Jakob Fischer, student taking a Dual Study Programme
Portrait of Jakob Fischer
During the summer holidays I did an internship with a broker in London. While I was there, I heard about Hannover Re in conversations with colleagues and subsequently applied to join the dual study programme. It was very straightforward to apply online. During the application process I gained some insights into the cooperative working atmosphere and I received regular updates as well as quick responses to all my questions.
After two years in the dual work/study programme, I can say that you have to be open to new tasks because your daily routine – whether in the company or at the university – is in fact anything but routine. Every day I learn something new. Communication skills are very important, as is a fundamental interest in both economic issues and mathematics.
The degree course itself is split into quarters, which means that you spend 50% of the year at Hannover Re and 50% at the FHDW Hannover. In September, when the programme begins, things kick off with a team training activity as well as courses about reinsurance. You get to know all the other students and numerous fellow members of staff. During the second year of the programme you complete your training as a certified insurance and financial practitioner. After three years you round off your degree course by writing the thesis for your Bachelor's degree.
What I find especially fascinating are the alternating phases of theory and practice. The practical phases at the company usually start off by getting to know the team members. This opens up a dialogue and provides an opportunity to discuss initial training contents. As soon as the familiarisation has been completed, you are assigned your own tasks and can deal with them at your own responsibility. Due to the wide range of activities I find that the three-month practical phases always fly by far too quickly. At the end you bid farewell to the entire department and each time I look forward to seeing everyone again soon.
The theoretical phases take place at the FHDW. You spend ten weeks learning theory and have two weeks of examinations. During the theory weeks each semester offers different modules. This means that not only are you always learning something new, but also – and most importantly – you gain practically oriented insights into macroeconomic topics. Tuition at the FHDW is focused on the individual, so as a student you always have a point of contact and you never feel like you're falling behind. And if by any chance you do, the professors are always there to help.
The dual study programme is thus preparing me for a fascinating and highly varied professional career. The practical focus of the learning experience in the various departments provides profound insights into the world of work as well as an understanding of the processes and procedures within the company. While you find yourself faced with new challenges time and again and have to deal with them, I have always received support during my time with Hannover Re. During the practical phases you actually grow with your tasks, so what once seemed like a "challenge" at some point no longer feels so demanding.
Ultimately, the best thing of all is when you see your own personal development, how you've progressed during the study programme and grown into your tasks. I am excited to see what lies ahead of me and I look forward to the future with Hannover Re. I would urge anyone who is interested in the dual study programme with us to simply be yourself. Hannover Re is "somewhat different" and is enriched by a diverse range of personalities. Don’t hide yourself away and be open to new things!