Making contacts for the future with the Deutschlandstipendium

“I know I’m learning things that will really be useful to me later on,” says 21-year-old Hanna Poß about her mechanical engineering degree. She receives financial support through the Deutschlandstipendium. She says this is also an interesting opportunity to make new connections—including with companies that could be potential employers after she graduates.

Hanna Poß is currently in her second semester of the bachelor’s program in mechanical engineering. “I really enjoyed math and physics in high school,” she says, explaining her choice of major. She specifically chose mechanical engineering “because the program is very broad and offers many career options.” What makes her degree program special? “I know that I’m learning things that I’ll actually be able to put to use later on.” It’s not just about theory, “but in the end, you come away with something you can actually use.”

Exciting Opportunities in the Field of Future Technologies

In fact, exciting opportunities in the field of future technologies await graduates of her program: “Many of my fellow students want to pursue careers in the automotive industry,” she says. With the right degree, you can also get involved in the energy transition, actively contributing to environmental protection and renewable energy: “That involves photovoltaic systems or wind turbines and their fluid dynamics. Or you might focus on electric mobility and hydrogen.”

Sustainability and resource conservation—these themes underpin all these future developments. Hanna Poß: “With the help of specialized computer programs, it’s already possible today, for example, to develop components that allow us to focus on what’s essential. And that means less material is needed.” She could definitely see herself working in research later on. Because, based on her first impression, what the scientists in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at RPTU are accomplishing is “fascinating and exciting.”

Setting Her Own Focus Areas Already in the Bachelor’s Program

Her focus now is on her bachelor’s degree. In the first two semesters, she was already able to engage with virtual product development—that is, simulations—and programming work: “Computer Science has become an integral part of our program.” Starting as early as the fifth semester, bachelor’s students have a variety of electives to choose from: options include product development, automotive engineering, materials science and engineering, production engineering, computational engineering, applied Computer Science, as well as mechatronics and automation technology. Hanna Poß is certain that she wants to continue on to the master’s program at RPTU afterward. She really likes the university, and not just because of the friendly atmosphere and the open-door policy: “I think the campus-based 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 programs—and has joined a dance group there.

The Advantage of the Germany Scholarship: Financial Freedom and New Connections

The mechanical engineering student receives funding through the Germany Scholarship. This is a program run by the federal government in which half of a young talent’s tuition is covered by a sponsor—who can be a private individual or a company. The federal government contributes an additional 150 euros per month, so that particularly high-achieving and dedicated students have an extra 300 euros in their pockets.

How did she discover this opportunity for support? Hanna Poß: “Before starting my studies, I had a meeting with the academic advising office—right in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.” Because of her good grades and her volunteer work, the Germany Scholarship came up during that conversation. “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 another field asked me questions about my resume, my hobbies, and my volunteer work.” She was very pleased to receive the subsequent approval of her scholarship.

The Deutschlandstipendium offers the opportunity to focus more on my studies—I don’t have to worry as much about money. At the same time, however, it also allows me to make interesting new connections, as Hanna Poß emphasizes: “My sponsor is ITW Fastener Products GmbH in Enkenbach-Alsenborn.” A company that manufactures fasteners—made of plastic or metal—for the automotive industry. “The interaction with the company is great. I’ve already been invited on factory tours.” She’s also already been offered the prospect of internships and the opportunity to complete course projects at the company. “It’s not something you can take for granted—that as a student, you’d have this kind of connection with a company.”

Another plus: The scholarship recipients also get to know one another. At the twice-yearly main events centered around the Deutschlandstipendium at RPTU, she also gets to meet the other sponsors, including representatives from various companies, reports Hanna Poß. This allows them to explore internship opportunities—or even to find out where and in what roles mechanical engineers are in demand. “I can only recommend the Deutschlandstipendium to everyone. You should just give it a try by applying. More people are accepted than you might initially think.”

Study groups and friends are important for your studies

But let’s get back to your studies: What’s challenging about your field? “You hear from many sources that studying mechanical engineering is difficult. Yes, it’s not easy. But you shouldn’t let that intimidate you.” At RPTU, you can get help and support from many sources. “The professors’ doors are open. For example, you can ask questions during a lecture.” In fact, that’s explicitly encouraged. “The older students are also there to help.”

And she recommends: “You can’t get through this program on your own. Find friends and join a study group.” Having taken advanced courses in math and physics in high school isn’t absolutely necessary. However, you should already have a basic understanding of math. “Also, don’t be too proud to ask a question for the sixth time if you don’t understand something.” And furthermore: “To get through your studies successfully, a certain amount of ambition doesn’t hurt either.”

Volunteer Work Helps with Personal Development

One criterion for selection for the Germany Scholarship was volunteer work. Hanna Poß: “I’ve been involved in Catholic youth work for many years, including with the Zweibrücken local chapter. We organize camping trips for children and teenagers.” She’s also been part of the diocesan training team for almost two years, where she trains group leaders herself. It’s an activity that helps her grow personally—and acquire skills that can be useful in her studies: “I’ve already learned a lot about communication, like how to speak in front of a group.” She’s also been able to develop good time management skills through this work, which helps immensely with her studies. “And I’ve learned how to give feedback. When you offer criticism, you have to convey it to the person in a way that’s constructive and helps them learn from it.” It’s clear that Hanna Poß is eager to grow and succeed in her studies. And that’s exactly where the Deutschlandstipendium can provide excellent support.