The company Gamma from Oberkotzau in the district of Hof shows what promoting young talent looks like in practice: With great openness and commitment, the company supports its dual students at the Faculty of Computer Science at Hof University of Applied Sciences – even across national borders. Isabell Pankalla and Nico Eberlein are two of a total of three dual students at the telecommunications company, who are currently in their second, fourth and sixth semesters of the training-integrated form of study.
This means that they are combining an apprenticeship with a degree course – a challenging task that can only succeed with a great deal of personal commitment and a supportive practice partner.
Across national borders
The company itself knows the value of international experience: This is why Nico Eberlein was given the opportunity to spend a semester abroad at Narxoz University in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Isabell Pankalla also benefited from this openness – she traveled to Almaty for a week to visit her fellow student and attend international courses together. On site, the students explored several partner universities together with students from Narxoz University, took part in courses and gained valuable intercultural impressions.
“A very unique vibe”
Isabell Pankalla reports:
I found the contrast in Almaty particularly exciting – there are old Soviet buildings right next to modern skyscrapers, which gives the city a very unique vibe that you don’t get from cities in this country.”
Isabell Pankalla
She continues: “What also impressed me was the incredible hospitality: we were invited to dinner several times and there was so much food each time that we could hardly try it all. The mountains around Almaty were also a highlight. The nature was simply beautiful.”
Gamma focuses on international training
For us, DUAL means actively supporting students – both professionally and personally – and offering them opportunities that go beyond the usual.”
Klaus Kapp, Head of IT Training at Gamma
The company is not only positioning itself as an attractive employer, but also as an active contributor to international education.
University supports with know-how and network
The dual model is also intensively supported by Hof University of Applied Sciences. Prof. Dr. Sebastian Leuoth, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science, explains:
“The dual study program combines in-depth specialist knowledge with real practical experience – and this is exactly what makes our graduates so sought-after. When companies also offer international perspectives, they create sustainable educational biographies. Hof University of Applied Sciences supports this with expertise, partner networks and a firm commitment to facilitating individual development.”
Prof. Dr. Sebastian Leuoth
