Getting to know university and professional life with the Technikum The 13th year of the Niedersachsen-Technikum has come to an end

Another year of the successful Niedersachsen-Technikum model has come to an end. At the celebratory final event at TU Braunschweig, the participating female students presented the exciting projects that they have realised during their internships at our numerous partner companies. They provided insights into the diverse range of tasks and challenges that they have encountered during the programme.

‘After I originally came to the Niedersachsen-Technikum with the idea of perhaps studying mechanical engineering, but didn’t want to go straight to university after graduating from high school, the Technikum enabled me to make the decision to study electrical engineering with much more certainty.” Lena Meindermann (19)

A special highlight at the farewell event was the Science Slam by Karola Viergutz, mobility researcher and science communicator, on the topic of ‘Autonomous driving and the future of public transport’. With her entertaining and informative presentation, she inspired the audience and encouraged exciting discussions.

Self-confidence through the Technikum

The Niedersachsen-Technikum is aimed at young women with a university entrance qualification who are interested in studying mathematics, computer science, natural sciences or technology (MINT). It offers them the opportunity to try out everyday study and work life in the MINT field for half a year.

“The Technikum helped me to gain self-confidence and to get to know my strengths. I am now looking forward to studying bio-, chemical- and pharmaceutical engineering at TU Braunschweig.” Jette Heins (20)

Visit to the Leichtweiß Institute for Hydraulic Engineering. Photo credits: Lena Cornelius/TU Braunschweig

At TU Braunschweig, the participants gain insights into scientific work and research. Students, research assistants and professors provide insights into studying and everyday university life. At the weekly university open days, there are numerous events about the degree programmes and also about questions regarding the choice of subject and financing a degree. Some workshops and excursions are held together with the female engineering students from TU Clausthal.

“The Technikum helped me to choose my degree programme. The insights into the various institutes during our university days and the contact with other students through discussion groups helped me. The many workshops and lectures also helped me. Now I know better how I can finance my studies and where I can get help if I need it.” Vanessa Kuhlmann (20)

Involvement of partner companies

Sampling at the partner company K+S Minerals & Agriculture. Photo credits: Anne Borufka/K+S Minerals & Agriculture

A total of eight partner companies from the region have participated in this joint success project this year. They offer highly exciting internships for the female technicians, enable them to work on their own projects under professional supervision, and also provide financial support. Some of the companies and internship supervisors have been involved since the first year. Other companies have already expressed an interest in participating in the next round.

“I decided to take part in the Technikum because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study after graduating from high school. The insights into the company and the visits to the various institutes have convinced me that I want to study mechanical engineering.” Amelie Johannsmann (19)

Technikum as an entry point to university

At the DLR School Lab MISSION ISS. Photo credits: Böckmann/TU Braunschweig

All sixteen graduates received a certificate recognising their outstanding achievements at the Niedersachsen-Technikum. They also shared their future plans, which were impressive: all participants have decided to study a technical subject.

“After graduating from high school, I didn’t know what, where (or if) I wanted to study at all. What I did know was that engineering sounded interesting. Participating in the Niedersachsen-Technikum convinced me to study mechanical engineering at TU Braunschweig.” Ida Eitner (19)

At the end of the event, the guests took the opportunity to get to know the technology talents’ posters better and to exchange ideas and valuable networks in a relaxed atmosphere.

“I have liked programming for a long time, but I wasn’t sure whether I could see it as a career. The Technikum was the perfect choice for me to find out exactly that.” Nele Klee (20)

We warmly congratulate all graduates on their successful completion and wish them much success in their further academic and professional careers!