Personal skills and attitudes

Of course, a certain enthusiasm for a subject or subject area is indispensable for successful study. Because only if you are interested in something is it fun to deal with the contents and to learn. A course of study can only be meaningful and enriching with the appropriate enthusiasm for a subject area. This way, finding a topic for a bachelor’s or master’s thesis as well as an in-depth examination of the contents do not become torture, but rather a stimulating and fulfilling challenge.

But of course it is also natural that not everybody shares the same great interest for every topic. You cannot help but attend events that do not necessarily give you the greatest pleasure in learning. In this case, it is important that you are aware of the fact that even dealing with an unloved subject area is indispensable in order to make progress in your studies. This tenacity is precisely part of the extrinsic motivation, while the enthusiastic occupation from 'inside out' with an issue is part of intrinsic motivation.

A fundamental characteristic of scientific work is that of accuracy, which is essential for studying at a university. For example, in a university context, this is expressed in exact literature research or the observance of the specified citation style in the course of a seminar paper or a presentation. Small details often make the difference here and are always relevant.

organises himself/herself, an enormous ability of determination is required. This is also related to individual achievement motivation. In concrete terms, this meant, for example, consciously thinking about what grade I would like to achieve in the respective event or by when I would like to complete a seminar paper. Setting realistic goals is not that easy. Realistic in a double sense means that the goals are achievable on the one hand, but on the other hand they are not underchallenged and correspond to the respective requirements. Therefore goals have a highly individual character. However, single-mindedness also describes a result-oriented and straightforward working attitude, which is indispensable in view of a large material abundance or complex circumstances.

In every study there are highs, but also lows. The difficulties students face can vary greatly. However, it is often the requirements of the subject that present students with seemingly unsolvable challenges. Here it is important that you do not resign yourself to the difficulties. Rather, you should try to develop and penetrate the material yourself by means of accompanying reading. Perseverance also means continuing after a failure and making a second or third attempt to achieve a sense of achievement.

The success of a study depends strongly on how committed the students are in many respects. It is therefore essential that you take the initiative yourself in many cases. At the university you are primarily on your own. Especially in the various courses it is important that you show your presence, not only through your presence. For example, prepare questions about the texts or contents that interest you. Do not be afraid to consult the lecturer with your questions during office hours. It is important that they learn 'actively'. This means dealing with topics independently and on one’s own responsibility. Lose the fear of mistakes, because these are of course also part of the learning process.

The ability to organise oneself is of outstanding importance during one’s studies. Because studying means above all independent organisation of complex processes. The preparation of the timetable, the handling of administrative aspects or the procurement of information are still the least. In particular, the perpetual organisation of one’s own learning path, which should ultimately lead to success, is extremely important. A good way to do this is to work on a weekly schedule.

The constant demand on oneself to get the maximum out of it is central to studying at a higher education institution. This is the only way to be truly successful, to develop continuously and to meet the persistently growing demands during your studies. Do not let up in your quest for the best, but do not be too hard on yourself in the event of failure. A high level of ambition manifests itself not only in the desire for a good grade, but above all in an increase in knowledge, skills and competences.

No one can know everything, no one can know everything. Be aware of this. And also be aware of your weaknesses and deficits. Only in this way can you work on them and eliminate their 'weaknesses'. This is important for your studies. It is precisely here that you are confronted with a lot of new things, which are of course also connected with the emergence of uncertainties. Do not be afraid of the new, however, but see it as an opportunity to expand your competence, your knowledge and your experience. Learn how to deal with the new, with uncertainty. Develop the ability to discover new facts and to master unfamiliar situations.

The ability to think about oneself and to reflect on one’s own actions is essential in order to work on oneself and to develop oneself accordingly. On the other hand, it is not always about progress, but also about making people aware of different things. This awareness is crucial for successful learning. It is central to ask questions and analyse one’s own actions. But it is just as important that this is not always rated as 'good' or 'bad'. The mere awareness of one’s own actions is completely sufficient.