My expectations:

My expectations of the course were that it should be varied and practical. This is the case, both in the lectures and at work. Due to the large number of different modules during the semesters and the various department visits, you are offered a varied spectrum of tasks and contents. In addition, the lecturers always include practical examples in the lectures, which makes them more tangible and easier to understand.

Tasks I like the most:

The diverse insights into the company during the practical phases and getting to know the product range inspire me. The fact that you pass through many different departments during the individual practical phases gives you a far-reaching insight into the development and production of high-tech agricultural machinery. In addition, you make many contacts during this time, which will certainly be an advantage in your later working life.

The highlight during my dual studies until now:

The journey with a XERION. At the end of a characteristic run through the various production lines, the opportunity arose to drive a XERION on the test site as part of quality assurance. This was a very special experience, as it gives you a better understanding of the products and how they work.

My daily working routine:

In the morning I first plan my day. I check when meetings take place and when I can work on my projects. I work on them until the afternoon and usually finish the day at 03:30 p.m. In Stuttgart, the days start differently because the lecture schedule is different every day. Usually the lectures take place between 08:00 a.m. and 05:00 p.m. After that, there is still time to follow up the lectures. Of course, Stuttgart's student life must not be neglected in order to create a balance.

Three qualities applicants for the dual-study programme should have:

In addition to determination and perseverance, an organizational talent is also required. As you will be working independently on projects during your studies, this is necessary for structured, results-oriented work.

My perspectives:

Since mechatronics studies deal with many areas of engineering, you have many perspectives after graduation to go into development or quality assurance, for example. In a large international group like CLAAS, you then have the opportunity to further develop your personal interests professionally after your studies.

My application tips:

In your application you should convey your interest and enthusiasm for CLAAS and its products. It is important to remain open and honest and to emphasise why the desired course of study suits you so well.

Learning by doing - Why practical experience is so important:

Practical experience deepens many contents from the lectures. In addition, you know how to apply the methods and working methods you have learned in a professional manner. Also for future topics you can build bridges to the already applied knowledge in order to achieve faster results in work and study.

Get to know more about the dual-study programme.

My expectations concerning the dual studies:

Ever since the upper school, it was clear for me that I would like to study economics in my future and also work in an internationally active company. I was able to combine this perfectly with a dual-study programme at CLAAS.  When I applied, I expected to gain a comprehensive insight into the CLAAS company and also learn the necessary theoretical background through the university. My expectations were exceed. I also had the chance, not only to meet many new people, but also to gain a lot of international experience.

Tasks I like the most:

What I particularly like about studying at CLAAS is the family and very pleasant atmosphere in the company. You feel welcome on the entire premises and are warmly welcomed in every department. During my studies I have had the opportunity to get to know several departments, such as Purchasing, Sales and Accounting. Working with regularly changing colleagues and working in the different companies has helped me to get to know the work processes at CLAAS better and thus to get a comprehensive look behind the scenes. Another positive aspect is the support staff in the respective departments, who are always available to answer questions and always help with housework. The support provided by the responsible Human Resources Department is exceptionally good. I also really like the opportunities that CLAAS offers us as dual students. This includes not only the stay abroad at one of the CLAAS locations, but also the inclusion of personal interests and wishes in the context of the assignment planning.

The highlight during my dual studies until now:

The event that has particularly stuck in my mind ist my stay abroad in Seville at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide. I was able to get to know many new people and make friendships that will last far beyond my stay abroad. I also got the chance to get to know a new culture and to explore many new places. Changing the language of lectures from Germany to English might be difficult in the beginning, but helped me a lot to expand my English and especially my vocabulary. Learning Spanish is also very enjoyable for me.

My daily working routine:

Usually my working day starts at 08:15 a.m. and ends around 04:00 p.m. The day usually starts in the morning with smaller tasks that have to be done every day. In the remaining time I take over different tasks which are assigned to me by my colleagues. These include working with SAP, but also with Excel or PowerPoint. In addition, I usually work on my own topics or projects, including in particular the preparation of theoretical work for the university and the company. One of these projects, for example, was the supervision of the shipping of presses to Australia. Depending on the department, my duties also include regular mail service. I usually spend my lunch breaks together with the other students and commercial trainees in the trainee room.

