Shape your career before your master’s degree
Gain practical experience and build your professional network.
Exploring the journey of PreMaster talents at ETAS
What does it mean to bridge the gap between academic studies and real-world industry experience? In this Career Story, we delve into the journeys of Niko and Bastian, two participants in the ETAS PreMaster program.
Both joined ETAS to gain hands-on experience, develop their skills, and contribute to innovative projects in the automotive and software industries. While Niko brings his passion for digital product design to life, Bastian applies his expertise in UX and Design Thinking to impactful projects. Together, they share their experiences, challenges, and insights, offering a glimpse into how the PreMaster program prepares young talents for the future.
Program overview
Planning to pursue a master’s degree but want to gain hands-on industry experience first?
The ETAS PreMaster program offers a unique opportunity for recent graduates to gain valuable industry experience before pursuing their master’s degree. The practical phase lasts normally up to twelve months but may be much shorter. The duration and starting date are determined on an individual basis so that the master's degree can be started immediately afterwards. The participants work on impactful, real-world projects that align with their field of study, contributing to innovation in the automotive and software industries.
PreMaster participants are valued team members, empowered to take ownership of meaningful tasks and collaborate with experts across disciplines. With mentorship, hands-on learning, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies, the program bridges the gap between academic studies and a successful professional future.
As Niko reflects, “The practical experience I’ve gained here has not only strengthened my skills but also shown me the importance of collaboration and creative freedom in achieving impactful results.” Bastian adds, “It’s been a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey, where I’ve had the chance to work on exciting projects and develop my expertise in ways I never imagined.”
Highlights
Real-world experience
Work on impactful projects and build your professional skills.
Mentorship
Receive personal guidance from experienced professionals.
Career insights
Explore future career opportunities and expand your network.
Working at eye level
One of the program's standout features is its culture of mutual respect and collaboration. At ETAS, PreMaster participants like Niko and Bastian are not only given significant responsibilities but are also supported by mentors and colleagues who value their contributions. This empowering environment fosters innovation and helps participants grow both personally and professionally.
"From day one, I felt like a valued team member, not just an intern," shares Niko. "The opportunity to work on real projects with experienced professionals gave me the confidence to take on challenges and contribute meaningfully to my team."
For Bastian, the program provided a similar experience: "I wanted to gain practical experience and keep my options open for a master's degree. The PreMaster program offered the perfect balance. I was welcomed warmly and entrusted with impactful projects right away.”
"The ETAS PreMaster program offers a unique opportunity for young talents to gain valuable industry experience and prepare for their master's studies. Through our hands-on approach and collaborative culture, we aim to empower the next generation to shape the future of the automotive industry."
Meet Niko: A passion for digital product design
Niko joined ETAS as a Digital Product Designer while simultaneously working on his master's degree. His role involves developing an internal tool for Cloud Enablement, taking the product from initial research and conception through to implementation and continuous improvement.
With a background in Interaction Design from the University of Applied Sciences Schwäbisch Gmünd, Niko’s interdisciplinary education – spanning design, psychology, engineering, and informatics – has equipped him with a unique skill set. "The PreMaster program allowed me to expand on my academic knowledge and apply it to real-world challenges," he reflects.
Niko’s PreMaster experience exceeded his expectations, providing a structured program, targeted training, and opportunities to collaborate across different business areas. "The practical experience complemented my theoretical knowledge, boosting my confidence and preparing me for a leadership role in digital product design," he says.
Meet Bastian: Driving innovation with UX and Design Thinking
Bastian entered the ETAS PreMaster program to gain practical experience in UX and Design Thinking while keeping the option of pursuing a master’s degree open. Currently, he works in the Data Acquisition & Processing (DAP) business area, where he contributes as a PreMaster participant with a focus on UX and Design Thinking.
With a background in Mechatronics and a specialization in User Experience from Aalen University, Bastian has quickly made an impact at ETAS. His projects include creating prototypes for user testing, facilitating Co-Creation Workshops, and delivering UX training sessions for colleagues. "The transition from academic projects to real-world challenges has been both demanding and rewarding," he says.
Through his work, Bastian is gaining valuable hands-on experience and exploring how UX and Design Thinking can drive innovation in the automotive and software industries. The PreMaster program has given him the confidence to embrace challenges, expand his skills, and prepare for the next steps in his career.
Inspiring the next generation
The ETAS PreMaster program continues to be a transformative experience for participants like Niko and Bastian, equipping them with the tools to shape the future of the automotive and software industries. Their journeys are a testament to the program's success in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and professional excellence.
For those eager to gain hands-on experience, build a professional network, and grow in an empowering environment, the PreMaster program at ETAS is the perfect start to an exciting career.
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