Making contacts for the future with the Deutschlandstipendium

"I know that I'm learning things that I can really do something with later," says 21-year-old Hanna Poß about her mechanical engineering degree. She is receiving financial support from the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship. This is also an interesting opportunity to make new contacts, she says - including with companies that could be potential employers after graduation.

Hanna Poß is currently in her second semester of a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. "I really enjoyed math and physics at school," she says, explaining her choice of subject. Specifically, she chose mechanical engineering "because the course is very broadly based and offers many career options". What is special about her degree program? "I know that I'm learning things that I can really do something with later on." It's not just about theory, "but in the end you end up with something you can use."

Exciting tasks in the field of future technologies

In fact, exciting jobs in the field of future technologies await graduates of her subject: "Many of my fellow students want to work in the automotive industry later on," she says. With a relevant degree, you can also get involved in the energy transition and help with environmental protection and renewable energies: "It's about photovoltaic systems or wind turbines and their flow mechanisms. Or you can work on electromobility and hydrogen."

Sustainability and resource conservation - these topics are at the forefront of all these future developments. Hanna Poß: "With the help of special computer programs, it is already possible to develop components that focus on the essentials. And this means that less material is needed." In principle, she can imagine working in research later on. Her first impression is that the work of the scientists at RPTU's Department of Mechanical Engineering is "fascinating and exciting".

Setting her own priorities on the Bachelor's degree course

Now it's all about the Bachelor's degree for her. In the first two semesters, she has already been able to work on virtual product development, i.e. simulations, and programming work: "Computer science is now an integral part of our degree course." From the fifth semester onwards, Bachelor students can choose from a range of options: They can choose from product development, automotive engineering, materials science and materials engineering, production engineering, computational engineering, applied computer science, mechatronics and automation technology. Hanna Poß is certain that she wants to do a Master's degree at RPTU afterwards. She really likes the university, and not just because of the informal atmosphere and the open doors: "I think the campus university is great. Everything is in one place. You can quickly get to the Palatinate Forest to relax. And Kaiserslautern is a great city to live in." She also really likes the university's sports facilities - and has joined a dance group there.

Plus point of the Deutschlandstipendium: financial freedom and new contacts

The mechanical engineering student is supported by the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship. This is a federal government program in which young talents receive half of their funding from a sponsor - this can be a private individual or a company. The federal government contributes a further 150 euros per month, so that particularly high-achieving and committed students have an extra 300 euros in their pockets.

How did she discover this support opportunity? Hanna Poß: "I had an interview with the student advisory service before I started my studies. Directly at the Department of Mechanical Engineering." Due to her good grades and her voluntary work, the Deutschlandstipendium was one of the topics discussed. "I applied for it and was invited to an interview at Villa Denis." That was a week before she started her studies: "The sponsor, a professor from our department and a professor from outside the department asked me questions about my CV, my hobbies and my voluntary work." She was delighted when she was subsequently awarded the scholarship.

The Deutschlandstipendium gives you the opportunity to concentrate more on your studies - you don't have to worry so much about money. At the same time, you can also make interesting new contacts, as Hanna Poß emphasizes: "My sponsor is ITW Fastener Products GmbH from Enkenbach-Alsenborn." A company that specializes in the production of fastening elements - made of plastic or metal - for the automotive industry. "The exchange with the company is great. I've already been invited on factory tours." She has also been offered internships and the opportunity to write her dissertation at the company. "It's not a given that you have such contact with a company as a student."

Another plus point: the scholarship holders also get to know each other. Hanna Poß reports that she also gets to know the other sponsors, including various companies, at the main events held twice a year for the Deutschlandstipendium at RPTU. Opportunities for internships can be explored in this way - or even the question of where and in what function mechanical engineers are in demand there. "I can only recommend the Deutschlandstipendium to anyone. You should just give it a try with an application. More people are accepted than you might initially think."

Study group and friends are important for your studies

But back to your studies: what is challenging about your subject? "Many people say that studying mechanical engineering is difficult. Yes, it's not easy. But you shouldn't let that intimidate you." You get help and support from many sides at RPTU. "The lecturers' doors are open. You can ask questions during a lecture, for example." This is even explicitly encouraged. "The older students also help."

And she recommends: "You can't study alone. Find friends and a study group." It is not absolutely necessary to have taken mathematics and physics as advanced courses in secondary school. However, you should have a basic understanding of mathematics. "Also, don't be afraid to ask for the sixth time if you don't understand something." And also: "To get through your studies well, a certain amount of ambition is not a bad thing."

Volunteering helps with personal development

One criterion for selection for the Deutschlandstipendium was voluntary work. Hanna Poß: "I've been involved in Catholic youth work for many years, firstly in the Zweibrücken local group. We organize camps for children and young people." She has also been part of the diocesan training team for almost two years, training group leaders herself. An activity that also helps her to develop personally - and to acquire skills that could be useful to her in her studies: "I've already learned a lot about communication, how to speak in front of a group." She has also been able to acquire good time management skills, which will help her immensely during her studies. "And I've learned how to give feedback. If you criticize something, you have to say it to the person in question in a way that is constructive and they learn something from it." You can tell that Hanna Poß wants to develop further and master her studies. And this is exactly where the Deutschlandstipendium can be a very good support.