A typical day at university:

In Stuttgart, everyday university life usually consists of two lectures a day. The first lecture usually starts between 08:00 and 09:00 a.m. and ends at about 12:00 p.m. This is followed by a short lunch break and at about 01:00 p.m. the second lecture starts, which usually ends between 04:00 and 05:00 p.m. I usually use the remaining time to do sports, to do something with friends, to cook, to rework university material or to enjoy the Stuttgart student life. On weekends or days off, there is also enough time to explore Stuttgart and the surrounding area more extensively.

Three qualities applicants for the dual-study programme should have:

• Self-confidence: For a confident appearance within the company and externally, towards customers, suppliers or other external parties, it is helpful to have a healthy degree of self-confidence. Since responsibility is also transferred to you during your studies. This also helps you to approach your tasks confidently and achieve a satisfactory result.
  
• Flexibility: Since many departments assign you various tasks with different focuses, it helps to be able to react flexibly to these tasks and to quickly deal with different topics. A certain degree of flexibility is also an advantage with regard to national and international locations.
  
• Openness: I think it is positive to be open for new colleagues, subject areas or locations, as these areas often change during the course of my studies. It also makes it easier to work in the departments and to cooperate with colleagues.
  

My prospects:

After my studies, there are many opportunities at CLAAS. In addition to employment in the company beyond my studies, CLAAS also offers the possibility of staying in the company as a working student during a master's degree. After the master's degree, there is also the possibility of completing an International Trainee Programme to get to know the company even better and to promote international exchange within the company.

My application tips:

Always be yourself and honest!

Get to know more about the dual-study programme.

My expectations concerning the dual studies:

My wish was to be able to gain experience in the daily work simultaneously to the dual studies. I also wanted to find out, which area could be interesting for me after finishing the dual studies. I also knew right from the beginning, that it will be very challenging.

Tasks I like the most:

I like the versatile tasks in the practical phases. I can develop myself at CLAAS freely and you get a strong part of the team very fast. I never had the feeling that I am not a part of the team. At the end of the practical phases, it is hard for me to say goodbye to my colleagues and to move to Stuttgart again. I also like the high rate of responsibility, which is given to you during the dual studies. Moreover, I felt supported when I showed individual initiative.

The highlight during my dual studies until now:

One of my personal highlights was the first week at CLAAS, where we got to know the other students and apprentices. We had the possibility to talk to everyone, including the technical apprentices. I am still in contact with some of them until today and I think that I maybe would not know them without the introductory week. Another highlight will be my stay abroad in India, which will take part in my next practical phase.

Three qualities applicants for the dual-study programme should have:

Passion for something new, individual engagement and self-confidence will be an advantage. It is important that you show individual initiative, so you can develop yourself.

My application tips:

Your application should reflect yourself. Why am I interested in this kind of dual studies? Why is CLAAS the right company for me? Later, when you have the interview, you have to convince the conversational partners with your own features and not with others. An open talk has the best views for success and both sides can get to know each other in an honest way.

Learning by doing – Why practical experience is so important:

In the practical phases I have learned some things, which were topic in the following theoretical phases. This was very good for me, because the topics in the lectures were easier to understand. At the same time, you can do things in the company, which you have learned in the lectures before. I can network during the dual studies and I know how it is to work in a company.

Get to know more about the dual-study programme.

My expectations concerning the dual studies:

I expected that I get to know a lot of different departments and topics, but I also thought a lot about passing the dual studies. It was confirmed, that the theory times are challenging in case of many exams in a short time at the end of the semester, but it is practicable. In the different departments, I always feel welcomed and supported and my colleagues always consult my interests. At the moment, I am in the middle of my dual studies, so this arouses further curiosity.

