Student dropouts as an asset for companies: A success story of the project "Change instead of dropping out"

© comNET GmbH

In today's working world, many companies are faced with the challenge of finding qualified specialists. In the IT sector in particular, the shortage of workers is a permanent challenge. But one innovative solution has proven its worth: Student dropouts as a valuable target group for companies. The "Umsteigen statt Aussteigen" program aims to activate this hidden reserve and not only help companies, but also open up new prospects for the students concerned.

The road to success with "Change instead of getting off"

© comNET GmbH

comNET GmbH has been on board as a cooperation partner of the "Umsteigen statt Aussteigen" programme since 2015 and, together with other companies and institutions, has recognized the benefits of working together. The support provided by the now well-established employment promotion program under the leadership of Marcus Voitel includes open-ended advice and access to a database of employers who are specifically interested in university dropouts. This has proven to be particularly valuable, as the quality and quantity of applications in the IT sector must continually increase.

The first steps towards cooperation took place via the "Neustart IT" project of the Hanover Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the TU Braunschweig. Managing Director Marc Peters was quickly convinced of the opportunities that arise from working with university dropouts.

A new approach: dropping out as an opportunity

The program aims to break down the stigma associated with dropping out of university. Students who drop out are seen as talented individuals with a lot of potential. The positive experiences from the collaboration show that many of these former students successfully complete their training and take on a high level of responsibility in their groups. Their maturity and the knowledge they have already acquired enable them to familiarize themselves independently with new subject areas.

Neutral and approachable advice is another component of the program. The dropouts receive objective support and are not put under pressure to make a decision immediately. This allows them to reflect calmly on whether training or further study is the right path for them.

The personal added value

© comNET GmbH

Stefan Troestler studied Business Informatics and Economic and Social History at the University of Göttingen. He was unsure whether the course was the right choice and turned to the advice of "Umsteigen statt Aussteigen". Troestler got in touch with comNET GmbH through our expert Marcus Voitel and is now training to become a digitalization management specialist.

He describes the big difference to conventional advice: "The personal contact and the feeling of being valued through the large number of appointments were decisive for my decision." The individual support provided by "Umsteigen statt Aussteigen" enables students to talk openly about their concerns and gain important insights into their professional future. The feedback from participants is consistently positive.

Stefan Troestler has some valuable advice from his own experience for students who are dissatisfied with their studies:

"Take advantage of the help offered, be it as a "soundboard" or for emotional support. Counseling doesn't automatically mean that you have to stop studying. It's important to be honest with yourself and not put off making decisions."

And this is particularly rewarded by the employer comNET GmbH, as long-term plans are made with the trainees. Stefan Troestler is now about to graduate and has already signed his employment contract, so his long-term prospects and career at comNET GmbH are secure. The result is therefore a "win-win situation" for all sides. In addition, the Hannover Region can be pleased to have another motivated junior employee within its borders.

Conclusion: Together into a successful future

The "Umsteigen statt Aussteigen" program of the Hannover Region's employment promotion agency impressively demonstrates that dropouts can be a valuable resource for companies. The cooperation with comNET GmbH and other partners paves the way to help both students and companies. The key to success is to see dropping out as an opportunity rather than a failure. By changing the perspective, together we can create a future in which everyone involved benefits.