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Studying on probation: The FWJ

31.05.2023

FWJ Emir Verkehrswegebau

How does studying work? What does research even mean? Emir Nezic gives insights into his Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ) at the Chair of Highway and Road Engineering.

The one-year training programme - comparable to the Federal Volunteer Service - enables selected high school graduates to work on current research projects in the participating faculties and to participate in university events from the entire spectrum of subjects at RUB. If they are interested, they can also take their first examinations. In addition, participants receive a monthly allowance of 400 euros. Interested students can apply until 01 July 2023. More information can be found here.

Emir Nezic applied last year and received a FWJ place at the Chair of Highway and Road Engineering of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Now his FWJ is coming to an end, time for an interim summary.

FWJ Emir Verkehrswegebau

How does studying work? What does research even mean? Emir Nezic gives insights into his Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ) at the Chair of Highway and Road Engineering.

The one-year training programme - comparable to the Federal Volunteer Service - enables selected high school graduates to work on current research projects in the participating faculties and to participate in university events from the entire spectrum of subjects at RUB. If they are interested, they can also take their first examinations. In addition, participants receive a monthly allowance of 400 euros. Interested students can apply until 01 July 2023. More information can be found here.

Emir Nezic applied last year and received a FWJ place at the Chair of Highway and Road Engineering of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Now his FWJ is coming to an end, time for an interim summary.


How did it come about that you applied for an FWJ?
"After finishing school, I didn't know what I wanted to do. My actual plan was to have a mini-job for over a year and visit study and job fairs during that time to see what interested me. Then I found the FWJ, which again was exactly what I wanted to do over that year - it was perfect. Since I'm interested in the environmental and construction world, I applied for an FWJ at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering. At my interview, the Chair of Highway and Road Engineering then chose me, where I am very happy."

What do you particularly like about the FWJ?
"The flexibility that the FWJ offers. My Chair is very flexible with my working hours and their distribution. Overall, I have nothing to criticise about my Department. Another great thing about the FWJ is that I can attend various lectures that are not directly related to my actual Department and Faculty. The practical experience I gain through my Chair work is also not to be underestimated - a unique opportunity, so to speak. The last thing would be the exam attempts and that they don't count. It's perfect to see if you really want to study."

What has been a personal highlight for you so far?
"I would say the internship, which I did for three weeks during the lecture-free period. During this time, I was able to gain even more practical experience, got insights into the work of a building materials tester and was even allowed to join the field service for a few times."

What would you recommend to future participants?
"The opportunity to take exams without getting a fail is a chance you won't get again later. I would therefore recommend trying it out, even if you haven't studied a minute for the exam, to at least get a feeling for exams at university. A very important tip is to choose a Faculty in the end that you are really interested in!"