Accounts from students and graduates of the Cooperative State University (formerly University of Cooperative Education)

Björn Sikora
Mr Björn Sikora studied at the University of Cooperative Education (comment: now DHBW Mannheim) between 2003 and 2006 and successfully graduated as a Mechatronics Engineer.

Björn Sikora has kindly agreed to answer some questions

SP: What was your dual study programme like?
BS: Before studying at the University of Cooperative Education (comment: now Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University), I completed my civil service, so studying was a whole new experience.
I was interested in combining my studies with working in a company, and I researched which companies offered this kind of study programme. After applying to various companies, I decided to train at Schenck Process. Schenck Process has long-standing ties with the University of Cooperative Education (comment: now DHBW Mannheim). The Training Department managed the study programme centrally, and you received feedback from the appropriate training supervisors after the theory and practical training phases. You also discussed with them the direction you wanted to focus on.

SP: What, for you, has been the highlight of working at Schenck Process to date?
BS: Being given a permanent contract in the Service Department after my degree.

SP: What are you doing now after your degree and what do you like about your job?
BS: Until March 2009, I worked as a Service Engineer in Vibratory Equipment. In the Service Department, I commissioned and accepted plants all over the world. I travelled to countries I would never have otherwise gone to. I really enjoyed working with the customers, the international element and the experience I gained with the company's products. In April 2009 I switched to selling vibratory equipment. Following my induction phase, I became responsible for my own sales area. What is strange for me is that now, as a Sales Engineer, I wear a suit to visit customers who previously knew me as a Service Engineer in overalls.

SP: What do you think of Schenck Process as an employer?
BS: Schenck Process is a good employer. I really like the company's internationality and global network. Even during your training, you're given the opportunity to do a semester abroad at another of the company's locations.

SP: What would you say to pupils interested in this kind of degree? What do you have to bring to the table?
BS: You should clarify the location question, because this type of degree isn't offered everywhere. You should have done well in school, particularly in maths and science. The degree is demanding, but the benefit is the practical experience you gain here. You can also get insights into the various departments of a company during the practical training phases. Even while you are studying, you get the opportunity to start building up a network of contacts. I also find it good that you are already familiar with some of the company's processes. It of course makes it easier when you start working with a company following your degree.

SP: What do you do in your spare time?
BS: I regularly go jogging and like cycling a lot. At the moment I'm also busy renovating and reconstructing my home.

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Björn Sikora
Mechatronics degree programme, now works as a Sales Engineer

„I travelled to countries I would never have otherwise gone to.“