"The first few semesters in Mechanical Engineering are hard, but persevering is worth it!"

Tina Rischke completed a co-op programme with integrated vocational training (Mechanical Engineering) at the BTU with BASF in Schwarzheide. In an interview, she told us how she mastered the challenging course of study and what advice she would give to first-year students.

"I opted for a co-op programme in Mechanical Engineering during my A-levels because of the advantages, such as a regular monthly income or gaining practical experience," Tina reports. "Through the first year of training as an industrial mechanic, I was already able to acquire some basics for my studies. I also found the studies themselves very enjoyable, which is why I immediately followed up with my master's degree at BTU."

Tina knew early on that she wanted to study Mechanical Engineering. For those who are still unsure, she recommends, "Visit the trial study program at the BTU or just talk to a few students directly. Another option is an internship at a company. There you get a first impression of what tasks a mechanical engineer will have to do later."

After successfully completing her master's degree, Tina now works as a divisional manager for metal & sheet metal materials in the COLab at the BTU campus. "During my master's studies, I worked as a research assistant at COLab. Now I get to apply everything I learned during my training and studies every day. From design or strength calculations to creating laser models to fabrication, which means lasering, sheet metal bending, welding and more."

To anyone struggling with their studies, she advises them to persevere, "The first semesters in Mechanical Engineering are hard. I don't know anyone who didn't think to themselves in math or technical mechanics, "Help, am I the only one who doesn't understand anything here?". Just ask your fellow students. If everyone understands a little bit, you'll be able to pass every exam in the end, and it gets better halfway through the course, when polynomial division, for example, suddenly makes sense."

Mechanical Engineering can be studied at BTU as a Bachelor's or Master's degree:
https://www.b-tu.de/maschinenbau-bs (applications for the coming winter semester are still possible until September 24, 2023)
https://www.b-tu.de/maschinenbau-ms/

After successfully completing her master's degree, Tina now works as a divisional manager for metal & sheet metal materials in the COLab at the BTU campus.
Tina Rischke was awarded a university prize for the best bachelor thesis in the Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Energy Systems faculty in July 2022. Likewise, she was honored as the best STEM student in the master's program.
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