Use the Deutschlandstipendium to make contacts for the future

“I know that I'm learning things that I can really use later,” says 21-year-old Hanna Poß about her mechanical engineering degree. She receives financial support in the form of the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship. This is also an interesting opportunity to make new contacts, she says – including with companies that could potentially hire her after she graduates.

Hanna Poß is currently in her second semester of the bachelor's degree program in mechanical engineering. “At school, I really enjoyed math and physics,” she says, explaining her choice of subject. She also chose mechanical engineering specifically ‘because the course is very broad-based and offers many career options’. What is special about her course? ‘I know that I am learning things that I can really use later.’ It's not just about theory, ”but in the end, you get something that you can use.”

Exciting tasks in the field of future technologies

In fact, graduates of her subject can look forward to exciting tasks in the field of future technologies: “Many of my fellow students want to work in the automotive industry later on,” she says. With the right degree, you can also get involved in the field of energy transition, and work in environmental protection and renewable energies: “It's about photovoltaic systems or wind turbines and their fluid mechanics. Or you can work on electromobility and hydrogen.”

Sustainability and resource conservation – these topics are at the heart of all these future developments. Hanna Poß: “With the help of special computer programs, components can already be developed today that help to focus on the essentials. And that means less material is needed.” In principle, she could imagine working in research later on. Because what the scientists at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at RPTU achieve is, according to her first impression, “fascinating and exciting.”

Set your own priorities as early as the bachelor's program

Now she is working on her bachelor's degree. In the first two semesters, she was already able to deal with virtual product development, i.e. with simulations, and programming work: “Computer science is now an integral part of our studies.” From the fifth semester onwards, bachelor's students can choose from a range of options: 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 will then want to do a Master's at the RPTU. She likes the university very much, not only because of the family 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 likes the university's sports program – and has joined a dance group there.

The advantages of the Deutschlandstipendium: financial freedom and new contacts

The mechanical engineering student is supported by the Deutschlandstipendium. This is a program of the German federal government in which young talents are supported by a sponsor for half of their studies – these can be private individuals or companies. The federal government contributes a further 150 euros per month, so that particularly high-performing and committed students have an additional 300 euros in their pockets.

How did she find out about this funding opportunity? Hanna Poß: “Before I started my studies, I had an interview at the student advisory service. Right in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.” Because of her good grades and her volunteer work, the Deutschlandstipendium was mentioned. “I applied and was invited to an interview at Villa Denis” – that was a week before the start of 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 very pleased about the subsequent funding approval.

The Deutschlandstipendium offers the opportunity to concentrate more on your studies – you have to worry less about money. At the same time, however, it is also possible to make interesting new contacts, as Hanna Poß emphasizes: “My sponsor is ITW Fastener Products GmbH from Enkenbach-Alsenborn.” A company that deals with the production of plastic or metal fasteners for the automotive industry. “The exchange with the company is great. I have already been invited on factory tours.” She has also been offered internships and the opportunity to write a research paper at the company. ”It's not a matter of course for a student to have such contacts with a company.”

Another advantage is that the scholarship holders also get to know each other. At the main Deutschlandstipendium events at the RPTU, which take place twice a year, she also gets to know the other sponsors, including various companies, reports Hanna Poß. This provides an opportunity to explore possibilities for internships – or even the question of where and in what function mechanical engineers are in demand. “I can only recommend the Deutschlandstipendium to everyone. You should just go for it. More people are accepted than you might initially think.”

Study groups and friends are important for your studies

But back to your studies: what is challenging about your subject? “You hear from many sides that mechanical engineering studies are difficult. Yes, it is not easy. But you can't let it intimidate you.“ You get help and support from many sides at the RPTU. ‘The lecturers’ doors are open. For example, you can ask questions during a lecture.” That's explicitly encouraged. “The older students also help.”

And she recommends: “You can't do the course on your own. Find some friends and form a study group.” It's not absolutely necessary to have taken advanced mathematics and physics classes at high school. But you should have a basic understanding of mathematics. “And don't be afraid to ask for the sixth time if you don't understand something.” And also: “To do well in your studies, a certain amount of ambition won't hurt either.”

Volunteering helps with personal development

One criterion for selection for the Germany Scholarship was volunteering. Hanna Poß: ”I have been involved in Catholic youth work for many years, partly in the Zweibrücken local group. We organize camping trips for children and young people.” On the other hand, she has been a member 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 can be useful in her studies: “I have 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 are extremely helpful in her studies. “And I have learned how to give feedback. When you criticize something, you have to tell the person concerned in such a way that it is constructive and they learn something from it.” It is clear that Hanna Poß is keen to develop and wants to master her studies. And this is precisely where the Deutschlandstipendium can provide very good support.

Author: Christine Pauli