1. Finding the right employer
My first tip is also one of the most difficult. One of the most important points is to find the right employer. They need to be a good fit for you and offer you the flexibility you need to combine your studies and work effectively. When I was looking for a suitable working student job, one thing was clear to me: my studies come first! After all, studying is my main occupation and the job should serve as a supplement to further my education in various areas. I finally found what I was looking for with digatus. What convinced me was not only the exciting areas of responsibility in IT consulting, but also the general conditions that came with the job. At digatus, I was able to arrange my working hours completely flexibly after consulting with my supervisor. If time was tight, for example during the exam period, I could also easily work from home.
I also decided to spend some time abroad in Malaysia during my studies. However, this had little impact on my work at digatus, as I was able to continue my tasks in Malaysia after consultation. This was already the first step towards a successful combination of studies and work.
“My motivation was always that I was able to participate in many exciting projects at digatus, including directly on site at the customer’s premises.
Mira Kochdumper
2. Time management and work-university-life balance
Studying is a very fast-paced and eventful time. Students often not only have a part-time job alongside their studies, but also get involved in social projects and activities in order to be optimally prepared for starting their careers.
Good time management is therefore essential in order not to neglect any area and to successfully complete your studies. My strategy was to draw up a plan before the start of my studies as to which subjects I wanted to take in which semester. This gave me an initial overview and allowed me to easily find out which semester would be best for a stay abroad or an internship, for example. I manage the whole thing in an Excel table, which is divided into semesters. There I have a good overview of the number of credits I have taken and my grades.
Shortly before the start of a semester, when the times for lectures and exercise dates at the university have been announced, the next thing on my to-do list is the semester plan. I then determine on which days I am at the university and which days I can use for work. My personal tip: schedule exercise dates, which can often be selected individually, between lectures so that you have as many “full” days as possible. This creates a few free days when you don’t have to go to university.
With all these appointments relating to “work” and “university”, the “life” part should not be forgotten, as this is just as important! After all, student life not only includes lectures and work, but also student parties and relaxed barbecues on the Isar with fellow students.
3. Set goals and practice self-discipline
Which student doesn’t know this: the to-do list includes summarizing the 2000 slides of the script, working through all the exercise sheets and also going to work in the office the next day. But you would prefer to lie in bed all day and watch series on Netflix. Greetings from procrastination.
Despite good planning, everyone has a phase in which they would prefer to throw everything away. It is precisely then that it is important to remember your goals and answer the question: why am I doing all this? My motivation was always that I was able to participate in many exciting projects at digatus, including directly on site at the customer’s premises. I knew that these experiences would be very useful in my future career. This fact always motivated and encouraged me to reconcile both: working student job and studies.
