Student Marie talks about her experiences
Marie Höss is studying for a master's degree in Automotive Systems Engineering, continuing her studies in Automotive Engineering at HKA. The dedicated student was a tutor for higher mathematics and, for two semesters, class representative. She was recognized for her outstanding performance in the undergraduate Bachelor's program. She would like to see even more women take the step into engineering professions.
Marie, why did you choose this program?
There are a lot of emotions attached to my choice of study. Ever since my father gave me a certain model car, it was clear to me that I wanted to become an engineer so that I could be involved developing such vehicles. I already got to know the university through my bachelor's degree in Automotive Engineering. Education is very important to me, which is why I wanted to continue my education after graduating. As a further course of study, the Automotive Systems Engineering Master's program seemed innovative and future-oriented to me, since current topics such as connected driving and e-mobility are covered. In particular, I found the possibility to deepen my knowledge in intelligent and autonomous driving particularly interesting.
What do you particularly like about the program?
Talking for myself, I really like the practical and independent work in the form of laboratories and project work, because in this way the theory smoothly turns into practice. Furthermore, there are some subjects on the curriculum that address highly innovative topics, such as artificial intelligence or security. Moreover, I find the option of choosing between a three- and four-semester variant an ideal chance to work alongside my studies and gain further practical experience.
What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
At the beginning of my bachelor's program, it definitely took courage for me to enter a "man's world." Both in my studies and in my professional experience so far, my male colleagues clearly outnumbered female colleagues. By now, however, I have learned to see this as an incentive. For the future, I would like to see more women take the step into technical professions and for this to even become usual at some point.
How did you experience Karlsruhe as a city and as a place to study?
For me, Karlsruhe was exactly the right choice for this course of study, as the university has a good reputation and there are many job opportunities in industry in the surrounding area. Karlsruhe also has a lot to offer in terms of student life in general.
What would you recommend to applicants?
It is important to take a closer look at the subjects included in the program before applying. Some people were surprised by the high proportion of computer science and electronics.
If you had to describe the study program in three words?
familiar / challenging / passionate ... It is quite difficult to sum up all the years I spent at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences in three words. First of all, I would say familiar. Due to the size of the university, you are by no means a face in the crowd, but you can always turn to the professors if you have any questions. Furthermore, challenging, because you should be prepared for a demanding course of study, which requires a lot of commitment, curiosity and perseverance. And finally - from my point of view - passionate, because the studies enabled me to realize my dream of becoming an engineer.