Two degrees, one goal

Two degrees in four years, work experience whilst still studying, and presumably better career prospects: a dual study programme combines theory and practice in a unique way. Samy Elbetar knows from his own experience what this looks like in everyday life. The 22-year-old is studying computer science on a dual degree programme at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. His verdict: it’s challenging, but it’s worth it.

It was clear from an early age that Samy would one day study Computer Science. Computers had fascinated him ever since he was a child. “I used to spend a lot of time on the PC playing Minecraft. At some point, it became clear to me: I want to study Computer Science later on."

The decisive impetus came from a school work placement in Year 11. That’s where he met his future work placement partner and was immediately enthusiastic. After a further holiday work placement, he was offered a contract for a dual study programme even before he’d taken his A-levels.

For him, this had several advantages: his study place was secured early on and he was able to stay in his home town of Magdeburg. “Back then, the company had a very family-like atmosphere. The atmosphere was great, everything was straightforward – it just was a good fit."

At the University of Magdeburg, this very model is firmly established: interested students can undertake a dual degree programme integrated with vocational training in Computer Science, Computer Visualisation, Business Informatics, Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering (Mechanical Engineering). For the computer science study programs, companies collaborate on the training to become an IT specialist in application development or system integration. After four and a half years, students graduate with two degrees: the IHK vocational degree and a Bachelor’s degree.

In day-to-day academic life, the dual study programme differs little from a traditional Bachelor’s degree. Samy attends the same lectures as all the other computer science students. The difference becomes apparent mainly outside semester-time: whilst others were on semester break, he was working full-time at the company.

That was precisely the biggest challenge for him. “As soon as the lectures were over, I went straight into a 40-hour working week. At the same time, I had to study for several exams: maths, theoretical computer science and other subjects. It was certainly intense, but you grow from the experience."

On top of that, the vocational training curriculum was on the agenda, including vocational college material as well as intermediate and final exams at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). To prepare for the exams, he used the trainees’ study materials.

For Samy, the biggest advantage of the dual study programme was the practical experience. “At the company, I learnt how software is developed professionally. You learn that at university too, but not in such depth and not from people who’ve been working in the profession for 20 years." This knowledge also helped him later on in his studies, for example with software projects or when he had to get to grips with new programming languages quickly.

With his bachelor’s degree due soon, a completed apprenticeship and several years’ professional experience, he is starting his career with a head start. Alongside the many advantages, Samy also speaks openly about the less straightforward aspects of the dual study programme. He felt that the apprenticeship allowance was rather low given the responsibilities he had within the company. “I worked as part of the team just like anyone else and took on the same tasks as the others."

In his view, the collaboration between the university and the company could also have been closer in some respects. At the same time, he emphasises that his contacts at the company provided him with excellent support throughout his apprenticeship.

Samy has now successfully completed his apprenticeship. He is currently in his eighth semester and is therefore almost on track to finish within the duration. He is particularly proud of this. “When I think about the fact that I was working full-time at the same time as sitting exams, it really does make me proud."

After his Bachelor’s degree, he would like to go on to do a Master’s. In the long term, he can envisage setting up his own business in the field of cybersecurity and IT forensics.

Anyone interested in a dual study programme should choose their industry partner carefully. “Take a close look at the company. The course is more demanding than a standard one, but if you want to programme and enjoy computer science, it’s definitely worth it. You simply have to be keen on it." His conclusion is correspondingly clear: “It’s hard work, but it pays off in the end."