Tobias Schneider reports on his experiences during his first three semesters in the dual bachelor's degree program at MCI.
Tobias Schneider has started his dual training in the bachelor's degree program "Smart Building Technologies" in the debut class of 2021. After his third of a total of six practical phases at HELLA, the Austrian market leader for sun, light and weather protection systems, he reports on his experiences so far, which he will continue to develop in theory and practice over the next three semesters until he graduates with a bachelor's degree.
What is the dual study program "Smart Building Technologies" about and what do you enjoy the most?"The degree is basically about the different systems that interact in a modern building. What I enjoy most is the variety - that is, the combination of practice and theory - and that these phases are well divided up! After the challenging study phases, I can then immediately apply my knowledge in professional practice at HELLA."
Research and development at HELLA: Tobias simulates on a model house how daylight is distributed in the living space. The laser simulates the sun.©HELLA Research and development at HELLA: Tobias simulates on a model house how daylight is distributed in the living space. The laser simulates the sun.©HELLA
How can you imagine this combination of theory and practice?How can you imagine this combination of theory and practice?
"As dual students, we can implement the content learned in the study phases at MCI in the practical phase. I completed the first two practical phases at HELLA in the InnovationLAB team. The team leader Robert Weitlaner also accompanied me through all my practical phases and is my first contact person for the entire study period. Robert is like a mentor to me and there are no rigid hierarchies! I completed my third practical phase at HELLA as part of the Automation team. I was more or less the interface between the InnovationLAB and control technology. There, we worked on a completely new product that was just coming onto the market. I was able to get involved in all areas - from research to test setup and proof of concept, i.e. a feasibility study. That was very exciting! I was also involved in a commissioning together with a colleague from the control technology department - in other words, practice in practice. In the course of the three-year course, I also get an insight into other departments such as product management, design and architectural services. This gives me a holistic overview of all areas of building technology!"
"Robert Weitlaner also accompanies me through all my practical phases and is my first point of contact for the entire study period. He is like a mentor to me!" ©HELLA
Why did you decide on a dual study program at HELLA?Why did you decide on a dual study program at HELLA?
"I chose the dual study program at HELLA because it is "dual". It was clear to me that I wanted to stay in the region, and after five years of professional experience, I didn't want to start a full-time study program. The employment with a year-round salary is also a very important aspect! In addition to the variety of theory and practice, the subject area is very exciting. I have never really dealt with sun protection before, but it is such a versatile and important topic! I find the numerous research projects in which HELLA is involved very interesting, as well as the control and guidance of daylight."
Daylight research in practice: here, different light incidence angles are simulated. The light-steering tile, which is installed in the white frame, directs the light from the sun to the ceiling and is intended to prevent the direct heating of living spaces. ©HELLA
The interview was kindly provided by HELLA.
