On 14 November 2024, representatives from the university, companies and the student body met at the Kulturfabrik Schönbach to set the course for the future of the dual study program KIA (cooperative study program with integrated training) at the KIA strategy workshop. With numerous innovative ideas and exciting discussions, the event was a complete success and a source of inspiration for everyone involved.

Groundbreaking results and new perspectives

The workshop once again demonstrated the potential that lies in the further development of the KIA program. The participants took away numerous important insights, including

• A need for education and integration: companies should be informed about opportunities to employ international students, and their motivation and sense of integration must be strengthened.
  
• KIA success story: KIA's public image and branding need to be improved. Social media activities are seen as essential to make KIA visible as a model for success.
  
• Stronger company loyalty: Better understanding between students and the company should strengthen the bond and transparency in the collaboration.
  
• Continuous adaptation: The structure of the dual study program should be regularly reviewed to ensure that it remains up-to-date.
  
• Network as key: The exchange between the university and companies - especially with students - is essential and should continue to take place annually in order to create new impetus.
  
• Synchronize teaching and practice: Closer coordination between companies and the university is crucial in order to optimally combine theory and practice.

An inspiring exchange in Schönbach

The Kulturfabrik Schönbach provided the perfect setting for this intensive exchange. The direct dialog with the students was particularly enriching. Together, solutions were developed to make the KIA programs even more attractive and better tailored to the needs of target groups.

"KIA thrives on the commitment of everyone involved. Now it's about putting these ideas into practice and further developing KIA as a successful model," summarized one participant.

Communication psychology students as moderators

As part of a pilot project, students from the Communication Psychology course were involved in moderating the workshop. This gave them the opportunity to gain practical experience and a direct insight into the dynamics of such events. At the same time, their support helped to make the discussions targeted and productive.

Outlook: The next step towards a successful future

The results of the workshop are now being translated into concrete measures. The clear message: KIA is a living model that will remain sustainable through further development. The focus is on strengthening the network, transparency and external impact - always with an eye on the synergies between study and practice.

A big thank you to everyone involved for this inspiring day - together we are shaping the future of KIA!