The economy and the labour market have been severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. For graduates, this means a more difficult start to their careers and uncertain prospects. To ease the transition between graduation and starting work, Ruhr-West and Rhein-Waal Universities of Applied Sciences have launched the ‘Future Semester’, which allows students to remain enrolled at the university and further develop their professional profile.
In the ‘Future Semester’ postgraduate programme, Bachelor’s graduates can take courses on topics including digitalisation, entrepreneurship, intercultural communication and sustainability. This benefits students in two ways: they gain practical knowledge relevant to starting their careers whilst remaining enrolled at one of the two universities or working as student workers, which ultimately provides them with financial relief. The combination of these two advantages was ultimately decisive in the design of the ‘Future Semester’: “Through this joint project, Ruhr-West University of Applied Sciences and Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences aim to provide their graduates with the best possible support. The ‘Future Semester’ enables them to focus on their own professional development, even in a tight labour market, and thus to explore further career prospects. We’re here to help: quickly, pragmatically and beyond the boundaries of our respective universities. We are delighted that the Stifterverband has recognised our commitment with a ‘Hochschulperle’ award,” said Dr Oliver Locker-Grütjen, President of Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences.
Further information
www.hochschule-ruhr-west.de/studium/zukunftssemester/
www.hochschulperle.de
Stifterverband’s ‘Hochschulperle’
‘Hochschulperlen’ are innovative, exemplary projects carried out at a university. Because they are small-scale, they are rarely noticed beyond the university’s walls. But because they shine, they can and should also inspire other universities. Every month, the Stifterverband showcases a ‘University Gem’. In 2021, the Stifterverband is seeking projects on the theme of transitions during the pandemic. Starting a degree, graduating and entering the world of work are all particularly challenging at present. Many universities have developed original and innovative solutions to tackle these challenges. Through the ‘University Gem of the Month’, the Stifterverband aims to raise the profile of these initiatives and ideas across the country and inspire other universities.
