What is a dual study programme really like in practice? What does day-to-day life in a dual study programme actually look like? What tasks do students take on within a company, and how can the transition between university and working life be organised?
Joana is currently completing a dual study programme in Business Administration at cunova GmbH, combined with vocational training as an industrial management assistant. In this article, she shares first-hand insights into her experiences between university and the company, her time in different departments and what makes a dual study programme at cunova special from her perspective.
Hey, I’m Joana, 20 years old, and I’m currently completing my dual study programme in Business Administration, combined with apprenticeship as an industrial management assistant, at cunova GmbH. While the theoretical phases of my studies take place at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences at the Lingen campus, I gain practical experience in the administrative departments at cunova GmbH. In this article, I would like to share some insights into my experiences so far, introduce my areas of responsibility and describe the challenges and impressions that shape my everyday work.
Why cunova?
Back in summer 2023, I had the opportunity to complete a three-week internship at cunova GmbH, where I gained my first insights into day-to-day work within the company. What impressed me most was the open and supportive working atmosphere as well as the wide range of tasks that were introduced to me. Through these practical experiences, my interest in commercial and business-related activities grew even stronger, and I became certain that I wanted to start my professional career in this field. For this reason, it was an easy decision for me to apply for a dual study programme at cunova.
My daily work
At the beginning of my time at cunova, I spent the first eight weeks in the training workshop, just like the other commercial trainees in my year. During this time, I not only took part in a basic metalworking course, but also worked together with trainees from cunova and KME to build a lectern and exhibition stand tables. We were involved in various steps of the process – from painting the panels to cutting the materials. This experience gave us the opportunity to familiarise ourselves with different machines and materials while also getting to know each other better.
After this introduction, I gained my first insights into the Human Resources department. There, I supported the payroll office by processing payslips and checking employees’ working hours. Through my involvement in various activities and job interviews, I also gained insight into HR management. At the same time, I became familiar with processes related to employees joining and leaving the company, which allowed me to meet many colleagues early on in my time at cunova.
After completing my first three-month theoretical phase in Lingen, I returned to the company and became more familiar with the tasks and processes in the Controlling department. I worked with different cost centres and gained insights into budget planning, which gave me a good overview of the company’s economic structure.
In Sales, I came into contact with our finished products for the first time and was also involved in international customer communication. In addition to preparing quotations and releasing order confirmations, I worked closely with colleagues from the production departments, for example when coordinating delivery dates or discussing raw material requirements.
I then spent seven weeks in Financial Accounting, where one of my tasks was booking weekly travel expenses. I also gained insights into the processing of incoming invoices, which I was able to check and post in the SAP system. In preparation for my next placement in Purchasing, I worked with the goods receipt account and compared expected and actual values for incoming goods. In the Purchasing department itself, I gained my first insights into the procurement process by requesting quotations and creating purchase orders.
At the moment, I am working in the Marketing department, which is the first department where creativity also plays an important role. In addition to various design tasks, I worked with the team to create new photos and videos for the website and social media channels. This project allowed me to contribute my own creative ideas while learning a lot about the planning and implementation of marketing activities. It also showed me how important good teamwork and coordination are when creating and publishing content. I gained insight into the entire process – from the initial idea to planning and final implementation.
Learning through challenges
Switching between university and the company creates a special dynamic in a dual study programme. While the university focuses on theoretical foundations, the company environment centres on practical application. At the beginning, adapting to these two different learning environments was challenging, as I constantly had to adjust to new requirements.
Working in different departments was sometimes demanding, but it also provided a valuable opportunity to grow. Each department had its own objectives, working methods and priorities. This helped me learn to think flexibly, familiarise myself quickly with new topics and understand broader connections within the company. Looking back, these experiences have helped me become more confident both professionally and personally.
Team spirit and support in everyday work
One of the key factors in my positive development has been the working environment at cunova. As a dual student, I was not only seen as someone learning, but as part of the team. This made it easier for me to take on responsibility and actively contribute to daily work.
My colleagues have always been open and supportive. Questions were taken seriously, feedback was constructive and explanations were clear and helpful. This team spirit greatly supported my learning process and helped me integrate quickly into the company. Being part of a strong team makes it much easier to take on challenges and grow from them.
My conclusion on the dual study programme at cunova
For me, my time as a dual student at cunova is much more than just a practical phase. It represents an important step in my professional development. I have been able to apply theoretical knowledge, gain valuable practical experience and further develop my personal skills at the same time.
The insights into different departments have helped me better understand my professional interests and recognise my strengths more clearly. For my future career, I am taking away not only professional knowledge but also valuable experience in responsibility, teamwork and self-organisation.
From my perspective, a dual study programme at cunova offers an excellent opportunity to combine theory and practice in a meaningful way and to continuously develop both professionally and personally.
Combining theory and practice – with a dual study programme at cunova
Are you interested in a dual study programme? You can find more information about our dual study opportunities and current vacancies on our careers page.
We look forward to getting to know you!