“If I don’t understand something, I will learn it”

Michael Geuze is characterized by curiosity, willingness to learn and a passion for mathematics. After completing three technical apprenticeships, the 33-year-old completed the university qualification course at Hofen Castle. This prepared you for the additional exams in the subjects of mathematics, English, German and physics and, after passing the exam, enables you to study at the FHV. The Lustenauer is now in the final stages of his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and information technology dual at the FHV and has just submitted his bachelor's thesis on the topic of "AI-supported C-code generation".

Study and work

“Learning has been with me all my life. I completed an apprenticeship as a cutting technician and learned the various machining processes there. Then I added the metalworking technician apprenticeship because I wanted to understand the mechanical components of machine tools. Afterwards I understood the machines to some extent, but the electrical part was still missing. So I completed my apprenticeship as a plant electrician.

Then I wanted to know more about the software. If I don’t understand something, I just want to learn it,” emphasizes Michael Geuze. So he decided to study electrical engineering and information technology dual at the FHV and thus combine work and academic training. “The study model is ideal. It is possible to work alongside it. Presence and teaching phases alternate,” says Michael Geuze, who works as a software developer at S.I.E in Lustenau. 

Michael Geuze enjoys the many project-related tasks of studying electrical engineering and information technology dual at the FHV. “We designed a circuit board ourselves in the power electronics department, had it produced and soldered it ourselves, put it into operation and measured it. “That was really cool,” he gives an insight. He is also enthusiastic about mathematics and elective subjects such as technical computer science, hardware description languages ​​and embedded systems.

Excellent job prospects

The bachelor's program with the new name Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Dual provides all the qualifications needed to develop technologies and processes that enable a sustainable future. Smart production in industry, automation, renewable energies or electromobility: electronics and information technology play a key role in many new technologies and increasingly complex products. “Well-trained specialists are in demand. Thanks to extensive practical experience, our graduates not only have excellent job prospects, but are also working professionally during their studies,” emphasizes course director Franz Geiger.

And what is Michael Geuze's summary after completing his bachelor's degree? “I’m definitely smarter,” says the amateur musician with a laugh. “I learned a lot, but my motivation was also high because I was very interested. “Thanks to my many years of work experience, I immediately connected the knowledge I had learned,” enthuses the software developer.

Even without a high school diploma – all doors are open

“I advise everyone who is interested: ‘just do it’! I dropped out of high school at a young age, but self-pity is of no use in life. A lot of impulses came together and many doors were always open. “But you have to take these paths yourself. In retrospect, everything worked out wonderfully for me,” he says, looking back proudly on his exciting career.

Facts

Course to qualify for studies at the FHV
Next start & duration “Edition Weekday evenings”: October 7th, 2024 to January 16th, 2025
Duration: 4 months; Course modules can be booked individually
Attendance mode: every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:25 p.m. (a different subject every evening)
Location: FHV - Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences in Dornbirn

Information and application: Course for university entrance qualifications (schlosshofen.at)

Information about the Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Dual: Studying Electronics & Information Technology | FHV