand.

 

What exactly is your job at Elektrosil and what do you particularly like about it?

My field of activity as a dual student could not be more varied. During my studies, I regularly change the department I work in, so I ended up working everywhere. As a result, the tasks change again and again and you come into contact with all colleagues. And I think that's exactly what I like best: the constant variety and the cooperation with colleagues from all areas. As a result, I learn new things about our products and processes every day.

Apart from that, the so-called transfer assignments are a main component of a dual course of study at the Nordakademie. These are assignments that are to be written in the time between the theory semesters. The idea is to apply the theory from the university in a practical way in the company. The combination of theory and practice in these transfer assignments ensures that you can incorporate your own ideas and the knowledge you have acquired into your work. I really like it when I realise that I have learned applicable knowledge at the university and have the opportunity to apply it.

 

How would you describe the team at Elektrosil and what qualities do you appreciate in your colleagues?

Very colourful! (laughs) But what they all have in common is openness and helpfulness. Everyone has an open ear for questions and also takes the time to explain things to you precisely and deeply. This has often helped me both for theory at university and for practice at Elektrosil.

Due to the regular change of department, I have already worked directly with almost everyone at Elektrosil and – whether in supply chain management, the development department, accounting, sales/marketing or quality, project or product management – I have had the experience that I am supported in my work and studies as a dual student.

 

Setting up a long-term environmental simulation.

 

What advice would you give to those who are interested in dual studies?

Being curious is the most important thing. If you are interested and ask questions, you can also learn many helpful and exciting things outside the university. Of course, the effort of studying and working is higher than with regular studies. This requires discipline. But if you are willing to invest the time and effort, a dual study program not only brings theoretical knowledge, but also practical experience and skills that you would not otherwise acquire.

What you should also not forget when thinking about a dual study program is that you already receive a monthly salary during your studies without doing a mini-job or the like on the side. I am still very satisfied with my decision to do a dual study program at Elektrosil and, if I could choose again now, I would choose it again.

 

Examination of an electric motor.