Highlighting Skills: First Certificates Awarded to Computer Science Students

Today, professional excellence alone is often no longer enough to ensure a successful start to one’s career. Even in computer science, companies increasingly expect strong communication skills, teamwork abilities, self-organization, and a confident demeanor. At the same time, these skills are essential for a research career after graduation. To specifically prepare students for these requirements, the Department of Computer Science has launched its Competency Program. Since the 2025–26 winter semester, courses have been eligible for credit toward the “Interdisciplinary Competencies” certificate. Now, for the first time, certificates have been awarded to successful participants.

On August 6, 2026, Dean Prof. Jens Teubner presented the first certificates to students in the Department of Computer Science. The award recognizes their voluntary commitment beyond their academic coursework and highlights the acquisition of important key competencies.

The Competency Program supports students throughout their studies and helps them prepare optimally for internships, theses, and their entry into the workforce. Through practical courses, they acquire skills in the areas of communication, presentation, self-management, and collaboration. These skills not only make everyday student life easier but also offer decisive advantages in job applications and professional life in light of an increasingly demanding job market.

With this certificate, graduates document their additional commitment and can specifically demonstrate their interdisciplinary skills to potential employers. The first certificate recipients impressively demonstrate how students can specifically prepare for their professional future and strengthen their individual career prospects even while still in school.

The department of Computer Science warmly congratulates Tuqa Alhalabi, Kerem Araci, Yassine Challekh,  Mohamed Nur Kourani and Felix Timmers on successfully completing the Competency Program and receiving the first certificates. 

Information about the “Interdisciplinary Competencies” certificate is available on the Competency Program website.