Semester start: dual-study students get going at SCHELL

5-minute read

Autumn marks the start of the academic year for many students all over Germany. Joining them – while also gaining real-world experience – are Virginia Rinscheid and Philipp Cordes. In October, the pair started their three-year dual-study Business Administration bachelor’s at SCHELL, with a focus on commercial aspects of construction, building automation and electrical systems. At regular intervals, they will be shuttling back and forth between the partner university in Mosbach, Baden-Württemberg and SCHELL’s head office in Olpe, NRW. Before lectures start at DHBW Mosbach, however, the two of them have used the chance to get to know SCHELL a little better.

From trainee to dual-study student

In fact, Philipp Cordes has been a trainee at SCHELL since January 2022, and is therefore very familiar with the Product Management, Quality Management and Applications Engineering departments. Philipp Cordes: “I’m looking forward to the degree course. I feel really at home at SCHELL and I think it’s great that I can combine the theoretical aspects I learn on the university course with the practical experience I gain at the company.”

A well-balanced helping of theory and practice

Alongside the theoretical background to running a business, the degree also gives a thorough grounding in the technical knowledge needed for the industry in question. Students also learn about the entire construction industry value chain, from building material manufacturers to wholesalers and retailers, and on to tradespersons and consumers. During the practical blocks at SCHELL, Virginia Rinscheid and Philipp Cordes gain in-depth insights into the processes in the various SCHELL departments while also providing support to ongoing projects.

Gaining career insights as a dual-study student

Independent work is also on the agenda, because students at SCHELL take on responsibilities at an early stage. “For me, it was important to gain practical experience while studying and be able to really get to grips with my profession from the outset,” explains Virginia Rinscheid. “And that’s exactly what I can do as a dual-study student at SCHELL,” she adds. As part of their practical blocks, both students will spend time in many departments at SCHELL – from Marketing to Sales, Controlling, Product Management and more besides. Deployment at a company abroad is also planned: after all, SCHELL has been a major player in the international market for decades, and this kind of assignment is therefore part of its holistic approach to student education.

All-round support from everyone in the team

One-on-one support is an important aspect of life at SCHELL. Alongside their designated contacts, the dual-study students can also look forward to asking anyone in the SCHELL team for advice and assistance at any time. Thanks to this intensive experience, the two students will be a real asset to the industry after graduating and can use their expertise to help stem the skills shortage. “I’m really happy to be finally getting started,” explains Virginia Rinscheid. “We’re getting the best of both worlds,” explains Philipp Cordes, “because we’ve not only got a place on the dual-study course but can also dive straight into a fascinating industry!”