Karlsruhe Institute of Technology: Start-up help for prospective engineers in the corona pandemic
The corona pandemic makes it difficult for many graduates to enter the labor market. Prospective engineers are supported by the Corona graduate program in the InnovationsCampus Mobility of the Future (ICM) of the University of Stuttgart and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Up to 80 graduates from both universities can be temporarily employed at the universities, work on projects and gain further qualifications. The focus is on uncomplicated admission and individual support. So far, around 20 graduates have taken part in the program. The Baden-Württemberg Minister of Science, Theresia Bauer, will meet with them in a virtual meeting on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 to discuss their first experiences.
“Supporting the graduates of our universities in their entry into the labor market, which is difficult due to the pandemic, is a central concern of mine and the Ministry of Science. With the graduate program of the InnovationsCampus Mobility of the Future, we are creating an attractive environment: prospective engineers can take part in innovative research and cooperation projects with companies and gain important experience in the process. The time between graduation and entry into professional life is thus bridged optimally, ”says Science Minister Theresia Bauer.
“The program ideally supports the participants in this currently difficult phase of starting their careers: In research projects or in cooperation with companies they can gain experience close to science and practice. In addition, they can contribute to new innovative projects in the enormously important future topic of mobility, ”says the Vice President for Innovation and International Affairs of KIT, Professor Thomas Hirth.
“The graduates particularly affected by the effects of the pandemic now need quick and uncomplicated support. With the bridging offered at the university, we can ensure that the graduates’ skills acquired during their studies can be maintained and further developed. The InnovationsCampus Mobility of the Future offers ideal conditions for this, ”says the Vice-Rector for Knowledge and Technology Transfer at the University of Stuttgart, Professor Peter Middendorf.
Corona graduate program of the ICM
The aim of the graduate program is, on the one hand, the further training and qualification of the participants, which should improve their personal perspective during and after the corona pandemic. By means of an individual qualification program that the management of the ICM sets up together with the supervising institute at the respective university for the graduates, they deepen their specific specialist knowledge as well as their soft skills for applications and presentations or in project management. On the other hand, the program is also intended to prevent the shortage of skilled workers by using the corona-related crisis period for further qualification in the future topic of mobility and the associated production. Graduates can make targeted contacts through industry-related projects.
In order to provide the graduates with quick support, approval and recruitment can be processed very quickly. The first employment contracts were signed a month after the program was published. There are currently around 60 free places in the ICM’s graduate program. International graduates whose last university degree was in Baden-Württemberg can also apply. Further information can be found on the website for the announcement of the program: www.ausschreibung.icm-bw.de
The InnovationCampus mobility of the future
The aim of the ICM is to bring about new, groundbreaking technologies. Started in July 2019 and funded with around 65 million euros by the state of Baden-Württemberg, the ICM focuses on emission-free drives, digitally supported production and manufacturing technologies, and the networking of mobility. At the same time, the ICM wants to attract and support excellent young researchers and promote start-ups in science.
Further information on the ICM website: www.icm-bw.de
The University of Stuttgart, founded in 1829, has around 26,000 students. Their vision “Intelligent Systems for a Sustainable Society” and their special profile as the “Stuttgart Way” stand for the consistent interdisciplinary networking of complementary disciplines as well as the integration of engineering, natural sciences, humanities and social sciences. Its outstanding position as a globally networked research university is reflected, among other things, in the two clusters of excellence “Data-integrated simulation science” and “Integrative computer-based planning and construction for architecture”, the ARENA 2036 research campus, participation in the “Cyber Valley” network and numerous special research areas and graduate schools.
As “The Research University in the Helmholtz Association”, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for society and the environment. The aim is to make significant contributions to global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility and information. To this end, around 9,600 employees work together on a broad disciplinary basis in the natural, engineering, economic, humanities and social sciences. The KIT prepares its 23,300 students for responsible tasks in society, economy and science through a research-oriented university course. The innovation activity at KIT bridges the gap between knowledge and application for social benefit, economic prosperity and the preservation of our natural foundations of life.