Working and studying
Study or career? Both!
You want to start your career right after graduating from high school? Or would you prefer to complete a degree course? With a part-time studies you can combine work and study.
We have summarized the most important arguments for the respective path here.
You want to study?
Salary & Management positions
Academics:in the medium to long term have better career and salary prospects than non-academics:in. In young years, the salary difference is still small, but with increasing experience, the chance of a management position and a higher salary increases significantly. With a degree, advancement is quicker.
Security
Among academics, the unemployment rate is lower than in other population groups. By the time they graduate, many already have a firm job offer or are looking for work only briefly. At the FHV, for example, 88 percent of graduates have a job commitment or employment at graduation.
Know-how & Soft Skills
In a study one acquires not only specialized knowledge, but also other important authority. Human resources experts consider soft skills to be increasingly important. Students need stamina, good organization and often work together in groups, which trains their ability to work in a team. A wide range of opportunities to spend time abroad during semester dates enable students to gain international experience, which is very much in demand in the professions of the future. Quite apart from this, for many the semester dates are a very varied and eventful phase of life.
You want to work?
Financially independent
Whoever starts working early earns his or her own money early on. This financial independence, which allows for independent living, is very appealing to many.
Applying knowledge
Often academic training seems too theoretical, especially for people who want to try things out and put them into practice immediately. If you start your job or do an apprenticeship directly after a vocational secondary school, you can apply your knowledge immediately.
Continuing education & qualification
Lifelong learning on the job is highly valued. Many companies offer excellent continuing education opportunities and work with employees to develop career paths. Continuing education focuses not only on technical knowledge, but increasingly on languages, leadership skills or other soft skills.
You want to study and work?
Part-time study programs open up exciting prospects for those who want to pursue an academic education in parallel with their career. Here, especially universities of applied sciences score with practice-oriented study programs and a good network to Business and Management. Those who study part-time need a high level of motivation, because the requirements are high.
This is what you should know about part-time study
How does part-time studies at the FHV work?
Contact hours at the university, e-learning units, self-organized learning at home, and group and project work alternate. Contact hours take place in blocks on pre-defined weekdays.
How much can I work in addition to part-time studies?
This varies depending on the degree programme (and the amount of contact hours). Depending on the work environment, family situation and personal resilience, a reduction in the workload is recommended. 50 to 70 percent employment is ideal.
Do I have to inform my employer?
It is advisable to clarify individual options with the company before the start of studies: e.g. a temporary reduction in the workload, vacation commitments for block weeks, time off for exams, etc.
Can I reconcile studies, career and family?
The support of the:the partner:in is an important prerequisite for the success of part-time studies. Daily routines often have to be reorganized. Here, you should consider what is in store for the family and whether the necessary support is available even before you start your studies.
Do my work experiences benefit me in my studies?
In project work and in scientific papers, topics from one's own professional environment can be worked on. In turn, you can apply and deepen what you have learned at work. Students also benefit from each other's experiences, and valuable networks are created.
I don't have a Matura. Can I still study?
It is possible to gain access to the study program via additional examinations. The prerequisite is that the previous professional path must be related to the intended studies.
What personal requirements should I bring with me?
Part-time studies require a high level of discipline, consistent time management, and a love of learning.
Are there special grants and scholarships?
The Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) offers support measures (www.ams.at -educational part-time, educational leave). The Chamber of Commerce has an educational support database (https://bildungsfoerderung.bic.at/).
Is a course of study tax-deductible?
Employed students who are subject to payroll taxes can claim expenses related to their studies (technical literature, lecture notes, computers, special supplementary courses, work materials, travel expenses, tuition fees) as income-related expenses for tax purposes.