Yesterday, the best students on a dual study program at a Bavarian university of applied sciences were awarded the Dualissimo prize. This year’s winners include Florian Potzel from the dual study program in International Management at Hof University of Applied Sciences.
Every two years, hochschule dual – Bavaria’s network for dual studies – together with the Bavarian metal and electrical employers’ associations bayme vbm and vbw – Vereinigung der Bayerischen Wirtschaft e. V. recognize outstanding achievements in dual studies with the “Dualissimo” award. Bertram Brossardt, Managing Director of bayme vbm vbw, together with Stephanie Jacobs, Head of Office at the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts, and the Scientific Director of hochschule dual, Prof. Dr. Thomas Geiß, presented the awards at a ceremony at the Literaturhaus in Munich.
International Management completed with distinction
Florian Potzel, a student from Hof University of Applied Sciences, was once again among the top 20 dual students this year: he completed his studies in International Management with an outstanding final grade and a place among the top 20 dual students in Bavaria.
My dual studies were characterized above all by a focus on intercultural management, foreign languages and international corporate strategy – all fields that I am very interested in.”
Florian Potzel
In addition to the theoretical content at Campus Hof, the practical phases also played a central role – especially the internship abroad and study abroad in the fourth and fifth semesters.
Surprise and gratitude
“To be honest, at the beginning of my studies I didn’t expect either the Bachelor’s grade (1.0) or this TOP 20 award,” Potzel admits openly. “I had set myself ambitious goals, but of course I couldn’t have foreseen that things would develop so positively. So it’s all the nicer now to have closed the chapter so successfully.” The award itself also means a lot to him:
‘It is a nice confirmation that the efforts and yet frequent beads of sweat during the course have paid off. At the same time, I also know how much I owe to my practice partner IREKS, but also to Hof University of Applied Sciences and the professors, who are always very competent and approachable.”
Florian Potzel
Academic and professional future in sight
Florian Potzel is already planning his next steps: “I will continue my academic career at Maastricht University in the Netherlands as part of a pre-Master’s and subsequent Master’s program in International Business. At the same time, I will remain part of the IREKS Group and support our subsidiary DREIDOPPEL as a working student in the industrial sales department.”
A competition with appeal
More than 130 graduates of the dual study program in Bavaria responded to hochschule dual’s call for applications. A jury of experts from business, science and politics selected the winners based on several criteria: In addition to excellent academic achievements and recommendations from practice partners, voluntary work and periods spent abroad were also taken into account.
Strong partners for a successful model
For the ninth time, bayme vbm and vbw are promoting dual study programs in Bavaria with the Dualissimo competition. Bertram Brossardt emphasizes:
“The dual study program offers companies across all sectors the opportunity to find capable and committed junior staff and to retain them at an early stage and with a perfect fit. […] This targeted focus on the needs of the labor market makes it a successful model for securing skilled workers.”
Voices of the award winners: A model with prospects
Bavaria’s top 5 dual students are also impressed by their study model:
Simon Feist (Electrical Engineering and Information Technology): “The combination of theory and practice offers decisive advantages that are essential for the innovative shaping of a shared future.”
Maximilian Schieweck (Master’s in Logistics): “Dual study formats are the perfect opportunity to get started straight away with professional experience, take on responsibility and build up your own network.”
Florian Braumandl (Electrical Engineering and Information Technology): “Being tied to a company is not a restriction for anyone, but opens up countless opportunities.”
Thomas Riss (Business Administration): “The dual study program is an opportunity to be financially independent so that I can concentrate fully on my studies.”
Annalena Wieser (Mechatronics): “The social idea has always played a central role for me.” She decided on a dual study program due to positive experiences from friends, the proximity to home and the convincing range of courses at the TH Deggendorf.
Recognition for practice partners and social commitment
Without the dedicated support of companies, social institutions and authorities, the dual study program would not be possible in this form. This is why the practice partners were also honored with the Talent Partner Award.
This year, the jury was particularly impressed by the social commitment of the award winners: whether organizing international ballet competitions, youth coaching, animal welfare, tutoring, supporting refugees or involvement in the student council and student parliament – the variety of commitment is huge. Many also support new dual students as mentors or take part in company events.
Role models for society, university and business
Veronika Riedl, consultant at hochschule dual, summarizes:
“The Dualissimo award winners are outstanding ambassadors for dual study programs and inspiring role models in society, higher education and business. They impressively illustrate the great potential of dual study programs and encourage us in our commitment.”
Veronika Riedl, consultant at hochschule dual
Further information on the competition and the complete laudatory speeches can be found at
www.dualissimo.de