Tasks I like the most:

In the practical phases I love the diversity of the work, which is guaranteed by different tasks, the comfortable atmosphere and the acceptance by my colleagues. I enjoy the qualitative dual studies in Stuttgart, meeting friends and get to know new people. You have to live your own life there and all of these points create a new home, form your character and expand your personal horizon.

My personal highlight:

I liked the first week, where you get to know every student and apprentice. I also liked to get a lot of information about CLAAS and the including product training. At the end of the product training, we could test our own products.

My daily working routine at CLAAS:

My day starts at 8 am. At first, I create a To-do list with my tasks of the day. After that, I work on a project, do some programming or take part in meetings. From 12:15 pm to 1 pm we have lunch break, where I go in the canteen with my colleagues and we take a walk after lunch or I meet the other apprentices and students in our commercial training room. After lunch, I work until 4 pm at my tasks. It is important to admit, that we have flexible working hours, so the starting and finishing time is not defined. Sometimes we have a meeting at 3 pm, so I have to work a bit longer than 4 pm, but I can reduce this time on another day.

A typical day at university:

My day at the university starts at 8:30 am with breakfast. After that, I go to the university, where I have lectures from 9 am until 12 am. After that, we have lunch for one hour and the second part of our lectures is from 1 pm until 5 pm. After the lectures, I prepare myself for exams or I learn the new topics of the lectures of the day. There are also days, where I relax with some friends.

Three qualities applicants for the dual-study programme should have:

• Engagement: Engagement and willingness are very important in the dual studies to understand new topics fast and to get to know your own interests.
  
• Self-sufficiency: You should be self-sufficient to master your projects and to handle the responsibility, which is given to you during the practical phases in the company.
  
• Motivation: The most important thing is to work motivated. This is important to bring good results and to never forget the fun when there are harder times.
  

My prospects:

CLAAS offers a number of opportunities to join the company after graduation, as well as the chance to continue your education and complete your Master's degree. In short, many doors are open to you.

My application tips:

In your application, you should point out your interests and why the dual-study programme is the right way for you. It is important, that you are natural and opened in the interview and without any pretence. You should convince the interviewer with your honesty. Always be polite and confident.

Learning by doing – Why practical experience is such important:

It is very important to collect practical experience during the dual studies, because some theoretical things are easier to understand when you get to know them in practice. Moreover, you can collect job experience and you can start you career after the dual studies directly, which is worth a lot in my opinion.

I would like to give the dual studies the movie title:

The CLAASianer – The story with open end

Get to know more about the dual-study programme.

The studies "Agricultural Engineering" arbitrates responsibilities of the areas Mechanical Engineering, Electronical Systems and Industrial business administration with an agricultural context, so it deals with the current technical challenges during the production and converting of agricultural raw materials.

My decision for the studies:

It was not easy for me to decide, which study program would be the best for me. On the one hand, I am really interested in technique, so first I was very interested in the studies Mechanical Engineering. On the other hand, I am convinced by agriculture. I had the chance to win great impressions during my work at an agricultural business and I have done a lot of internships in these areas, so I envolved enthusiasm for modern agricultural engineering.

You can expect the following:

The studies Agricultural Engineering at the university Weihenstephan-Triesdorf is a great combination of Mechanical Engineering and agriculture with high parts of practical apprenticeship-contents. The combination of theoretical lectures at the university, practical trainings at the agricultural school in Triesdorf and the practical phases in partner companies helps us to prepare ourselves for the career entry. The studies takes 3,5 years. After the internship (5. Semester) you can choose between the focuses "Development of Agricultural Engineering Systems" and "Marketing and Management in the agricultural business". I chose the Marketing focus, because I thought it would be really attractive for me. The internship is compulsive for every student.
Moreover, it is possible to pass the studies with recessed practice. This model is similar to the dual-studies-system. First of all, I registered myself at the university Weihenstephan-Triesdorf for the studies Agricultural Engineering. After that, you have to search for a suitable partner company. I was attracted by an advertisement of the company CLAAS. After a successful application process my coorporation with the company started after my second semester. After that, the theoretical lectures and the practical phases alternate with one another.

