What do employers say?
A few thoughts:
An part-time degree from the company's point of view
Comment by Dr. Johannes Berger, Head of personnel head at Blum.
At Julius Blum GmbH there are some staff who, in addition to their - often very demanding and time-consuming jobs - complete degree courses. From the employer's point of view this motivation is not just welcome: on the one hand every employer wants motivated staff who are willing to learn, on the other hand a staff member should concentrate on his role in the company as much as possible and focus fully on this. So which aspects are for and against an part-time degree course?
On the plus side there is intensive analysis of scientific discoveries and research which the staff member gains in the course of the degree and these benefit the company directly. Questions arising from your job can be seen in a wider context, understanding levels are deeper and the connections to other specialist areas can be seen. The benefit to the company is even more significant if the topic of a scientific dissertation is embedded in the company's context. In addition one must consider that a degree course can and should not only be seen as a specialist qualification but also education in a holistic sense. The staff member is therefore challenged and trained above and beyond the specialist qualification alone.
At the same time an part-time degree does not only demand from the staff member a high level of competence in terms of time and self-management but also requires that the company show consideration and the ability to adapt in terms of organisational processes. At exam time in particular the staff member only has limited availability but also during the year consideration has to be paid to timetables. The company has to adapt above all if the staff member, for the time of an part-time course, reduces his work to a part-time basis.
Finally one faces the question what is the reason a staff member wants to study. Not every company can offer a new academic a new, more highly qualified role straightaway. Also, in terms of salary, there are expectations which do not always meets the requirements of the company's internal structure. If the company cannot meet these needs then there is disappointment and often the two parties part company.
In summary the following can be stated: an part-time degree course provides for the company a fantastic opportunity to give its staff extensive further training. Employer and staff member should both be aware however that motivation and being accommodating are required from both sides. In order to avoid misunderstandings, disappointments or even parting company during or after the course, expectations and organisational issues should be sorted out in advance.
"A staff member coasting means a competitive disadvantage for the company"
Walter Draxl is the owner and managing director ETB Industrie-Service GmbH.
He describes the situation from his point of view and that of the student.
Walter Draxl is the owner and managing director ETB Industrie-Service GmbH. He is studying engineering in the fourth semester at the Fachhochschule and speaks both as a student and entrepreneur: "studying engineering is exactly what I need as a generalist in management in order to make the right decisions every day. In my time spent studying I can confirm that in some concrete examples I was able to look back upon the knowledge I gained and that this either moved us forward significantly or contributed to the solution of the problem."
He is talking about a win-win situation: "I was able to benefit from the companies in which fellow students were working. Conversely we were also able to solve problems for them - which was significantly reflected in our numbers ". Draxl sums it up: "lifelong learning is a must. I would even dismiss staff members if the level of comfort was higher than the desire to develop myself and, therefore, the company, further."
Bachmann electronics invests in the future
Bachmann electronic GmbH works closely with the Fachhochschule Vorarlberg. FH-students do internships at Bachmann and write dissertations and Master's theses. Some staff are also completing part-time degrees most of them at the Fachhochschule Vorarlberg. Dr. Beat Rünzler, Chief Financial Officer at Bachmann being interviewed:
How do you see your experience with part-time students from the Fachhochschule Vorarlberg?
Dr. Rünzler: "Overall it is positive. Of course you mustn't forget that a member of staff studying part-time also means that organisational changes in the Department become necessary; for example with regard to the allocation of tasks in a team. If you weigh up the advantages and disadvantages however it's always worth it - for the student and the company alike."
What are the concrete advantages for your company?
Dr. Rünzler: "In essence the following applies: students bring the cutting edge of science/technology - in the way that it's taught at the Fachhochschule Vorarlberg - into the company; this gets a discussion going within a team and brings new perspectives to problem solving. Concrete questions in a company are frequently topics for assignments and Master's theses. In this case the company benefits directly."
Working with the Fachhochschule Vorarlberg is obviously part of the strategy for Bachmann. Is it a form of future investment?
Dr. Rünzler: "In addition to the Higher Technical teaching bodies the Fachhochschule Vorarlberg is by far the most important target group in recruiting our top technical specialists. We really appreciate this cooperation."
What do you expect from part-time students as staff members? Which criteria do you apply?
Dr. Rünzler:" I expect part-time students to be highly motivated - hungry for knowledge - and that they are, to a certain extent at least, aware in advance of the double burden and that they finish their course successfully. If a staff member only wants to do an part-time course to move ahead in his career then that is not the best starting point.
A lot of employers see part-time courses negatively. How do you see that?
Dr. Rünzler: "That's very shortsighted! Excellent staff will, sooner or later, look for an employer for whom further training is more important."
These days everyone is talking about lifelong learning. Is this just a modern sound byte or more? Where do you think the trend is going?
Dr. Rünzler: "The' part-time value' of knowledge is sinking dramatically. Companies who are not thinking about how to promote qualifications and competencies of their staff both on-the-job and alongside will, in the medium term, be less successful."
In general what would you say to the fact that the FHV has part-time degree courses on offer?
Dr. Rünzler: I think it is extremely positive. Part-time learning is a trend for the future. The FHV is taking the lead here. It would be good, however, if the teaching programme, were better co-ordinated with company working times; that means even more heavily at the start and the end of the day and also on Saturdays.
