Doubts about studies
Next Step Niederrhein

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Project management Next Step

Miriam Kneisel
Project management NEXT STEP Niederrhein/ Career Service
Orientation in case of study doubts

Doubts about studying are normal and occur in a third of students. Sometimes the subject no longer fits, examinations are too demanding or the desire for practical application grows. Dropping out of university should be carefully considered, but it can be the right decision.

We support you with information on doubts about your studies, coaching and a support network inside and outside the university.

You can find out more about study doubts and specific practical tips in a personal coaching session and soon in our Moodle course.

Individual coaching

Our coaching is neutral and confidential. We discuss the background to your doubts about studying or thoughts of dropping out, look at your current personal situation and develop a suitable, individual perspective for you. Sometimes finding a plan B is a decision-making process that can take several appointments.

Appointments can take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Krefeld campus or online from Monday to Friday mornings. When contacting us, please state your preferred date and whether you would prefer the coaching to take place on site or digitally.

Write to our coach Miriam Kneisel and make an appointment at miriam.kneisel(at)hs-niederrhein.de.

Miriam Kneisel
Project management NEXT STEP Niederrhein/ Career Service
Staying with study doubts

Difficulties in studies are normal, and more than half of students experience doubts about their studies.

It is important not to give up immediately, but to seek support. This can help you overcome challenges and continue your studies successfully.

For personal advice, please contact Miriam Kneisel.

More on moodle »
Switch to another subject?

Which direction do you want to take?

Would you like to continue studying, but the new direction is unclear? Take your time to reorient yourself, even if deadlines are pressing.

Think about it:

  • What do you find easy?
  • What are your interests?
  • What activities do you enjoy?
  • What do you like to find out about?
  • What topics do others ask you for advice on?

These answers may indicate your strengths. Find out about careers that match your skills and examine the general conditions such as type of employment, working environment and working hours.

Your interests and occupational fields provide good search criteria for suitable degree programmes. For personal advice, please contact Ms. Kneisel.

More on moodle »
Getting out, breaking new ground

Why drop out?

Dropping out can be the right decision if programme content or studying no longer suits you.

It is important to think about this step carefully and find suitable alternatives. We are happy to help you with this in a coaching session.

More on moodle »
Company list - Trainee wanted!

Plan B: Into practical application?!

Are you doubting whether your studies are still right for you and are thinking about doing an apprenticeship? Then take a look at the NEXT STEP company list ! There you will find companies from the region that are looking for motivated trainees with initial study experience and are therefore interested in you.

You can search the list by industry and location and see exactly which companies would be suitable for an internship or direct career entry. If you want to find out more about a specific company, you will also find the corresponding company website in the list.

Our tip: Some companies also offer an individual start date for training - so you don't have to wait for the usual start date at the beginning of August!

To the company list »
About Next Step

The Hochschule Niederrhein was able to successfully set up the "NEXT STEP" project in cooperation with Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences as part of the "Studienaussteiger NRW" funding line of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The aim of the funding is to create sustainable counseling services for students who are in doubt about their studies or are dropping out. The focus is also on close regional cooperation with labor market players.

Project duration: since 01.07.2017

Project sponsor: Ministry of Culture and Science (MKW) in NRW

You can find more information on the topic of doubts about studying, dropping out, coaching and the project atwww.next-step-niederrhein.de

 

The NEXT STEP project has set up a support network for students in doubt on the left bank of the Lower Rhine. You can find more information on the project website www.next-step-niederrhein.de. Some of the cooperation partners explicitly offer advice for students dropping out.

Some of them are linked below:

Career service advice: Employment Agency
IHK Mittlerer Niederrhein
Publications

The project regularly produces scientific publications and press reports on the subject of study doubts and dropping out. The project also publishes the nationwide newsletter "Beratungsnetzwerk Studienzweifel".

 

Krüger (ed. / ongoing): Newsletter "Beratungsnetzwerk Studienzweifel". Digital publication - information and registration for the newsletter HERE

Ullmann & Krüger (2023): Study - Think - Repeat? Students who doubt their future between frustration and desire for the future. In: Knickrehm, Fletemeyer& Ertelt (2023): Vocational orientation and counseling. Current challenges and digital support options. Wiesbaden. S. 405-422.

Krüger (2018): And there is a magic in every beginning. Prevention and support of dropouts in the introductory phase of studies. In: Information letter December 2018 of the Hochschullehrerbund, Landesverband NRW.

Krüger (2018) "Failure at studies." In: Krüger & Westerholt (2018): "Individualization of study courses. Perspectives for counseling, learning and teaching education", pp. 67-74.