Interview with Katja Böhmer

Why did you decide to opt for the "dual studies" programme, combining work with university? And what was the particular attraction of "Digital Technologies"?

Before starting on "Digital Technologies" I had already studied something else, which is why it was now important for me to earn money while completing a second degree. That drew my attention to the dual courses offered by Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences. I was also attracted by the idea of studying in blocks, meaning that the theory and practice phases would alternate. This would provide ample time to prepare for exams without having to study in the evenings after work.

I decided to study "Digital Technologies" because I was interested in programming. Unfortunately we did not learn much programming at school because there was a shortage of IT and Engineering teachers. But without majoring in IT at school, I was still able to keep up.

What expectations did you have at the beginning of your course, and have they been fulfilled?

I expected a dual studies programme to be a lot of work and very exhausting. That is usually the case, but because we learn the theory in blocks, we can switch off from it during the practical phases and relax in the evenings. I had also expected to study a lot of IT. That has partly been the case, but overall I would have liked to learn more about technical aspects. The focus of "Digital Technologies" is far more on data processing and data handling, with modules such as Data Science, Big Data/ Data Mining or Machine Learning. The course also contains non-technical subjects, such as Business or Marketing. Like in most technical degree courses, there is a lot of Maths.

"At steute I particularly like the good atmosphere between the colleagues. Students are also taken seriously and are given responsibility for their own tasks."

Tell us about your practical blocks. What do you do all day at steute, and what are your main tasks?

I don't really have a "typical day". In each practical phase I have different projects to work on, some of which I have to write up for University in the form of extended essays. During my time at steute I have tested and documented software, but have also programmed my own modules, for example for the steute Sensor Bridge.

What makes steute a good company to train at?

At steute I particularly like the good atmosphere between the colleagues. Students are also taken seriously and are given responsibility for their own tasks.

Since I have a long journey to work, flexible working hours and the possibility to work from home are very important, both of which are possible at steute.