“KIA (sandwich-style) degree course” was the topic of the 6th Theme Night on September 1, 2016, at the Treffpunkt: HSZG in Weißwasser. Interested high school students and their parents accepted the invitation to receive helpful tips and additional information about the application process and KIA procedures. Mr. Paetzold, the university’s KIA officer, was on hand to answer their questions. He was supported by Mr. Hoffmann, a career counselor for academic professions at the Bautzen Employment Agency; Mr. Sawicki from the Dresden Chamber of Industry and Commerce; Mr. T. Schneider from the Dresden Chamber of Crafts, Mr. Hörtinger, power plant manager at VATTENFALL AG, KIA graduate Mr. Rehle, and KIA student Tobias Köther from Kreisel GmbH & Co KG.
The following topics related to choosing a career, degree program, and company; the application process; college life; and life in Zittau were discussed:
Career and company selection
Information about the KIA (sandwich-style) degree course is available at the Bautzen Employment Agency, Weißwasser branch. Partner companies report their open apprenticeship positions there. It’s a good idea to schedule an appointment about 18 months before the application period to receive personalized guidance.
The following events are great opportunities to get to know the area, gather information, and network:
• On September 24, 2016, the “Education Action Day,” organized by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), will take place in Dresden.
• The HSZG College Information Day will take place on January 12, 2017,
• the KarriereStart career fair in Dresden from January 20, 2017, to January 22, 2017, and
• the Insidertreff in Löbau on May 20, 2017.
Application
Applications for a KIA apprenticeship position at the selected company should be submitted by September/October of the year prior to the start of studies. For companies not yet listed as KIA partners, ask if this possibility exists.
Small companies in particular can be very attractive because they occupy niche markets and can therefore be very successful.
Once a company has been selected, it makes sense to complete an internship there beforehand. This allows you to get a feel for the company and determine whether an apprenticeship there is a good fit for you. Once the apprenticeship contract is signed, nothing stands in the way of submitting an application for the KIA (sandwich-style) degree course at HSZG.
Program The alternation between academic study and vocational training follows a 4-week cycle.
The foundational phase lasts 2 ½ years, after which you can decide which specialization you wish to pursue to complete your degree. Whether you choose a Bachelor’s or a Diplom degree depends on your personal goals and the specific company’s requirements.
After earning a Bachelor’s or Diplom degree, students have the option to pursue a Master’s degree (including interdisciplinary programs, such as business administration or project management). Here, too, it is important to align your choices with the company’s needs.
During a KIA (sandwich-style) degree course, students can earn additional qualifications, such as a driver safety training course at the Lausitzring or TÜV certificates following courses on occupational safety and PLCs. An Engineering Communication course (including a martial arts workshop) is also offered as a weekend event.
Advantages of the KIA (sandwich-style) degree course
- A career start without a training period—you already know your colleagues and the company, including all its processes. More practice-oriented and varied than a traditional degree program
- Additional skilled-worker certification
- Compensation from the company for financial independence
- Excellent career opportunities
- Predictable risks (skilled worker certification halfway through the program as a “safety net”)
Life in Zittau
You have the option to apply for a dorm room; alternatively, you can stay in one of the housing association’s “KIA Buildings.” This offers the advantage of being among “like-minded people” with whom you can learn and, according to our graduates, thereby strengthening teamwork skills.
The recreational opportunities in the city itself and its surroundings—including the Zittau Mountains and Lake Olbersdorf—as well as the proximity to neighboring countries were rated very good.
What if the degree is at risk?
If a student is unable to complete their degree, there is the option—upon consultation—to complete training as a skilled tradesman. And in the event of complete withdrawal, the Chamber of Crafts (HWK) is reportedly happy to help identify a career path in the skilled trades.
Toward the end, a returnee (Mr. G. Schneider) spoke about career opportunities in Lausitz, noting that, in his own words, he was inundated with good job offers and that it’s therefore worth returning—though it also makes sense to explore opportunities further afield.
In summary, those present agreed that a KIA (sandwich-style) degree course requires motivation and academic ability. Everyone must decide for themselves what they want and where they want to go in order to forge their own path.
After all questions had been answered, the evening concluded in a relaxed atmosphere with this message to the students: “Go out into the world, but come back.”
https://www.kia-studium.de/
Contact:
k.reinke@hszg.de