The life in Triesdorf:

The campus and the university in Triesdorf are very familiar and not compareable with big universities. For me it is very attractive: The region of Triesdorf is very livable, there is a high part of practise during the studies and a manageable part of costs. In addition to that, also the professors have a lot of knowledge of agriculture und are very practical-oriented.

My practical phases at CLAAS:

At CLAAS I worked for the Marketing and Sales Departments. I did my practical phases in the departments Product Management, Promotion, Used-machinery-centres, Customer Care and Academy. During the practical blocks, my knowledge of the university was very helpful. I needed a high rate of willingness to travel, because I was in whole Germany to get to know different departments and different excersises. In conclusion, there were a lot of great experiences, for example my help at the worldwide most famous and biggest agriculture-trade-fare AGRITECHNICA in Hanover.

Three qualities applicants for the dual-study programme should have:

You definitely should have practical experiences in agriculture to understand connections and to put the content of the apprenticeship in the practical context. Moreover, individual initiative helps you to work independently, to learn a lot and to organise things. My last recommended feature is to be open for new areas in the studies and also in the company to get to know more people and new regions.

A dual studies with recessed practise at CLAAS is…

… a very interesting challenge in a future-oriented company, which is great fun with the practical impressions in the agriculture and in its great projects.

Get to know more about the dual study programme.

My expectations concerning the dual studies:

I expected to work in various departments within CLAAS, getting to know many new people and being able to develop my personality. Today, I can say that everything is totally fulfilled: I learned many interesting new things while having fun. In addition, the HR department took care of us splendidly, and I made many really good new friends!

My highlights:

Among other things, I especially liked the experience of going abroad to Paris and a job fair in Rietberg that gave me the chance to meet and consult interested students. At the university we also had some exciting highlights besides our lectures: We had a knigge dinner, visited a textile company and tried a so-called age suit. I particularly enjoy the student’s life in Stuttgart because it never gets boring.

Things, I don’t like that much:

Packing my bags. The only thing that I really don’t like is packing my bags for the next move. That doesn’t just mean to clear out the room, but also to say goodbye for three months. However, there is a positive side too, because I can see my friends in Stuttgart and my family and friends at home in turns of three months. Therefore, the packing gets easier by looking forward to the reunion.

A typical day:

Although you don’t have a daily routine, the following overview will show you a typical day:
In Stuttgart:

• 8:00/9:00 am to 12:15 pm: first lecture
  
• 12:15 pm to 01:00 pm: lunch break
  
• 01:00 pm – about 04:30 pm: second lecture
  
• From 04:30 pm: time for self-studying, preparing the next lectures and, not to forget, the benefits of living in Stuttgart.
  

In Harsewinkel:

• About 8:15 am: starting the workday
  
• Depends of the department, mainly taking care of own tasks and projects, phoning, answering emails, joining meetings
  
• 12:15 pm to 01:00 pm: Lunch break with other students and apprentices in a common room or with the colleagues in the canteen
  
• 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm: second work part
  
• About 4:00 pm: closing time
  

My leads to apply successfully at CLAAS:

Show your naturalness and be yourself! It is important in the application to leave a mark as well as in the following interview. Try to answer the questions as smart as possible – with good preparation you shouldn’t have any problems. Remember that there is no perfect answer, anyway. In my eyes, the most important thing is to believe in yourself and to show your interest in the company.

Which three characteristics are important for applicants?

Self-reliance: It’s necessary to take responsibility during the practical periods, for example within a project, and likewise in Stuttgart for your own flat share.
Motivation: Showing a positive attitude while having the goal in sight leads to a comfortable learning atmosphere.
Open-mindedness: Be open-minded in university and at work, so it gets easier to learn more interesting new things.

Being a dual student at CLAAS is…

…highly recommendable to everyone!

