Dual study programme in practical computer science
»For me, programming is a creative craft«, Tim, dual study programme student in practical computer science with the practice partner dotSource
Tim Dreikorn has been completing a dual study programme in practical information technology at dotSource in Jena since 2023. Since 2006, the digital agency dotSource has been supporting companies on their path to digital excellence – with partnership-based consulting, efficient AI systems and scalable solutions. In this interview, he explains why he chose this path, what challenges and opportunities await him, and why he would recommend the programme to anyone.
Why did you decide to pursue a dual study programme rather than a traditional degree programme?
To be honest, after finishing secondary school, I was a bit tired of sitting in classrooms. After all those years of theory, I really wanted to do something more practical. The dual study programme was the perfect solution. Today, I can say that it has definitely paid off. I often enjoy the practical phases even more than the theory because you really get to apply and create something.
How did you find out about dotSource?
Mainly through career fairs. My mum and I went to lots of them, and dotSource was always there. The company struck me as modern and forward-looking – exactly what you’d expect from a digital agency. You also come into contact with dotSource through other programmes, such as student internships and boot camps. So applying was the obvious choice for me.
What requirements do you need to meet for the dual study programme in practical computer science?
Formally, of course, you need your A-levels. But what’s much more important is having a clear intention. You should know why you’re doing the degree. For me, it was my enthusiasm for programming. This motivation helps, especially during learning phases that may be more strenuous at times.
How does your dual study programme work?
The dual study programme in practical computer science lasts three years, or six semesters. I study at the Gera Cooperative State University (DHGE). There, theory and practical blocks alternate, not on a weekly basis, but in longer sections. That’s great because it allows you to really build something in projects. In the theory phases, we learn the basics, such as scientific work, process analysis and everything you need for development. And in the practical phases, we apply this knowledge directly in projects that also add value for the company.
What does dotSource exactly do?
dotSource is a digital agency with a very broad spectrum. We support companies in their digital transformation – from strategy to implementation. I myself work in the Salesforce department. There, we develop solutions such as web shops, ERP systems or order management systems, depending on customer requirements.
What does your typical working day look like?
Most of it takes place on the computer. Some people might find that boring, but for me it’s exactly what I like. I see the computer as an interface to a bigger world. My tasks are varied: trying out new technologies, doing research, but also implementing new functions for customers that end users will enjoy.
Which tasks do you enjoy the most?
Definitely programming. For me, it’s a mixture of something artistic and something clearly defined: creative, but at the same time very precise. You design solutions, write algorithms, create something new. Many professors say that programming is a craft, and I think that’s exactly right.
Have there been any challenges so far?
Yes, especially exam weeks. There are often three to five exams in a short period of time. My tip: team up with fellow students. Studying together, exchanging materials and motivating each other makes things much easier. Teamwork is really the key here.
How good are the chances of being hired after graduation?
Very good. Companies invest a lot in us and benefit from the fact that we are already trained after three years. And we don’t have to reapply and are already familiar with everyday life in the company. In most cases, the goal is to be hired permanently.
What development opportunities are there with this qualification?
Lots. As a software developer, for example, you can go into front-end, back-end or full stack. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Software is needed in all industries – from e-commerce to manufacturing. This means you are extremely flexible and have very good prospects for the future.
Do you already have an idea of where you want to go?
I definitely want to stay in software development because that’s basically what I’ve wanted to do since I was a child. I can’t say yet exactly what my specialisation will be. But dotSource offers so many opportunities that I can continue to develop within the company.
What have been your best moments in your dual study programme so far?
On a personal level, definitely the friendships that developed as a result of compulsory attendance during the theory phases. This gave the course a bit of a school-like atmosphere and made it easy to form new friendships both inside and outside the company. From a technical point of view, it was a highlight to apply theory in elective subjects such as ‘Mobile Applications’ and to specialise further. For example, I was able to program my own app, which I thought was very cool.
Why would you recommend your dual study programme to others?
Because you are financially independent – you can easily make a living without a part-time job – and because you gain an incredible amount of practical experience. In just two years, I have already learned more about the profession of software developer than would have been possible in a traditional degree programme.
Do you encounter your profession in everyday life?
Absolutely. Whenever you interact with a customer digitally – whether it’s an online shop, an ordering system or an app – the work of developers like us is behind it. Ideally, the user doesn’t notice anything because everything runs smoothly.
What advice would you give to someone considering a dual study programme?
You should be prepared for the fact that it’s not a walk in the park. The material is sometimes very dense and it feels more like a ‘study plus’ course. So you need stamina and motivation. But if you have that intention, it’s definitely worth it.
Where are you from and how do you like Jena?
I was born in Jena, but spent most of my childhood in Kahla. Today, I commute between there, a shared flat in Gera and my work in Jena. What I particularly like about Jena is its diversity: it has the advantages of a big city, such as good infrastructure, culture and innovative companies, but at the same time it also has many quiet, idyllic corners. For me, it’s the perfect size.
A dual study programme in practical computer science combines sound theoretical knowledge with valuable practical experience. Students not only learn the basics of software development, but also apply them directly in real-world projects, gaining professional experience while still at university. This gives them the best chances on the job market, secure employment opportunities and great flexibility in their future specialisation. If you enjoy programming, want to combine creativity with analytical thinking and are keen to play an active role in shaping the digital future, then the dual study programme in Practical Computer Science is an excellent choice.
Facts an figures about the dual study programme:
- Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
- Start: Every year on 1st of October
- Prerequisites:
- General higher education entrance qualification, entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification
- Training contract with a practice partner (e.g. dotSource)
- Application is made directly to the practice partner; once the contract has been concluded, the university checks the other requirements
- Costs and/or salary:
- Semester fee: 293,80 € (usually covered by the practical partner)
- Monthly remuneration from the practical partner: at least 671 €, on average approx. 1.086 € per month (as of 2023)
- Alternative training occupations:
- IT specialist (application development or system integration)
- Alternative degree programmes:
- Technical, business and administrative IT
- Business informatics