Getting a new perspective

External advisory services

There are many different reasons why an individual will have doubts about their studies, meaning that there is no “silver bullet” and no one correct course of action. To find the right way forward for you, it can sometimes be worth looking at the bigger picture. Our external partners can advise you on dual degree programs, vocational training, career opportunities not requiring a university degree and much more. The following overview is intended to help find the right advice for you.

You will also find a broad network of advisory services at the University of Bonn itself that can help with doubts about your studies.

Bonn/Rhein-Sieg Employment Agency

Telephone counseling (no appointment necessary):

the Employment Agency offers one-to-one consultations focused on devising a strategy for your future career that fits you personally.

Once a month on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm

+49 228  924 4020

bonn.berufsberatung@arbeitsagentur.de

If you are calling outside these hours or the line is busy, you are welcome to send an email to bonn.berufsberatung@arbeitsagentur.de. Please indicate briefly why you are getting in touch and include a phone number on which you can be contacted.

Wednesdays from 1:00 to 4:00 pm

  • 17. April 2024
  • 15. May 2024
  • 12. June 2024
  • 17. July 2024
  • 14. August 2024
  • 25. September 2024 +++ from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm +++

Switching to vocational training or a dual training program (current opportunities in your preferred region at employers from all over Germany will be communicated free of charge); switching to another degree program, university or type of higher education institution; career prospects with a degree or vocational training; alternative financing models and/or options for bridging the gap until you embark on a fresh start.

Nightline Köln: support and info line run by students for students

Talk about your problems anonymously late into the night. Whether you are facing stress in your studies, day-to-day worries, exam fears, money problems or conflict in a relationship – no issue is too big or too small.

During the lecture period: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat 9:00 pm to midnight

Vocational training as an alternative to university studies

If you are interested in vocational training and subsequent career opportunities, our partners at the Chamber of Crafts, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Notaries’ Association and the Bar Association will be happy to advise you. People who withdraw from university are often able to take a shorter training program or participate in special schemes. If you are interested in vocational training in principal but do not yet know what area you want to focus on, or if you are interested in training for a profession that is not represented by the chambers and associations listed here (e.g. in healthcare, social work, the civil service or agriculture), you are welcome to contact the Employment Agency.

Cologne Chamber of Crafts (HWK)

The HWK can advise you on dual training programs and career prospects in craft professions, on reducing the length of your training, on opportunities for professional development during and after your training, and on much more besides. It also arranges training placements and internships.

Contact for students withdrawing from university:

Roberto Lepore:  +49 221  2022-481 | roberto.lepore@hwk-koeln.de

Bonn/Rhein-Sieg Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)

The IHK can advise you on dual training programs and career prospects in the industry, trade and service sectors.

Its scheme entitled The right candidate for the job (Passgenaue Besetzung) can help you find a suitable profession to train for and the right company to do it at. The “Relaunch your Career” project allows students withdrawing from university to complete reduced-length “turbo training.”

Contacts for students withdrawing from university:

Elvira Fray: +49 228  2284-197  | +49 228  2284-230 
fray@bonn.ihk.de | ryc@bonn.ihk.de

Cologne Bar Association

The Cologne Bar Association advises on and arranges placements for trainee paralegals in the Aachen/Bonn/Cologne region.

Contact for students withdrawing from university:

Georg Dick: +49 221  9730-2032 | dick@rak-koeln.de
Udo Schäfer: +49 221  9730-1025 | schaefer@rak-koeln.de

Rhine Notaries’ Association

The Rhine Notaries’ Association provides advice on training to become a notary’s assistant.

Contact person for students withdrawing from university:

Jeanette van Lier: +49 221  257-5291 | jeanette.vanlier@rhnotk.de


Researching your options for switching to another degree program or university

Eine Wissenschaftlerin und ein Wissenschaftler arbeiten hinter einer Glasfassade und mischen Chemikalien mit Großgeräten.
© Hans-Peter Gauster, Unsplash

Higher Education Compass

The Higher Education Compass can be a useful tool if you are considering changing university and want to get information and advice on degree programs at other universities. It is a database in which you can search for degree programs and universities across Germany. The extended search function allows you to set numerous filters and thus tailor your search to criteria that are important to you so that you can find your perfect degree program.

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