Get to know more about the dual-study programme.

My expectations concerning the dual studies:

Previously I expected a very big challenge, which would not be easy to meet, so I honestly had a lot of respect. This excitement abated quickly because of the good support of our training department and of the students from higher semesters. My first wishes were only to pass the dual-studies and to collect new experiences. Meanwhile, I built a lot of different interests in Informatics and I was able to intensify my knowledge mostly in the practical phases.

This inspires me of the dual-study programme at CLAAS:

I felt inspired the most by the high rate of responsibility, which we got since day one. My tasks were always interesting and you get worked in fast in new projects. Moreover, I loved the theory phases in Stuttgart. I found new friends and we developed one big community.

My personal highlight:

I cannot say, which highlight was the best at the moment, because I have not finished my dual studies yet. So far I think, that my stay abroad in China will be definitely one great highlight. There I worked in Peking for two months and in Gaomi for three months. That was a very exciting experience!

My daily working routine:

My day starts at 8 am. I have my own To-do lists, which remember me of my tasks, so I always work on these tasks and sometimes I have to admit a new task. So far, I had a main task in a project, where I worked on for three months. This task can be a programming assignment, an organisation task or a management task. We often have meetings with colleagues, project members or with our advisors. I do not want to forget our lunch, where I meet colleagues in the canteen or the other students and apprentices in the commercial study-room.
In Stuttgart my day starts at 9 am and ends at 4:30 or 5:30 pm, where we have some lectures. After that we always have leisure time in our students' house or we go in the city, because Stuttgart offers a lot of possibilities. When we have to write our exams, which are always at the end of a semester, we have to prepare ourselves for the exams the whole day. This can be really stressful, but it is normal and part of the dual-studies. In compensation, I do sports and eat healthy food.

Three qualities applicants for the dual-study programme should have:

For the dual-study programme at CLAAS you should be open-minded, because you get to know a lot of new people during your time in Harsewinkel and Stuttgart. You also need to be dedicated to dispute with new topics and projects. For the dual-study programme in Business Data Processing you do not need a lot of previous knowledge in special areas. In my opinion, it is only important, that you are interested in Informatics and new technologies.

My prospects after finishing the dual-study programme:

You have a lot of perspectives. It is possible to get in a job immediately or to do a master programme after your dual-studies.

My application tips:

Your application should be natural and honest. You should write open and you should concentrate on the basics like: Why you are applying at CLAAS and why are you interested in the dual-study programme and the including topics. This tip is also useful for your interview: Try to be polite and do not put on a mask.

Learning by doing – Why practical experience is important:

Sometimes I had topics in the theory phases, which I only understood through the practical phases at CLAAS. There are a lot of topics, which are different in theory and practice. It is helpful to know this very early. In general, the practice blocks were very helpul for me during my dual-studies.

Get to know more about the dual-study programme.

My expectations towards the dual-study programme:
At the beginning, I was hoping to get a many-sided formation with practical experience. Now I can say that my expectations came true, because you can get many insights already in the first year at CLAAS.

Tasks I like the most:
The independent work on my own project is great fun and helps me to develop my working-skills. Working together with people from other countries is also very helpful and improves the knowledge.

Tasks which I do not like:
The move back to Harsewinkel after the terms in Stuttgart is a little bit stressful.

The highlight during my dual-study programme until now:
There were already many highlights during my dual-study programme. Among other things, the product training was a great experience and will be always in my mind. The connection to the CLAAS products was very close and we got to know every technical detail.

My daily routine at work and in Stuttgart:
During the practical phases, the day starts earlier because CLAAS is far from my home. The task at work depends on the department but is always interesting. If it is possible, you can work on your own project.
At the university in Stuttgart, there are more possibilities to do things whenever you want. The leisure time activities are different compared to those in Harsewinkel due to the big city center in Stuttgart.

