From electronics technician to electrical engineering: your guide to starting a bachelor's after vocational training
Find out how commitment and smart preparation can get you from vocational training into an electrical engineering degree, even without top grades. Learn about choosing a programme, tips for preparing, and why Bavaria and Austria are great places to study!
Electrical engineering basics: tips for a bachelor’s after vocational training 🎓
Going from training as an Elektroniker für Betriebstechnik (a German vocational qualification, or Ausbildung, as an industrial electronics technician) to a bachelor’s in electrical engineering is a big step, and it’s normal to have a few questions about it. Especially if physics and maths weren’t your strongest subjects, it’s important to think about how you can prepare. In this article you’ll learn how to get yourself as ready as possible for university while you’re still in training. We also look at whether the degree is doable without an Einser-Abi (top grades in the Abitur, Germany’s school-leaving exam), and share tips for choosing a university in Bavaria and Austria.
Can you study electrical engineering without top grades? 🤔
It’s a common myth that you have to be a star at maths and physics to study electrical engineering. Both subjects do play a key role, but that doesn’t mean you need excellent grades to succeed. The key is commitment and willingness to learn.
According to a study in the Journal of Science Education, motivation and effective learning strategies can help even students with weaker prior knowledge succeed in technical degrees.
Getting ahead: tips for preparing during your training 📚
There are several ways to build up knowledge during your training that will come in handy at university:
1. Maths and physics basics: Use online courses and books to deepen your understanding of maths and physics. Platforms like Khan Academy are ideal because their materials are free. A good book to start with is “Elektrotechnik für Ingenieure” by Matthias Bölscher.
2. Technical projects: Try working on small projects alongside your training. That could mean building your own electronic device or getting involved in a technical club.
3. Build a network: Talk to colleagues and trainers with experience in electrical engineering. They can give you valuable tips and maybe let you see what their work looks like.
Tips for choosing the right university 🏫
Choosing a university is an important decision that can depend on several factors. Here are some tips for finding the right one for you:
1. University rankings: Look at how universities perform in electrical engineering across different rankings. Times Higher Education has a good international ranking that includes many German universities.
2. Facilities and specialisation: Find out about the labs, technical resources and specialisations each university offers. In a technical field especially, facilities and a practical focus make all the difference.
3. Location: Since you want to study in Bavaria or Austria, options include TU München and the Universität Linz. Both have an excellent reputation in electrical engineering.
4. Exchange and career opportunities: Check whether the universities run international exchange programmes or have partnerships with industry. That can benefit both your studies and your later career.
Conclusion: your path into electrical engineering 🌟
An electrical engineering degree offers exciting opportunities, teaches you to work independently and gives you a solid foundation for your career. Your interest and your experience in electronics are a good starting point. Even if your Abitur grades weren’t perfect, motivation and focused preparation can make a big difference.
In short, commitment, focused preparation and choosing the right university are essential for success in this demanding field. We hope this article has given you useful insights and that you now feel more confident planning your academic journey. Good luck!
