Dual study electrical engineering - electronics

Hello, my name is Jonas and I am currently studying electrical engineering. As my Abitur came closer and closer, I started to think about my further education. After a little research on the Internet, I quickly came across the DHBW's dual system. This type of study appealed to me a lot, because after twelve years of theory at school, I finally wanted to get into the working world. You can apply the knowledge you learn in the theory phases relatively quickly in the practical phases. In addition, even during the theoretical phases, your living expenses are covered by the training allowance and you can concentrate on your studies.

When I was looking for a suitable company, Testo Industrial Services immediately caught my eye in the list of DHBW Lörrach's dual partners. Since I come from the Dreisamtal, I was already familiar with the name as a good training company. After I then found out more on the Testo Industrial Services website, I was sure that I wanted to apply there.

After some time, we received an invitation to the assessment center. We were first given a short presentation about the company. Then there were several group and individual tasks, which were presented at the end of each task. At the end of the assessment center there was a kind of general knowledge test and an individual interview.
After the assessment center, I received an invitation to a second appointment. Here, a former student first gave me a tour of the company, told me about his own experiences and gave me more detailed information about the course of study. After that, I had a second interview with the head of training and a member of the management team, and then I was accepted for my dual study program.

Before the actual start of the studies, I completed a four-week preliminary internship, as is customary at Testo Industrial Services. This started with a joint introductory week for all new students and trainees. During this week, we were introduced to the company and everything we needed to know to get started in the working world was explained. You were also able to make initial contacts with other trainees.

After the introductory week at the beginning of September, I started in my first department, the high-frequency laboratory. Here, too, I received a very friendly welcome and learned a lot. I could always ask anything I wanted. In addition, a lot was explained to me about the calibration processes and equipment, even apart from my question. In the beginning, I was introduced to the calibration of frequency generators and counters and was allowed to perform this independently very quickly. Later, I was shown many other calibrations of the laboratory, such as network analyzers or power meters, which I was then also allowed to perform independently.
During the further practical phases, I was also in other departments with an electrical background. I was supported everywhere in all matters. This applies to my daily work as well as to the various projects that are part of my studies.

After my first practical phase, the first theory phase began at the DHBW Lörrach.
Unfortunately, this was mostly online, except for a few lab days on site, as Corona was still very acute at the time. This meant that personal contact with most of my fellow students was unfortunately not possible. However, you still got to know each other better through online events such as joint game nights.
The lectures took place in groups of 20-40 people. This meant that most of the students were directly involved in the lecture, which made it easy to follow.
Due to the practical orientation of the lecturers, we often gained insights into their own experiences or case studies.
From the 3rd theory semester on, the lectures were mostly in attendance. This had the advantage that you could get to know your fellow students better. Among other things, this created new learning groups, which led to joint learning on site.

In addition to my daily work in the lab, I also work on trainee projects. In doing so, I constantly get to know new people from a wide variety of departments. I can also expand my skills in other areas, away from the classic technical field. I really enjoy the meetings and working together among trainees.

In general, you can turn to the training instructor or students from a higher semester with any problems or questions during both the practical and theory phases. Contact with each other does not stop during the theory phases, as team meetings and "student get-togethers" take place at regular intervals to exchange information. 

I am currently in my second year of studies. So far, I can only report positive things about Testo Industrial Services.