Three qualities applicants for the dual-study programme should have:
Flexibility: You have to be flexible in living and thinking. There are always new situations coming up.
Openness: During the dual-study programme, you get to know many people. If you are open, it is easier to cooperate with them.
Motivation: Sometimes the study is hard and you have to work tough. Nevertheless, with motivation and interest it is possible.

My prospects after finishing the dual-study programme:
After my dual-studies, I consider working at CLAAS on the long run. Nevertheless, continuing with studies would also be an option for me.

My application tips:
A great knowledge about the company and its products is always helpful.

A dual-study programme at CLAAS is …
…a little bit of everything and especially interesting!

Get to know more about the dual-study programme.

My expectations towards the dual-study programme:

Before I started my dual studies in cooperation with CLAAS, I expected to learn a lot about things I am interested in. I expected to get a lot of exciting and challenging assignments. For me it is important to gain practical experience to connect theory and practice. My expectations have been fulfilled at a high level, especially the connection between theory and practice.

Tasks I like the most:

I like the practical terms in which I assume responsibility for my own small projects. I am allowed to design some modules independently and work on solution concepts for particular functional requirements. I am happy about becoming acquainted with likeable colleagues during the exciting everyday work.

Tasks, which I do not like:

The phases of exams at the end of every semester are very stressful. Because of the tight time schedule you have to repeat the learning content of a whole semester in a short time.

The highlight during my dual-study programme until now:

The best about my dual studies until now was the harvest with the testing team of the Technical Development. We have been testing new concepts there, how CLAAS machines can act even more efficiently. Especially exciting was to see, how my own ideas act in the practice und how they contribute a part to reach the teams' target.

Three qualities applicants for the dual-study programme should have:

You should be a motivated and determined team player. The motivation and determination is necessary to keep focused on your target in exhausting periods. Combine harvesters cannot be designed, produced and sold by only one person. For a complex task like this, you need a good collaborating team in which everyone does his job reliable.

My prospects after finishing the dual-study programme:

After finishing the dual-study programme, I want to work in the Design Department of the Technical Development.

A dual-study programme at CLAAS is…

…exciting and challenging. I get a lot of input and many great tasks, through which my empirical knowledge grows and through which I learn how to develop good solutions within a team.

Get to know more about the dual-study programme.

My expectations towards the dual-study programme:
I decided to do a dual-study programme, because of the mix of theory at university and the practical experience within the company. Especially the experience inside the company inspired me. Switching from theory to work life is what makes this kind of education programme interesting. The content spectrum of the Industrial Engineering education is wide, so it is possible to get to know quite a lot.

Tasks I like the most:
The utter satisfaction is generated by interesting projects inside the company and the wide spectrum of departments you are able to work in.

Tasks I do not like:
For me personally, the periods within the company are too short. I would like to stay there for a longer period of time. Unfortunately, longer phases are impossible to manage with reference to this compact education programme.

The highlight during my dual-study programme until now:
My previous highlight was a spontaneous trip with a service technician to England where I was able to see the way an international service technician works.

My daily routine at work and in Stuttgart:
Every day at work can be different compared to the one before. The breakfast and lunch breaks are often a fix part of the day, the other designation is very flexible and diversified. A typical day in Stuttgart consists of two lectures, the first one in the morning and the second one in the afternoon. During the lunch break, I am usually visiting the canteen to recharge my energy.

Three qualities applicants for the dual-study programme should have:
In my opinion, self-confidence and an independent way of working is very important due to the constant changing of departments and colleagues. But the most important characteristic is endurance, because you need energy to be successful.

My prospects after finishing the dual-study programme:
There are various opportunities after completing the dual-study programme. You are able to orientate yourself during your education by gaining many different experiences which clears the way for deciding which direction is the right one – hopefully in order to find your perfect future job.

My application tips:
Motivation, a lot of ambition and the interest in CLAAS and their products are a good foundation.

A dual-study programme at CLAAS is …
...an excellent opportunity to start your career in an interesting global company, especially for young adults with an affinity for agricultural topics.

Get to know more about the dual-study programme.