First IT Business Breakfast: Successful exchange on recruiting skilled labour

On 28 February 2025, SRH University hosted the first IT Business Breakfast at the Dresden campus. 16 company representatives accepted the invitation to find out about the planned start of the dual English-language Master's programme in Computer Science and to discuss the challenges and opportunities of recruiting skilled workers.

As a state-recognised university with 18 years of experience in international student recruitment, SRH University offers extensive expertise in attracting qualified students worldwide. While the dual study model has already been successfully applied in Dresden for over seven years in the fields of hospitality, tourism and social services, the combination of dual study and an English-language Master's programme is an innovative new development. Corporate partners are now being sought for the planned start in October 2025.

Advantages for practice partners
Companies that get involved as dual practice partners benefit from a wide range of advantages:

• Free, global recruiting: SRH University undertakes the targeted pre-selection of Bachelor's graduates in the field of IT; the final selection is made by the companies.
• Accompanying support: The university supports both students and companies in administrative and day-to-day matters, for example with visa issues, finding accommodation and integration into everyday working life.
• Early involvement of students: Thanks to the dual model, students familiarise themselves with the processes in the company from the start of their studies and can be specifically involved.
• Targeted qualification: Within two years, students receive sound academic and practical training in the field of computer science.

Degree programme at a glance

• Degree programme: M.Sc. Computer Science (dual, in English)
• Duration: 2 years
• Target group: International Bachelor's graduates in the IT sector - with or without professional experience, some already based in Germany
• Time model: 2 days university - 3 days practical work in the company (20h/week), no classic semester break

Discussion and solutions
During the event, the challenges of recruiting and integrating international IT specialists were discussed in depth. A central topic was linguistic and cultural integration. SRH University offers practical solutions here, such as German and integration courses, to support successful integration into everyday working life. Issues relating to visas and administrative hurdles were also discussed. The company representatives welcomed the new model and see it as a promising opportunity to counteract the shortage of skilled labour.

Next steps for interested companies
Companies interested in becoming a practice partner can contact Katja Kretzschmar ([email protected]), Campus Manager at SRH in Dresden, directly or take part in the next online info session.

SRH University would like to thank all participants for the valuable exchange and looks forward to future collaboration.