Networks: It’s more fun studying together

Electrical engineering is a demanding course. Those who work with fellow students or are involved in a professional and sociable community such as the VDE Young Net are more motivated, find their day-to-day studies more enjoyable and are better able to cope with difficult phases.

By Beatrice Hüper

When Ahmed El Amraoui began his bachelor’s degree in quantum engineering at Saarland University three years ago, he had eleven fellow students. A good number for a relatively new degree course in modern quantum technologies. He soon noticed, however, that many of his course mates were not turning up for lectures. After the first semester, several of them disappeared completely. “They probably had a different idea of what the course would be like,” Ahmed speculates. Ultimately, two thirds of his year group dropped out. Today, there are just four of them left. It’s no coincidence that these four had formed a study group in their very first few weeks at university. Meeting regularly with the others to do assignments together helped Ahmed complete his studies on schedule. “It helps when you see that you’re not the only one who sometimes finds the course difficult. It’s motivating, too.” However, as the others don’t yet have enough credits, Ahmed is now the only one in his year group currently writing a bachelor’s thesis.

What is more, Ahmed is well connected beyond his year group. Two years ago, he joined the VDE university group at Saarland. “I hoped to connect with students in older year groups, get more out of university life and some tips for my course, and perhaps attend some social gatherings,” he recalls. What he got was a nationwide network, new friends and unforgettable experiences. Ahmed’s enthusiasm is palpable as he talks about all the activities he has been involved in up to now. They include the 125th anniversary of the Aachen district association and the VDE Future Forum in Bavaria. “Amid the daily grind, such trips are real highlights. I now know people all over Germany.” Ahmed has even become the spokesperson for his VDE university group, which counted only seven members not long ago but has now grown to 26. “I saw what other university groups were achieving and really wanted to do the same in our group,” says Ahmed.

“Since being active in the VDE university group, I’ve met lots of people not only at my university, but all over Germany.” Ahmed El Amraoui

| Sarah Kastner / VDE

This makes Ahmed the perfect example of how to create a fun and motivating environment with the help of university groups. Rosalia Virga, Head of VDE Young Net, whose remit includes the university groups, completely agrees. “Electrical engineering and related subjects are difficult. We have noticed that many struggle with such courses and that many do not complete their degree.”

This is confirmed by a study conducted by IZ* on behalf of VDE, investigating drop-out rates in electrical engineering and information technology. The attrition rate is higher here than in any other engineering subject. According to VDE calculations, six out of every ten students drop out of electrical engineering and information technology degrees. In 2023, that amounted to around 9,000 people. The reasons are many. The students interviewed for the VDE study cited demanding requirements, extensive subject matter, pressure to perform and an overly theoretical approach as reasons for dropping out or considering doing so. Many felt from the outset that they were unable to keep up. However, the study suggests that social factors also play a role. It points to identity-related reasons for students dropping out of their course, such as “not feeling at home at their place of study.” A third of respondents were unable to find a suitable learning group and a quarter had not made new friends. While the coronavirus pandemic was certainly a factor at the time, the study also considers these findings to be further evidence of the importance of good learning environments and social events. Some respondents, particularly those at traditional universities, found their courses too impersonal.

Those at universities of applied sciences and on dual study programs fared better in terms of connection. Tomo Clement, a computer science student pursuing a dual course of study, combines a work placement at Philips with theory modules at university. He always sits with the same people. “It’s a classroom atmosphere, not big and impersonal like a university lecture hall,” says Tomo. That brings the students closer together. “I quickly got to know people with the same interests. We’re a tight-knit group of friends who also study together.” He also shares the same goals and interests with Jonas Pohlmann. This fall, Jonas will be starting his dual studies in business informatics with a focus on data science at IBM in Stuttgart. The two met at the INVENT a CHIP Camp as part of the VDE Microchip Competition 2022. “We got on well straight away,” says the 19-year-old Jonas. “And we’ve stayed in touch ever since.” They also helped each other when they were working on their own app projects. “We both already had experience of software development. Nobody else in my circle of friends is that familiar with it,” says Tomo. “If I hadn’t met Jonas, I would probably have given up on my app at some point.” Jonas has already learned a lot about the dual study program from Tomo and is looking forward to getting started. “I’m sure I’ll get to know people quickly at the company and at the university,” he says. “I really wouldn’t like just studying on my own.”

Jonas Pohlmann und Tomo Clement stehen aneinander gelehnt.

“It’s good to have someone by your side who has the same interests and goals and knows what you’re going through.” Jonas Pohlmann and Tomo Clement

| Sarah Kastner / VDE

For Rosalia Virga from VDE Young Net, however, the purpose of the network and the university groups is about more than avoiding loneliness while studying: “We try to offer a good mix of professional input and leisure activities. The community meets not only to learn, but also to visit trade fairs, explore cities and get to know companies.” Everyone decides for themselves how intensively they want to take part: “You can simply go along or actually get involved yourself. With VDE, you have a nationwide network in one fell swoop.”

In addition to close contact with other students and young professionals, the VDE university groups also provide special access to lecturers. The VDE liaison lecturers, who can already be found at many universities, represent VDE and its goals – and are also available to talk to students confidentially and openly, answering questions relating to study/career planning and supporting their social and scientific work. Virga knows they can help in very practical ways. “They often open doors – in more ways than one.” For example, they can help to find suitable rooms for events and meetings at the university, build connections with local industry, companies or research institutions, and arrange internships or working student positions. “This is all part of VDE Young Net’s mission,” says Virga. “A contribution that we are happy to make to support the university groups and students.”

Discover all the benefits of VDE Young Net and become a member:

https://www.vde.com/youngnet-mitgliedschaft (in German)

Beatrice Hüper is a freelance author from Hamburg and Chief of Staff at VDE dialog.