4 March 2025

Retaining highly qualified specialists in the region and integrating them into the labour market in the long term is one of the greatest challenges of our time. One example of how this process can succeed is provided by Indian student Karan, who has been studying for a Master's degree in Environmental and Recycling Technology (ERT) at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences since September 2023.

His academic career began with a degree in mechanical engineering in India. He then worked for Meinhardt and the Hilti Group, gaining professional experience and saving enough money to realise his long-held dream of studying in Germany. His enthusiasm for the subject of environmental and recycling technologies led him to Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences - a decision that has proved to be of great benefit to both him and the region.

In October 2024, Karan completed a voluntary internship at the waste management department of the Nordhausen district. There, he supported the "Household waste analysis" project, a legally required analysis that must be carried out every six years and takes place in two seasons.

The first part of the analysis took place in April 2024, the second part in November of the same year. On the initiative of Kathrin Materlik, Head of the Waste Management and Landfill Department at the Nordhausen District Office, and in close consultation with Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Rutz, Head of the ERT degree programme, students were recruited for both phases of the analysis.

Karan actively participated in the second phase and impressed so much with his way of working that he is now also responsible for analysing the data collected.

In addition to his professional expertise, Karan also impresses with his open manner and his now very good language skills. Kathrin Materlik particularly emphasises how quickly he has settled into the work processes and how much the entire team benefits from his collaboration: "Karan not only contributes outstandingly well in terms of his expertise, but also enriches our team with his open manner. He is actively involved in discussions - even during lunch breaks - and helps us to broaden our own horizons."

For Karan himself, the internship was not only a valuable professional experience, but also an important step towards integration: "I'm very grateful for all the opportunities I've been given here. The university, my degree programme and the Career Service have supported me in every way. The internship helped me to improve my language skills and familiarise myself with the German work culture."

The fact that he feels at home in Germany is also evident in his everyday life. Full of curiosity, he immerses himself in the culture, visits the Mainz carnival, for example, discovers his fondness for minced meat rolls and now even supports a local football team.

Karan's internship ends on 31 March 2025, but his plans for the future are clear: he wants to stay in Germany and work here. His qualifications and motivation make him a valuable asset for German companies - proof of how integration in practice can work.

"His example shows that Germany is an attractive place to study and work for international specialists and that committed students can enrich the region. With targeted programmes and support, talented people like Karan can not only be attracted, but also retained in the long term - a benefit for companies, universities and society as a whole," emphasises University President Prof. Dr Jörg Wagner.