Higher level school leaving certificate — and what now?

A dual course of study, business administration or would training be better? There are approximately 8700 bachelor's degree courses in Germany alone, in addition to 328 training occupations.

The final examination is in the bag, the chance for some freedom has arrived — and many are already asking themselves, what now? There are approximately 8700 bachelor's degree courses in Germany alone, in addition to 328 training occupations. Students with higher level school leaving certificates are literally spoilt for choice. But why 'either or' when today both are possible?

A dual course of study makes it possible to accommodate both the university degree and training. The advantages are obvious — a fixed salary and a double qualification, which has now become recognised as a good indicator of students who are committed and willing to work. Demand is therefore very high and, in most cases, employers are able to select from a large number of applicants.

Those who manage to gain a coveted place should consider themselves fortunate, as the close integration of theory and practice often delivers a critical career advantage. Attendance periods at the university alternate with working in the semester breaks. This means that, after the degree, graduates are already familiar with company procedures.

This is a plus for employers and employees. The range of degree courses offered is large. The range of dual courses available for master's students is now diverse and is being continually expanded. Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg (DHBW) leads the way in this area. The Center for Advanced Studies has enabled the university to bring together a total of 11 work-based degree courses in the areas of business, technology and social studies.

Those interested in a dual degree should apply early. In most cases the deadline is as much as a year before the actual start of the degree. The entrance qualification for University of Applied Sciences is the minimum requirement for the application. Generally speaking, the training company will cover any costs of study incurred.

Another popular alternative to the degree is the combined initial and advanced education and training as business administrator. Various routes are possible to obtain the qualification. One of these is the career-integrated education pathway as part of which training as Management Assistant in Retail Services or in Wholesale and Foreign Trade is completed followed by advanced further training as business administrator.

In this way the graduate receives two qualifications at the same time. This dual training is suitable for anybody who is happy working with figures and who is seeking to understand economic relationships. Following their training, business administrators are often employed in the areas of purchasing, sales and distribution or logistics. The entrance qualification for University of Applied Sciences is the minimum requirement for the carrier-integrated pathway. Generally speaking, your are better off applying too early rather than too late.

The focus of many students with higher level school leaving certificates is increasingly shifting towards training occupations. Career opportunities for skilled workers are very good due to the shortage of young recruits and particularly in the skilled crafts sector. Furthermore, in many federal states it is now possible to move directly onto a master's degree if you have passed the master craftsman examination.