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Competence program

In the Competence Program of the Department of Computer Science, you will develop skills that are highly sought after by companies and help you to make your studies more targeted.

That's why it's worth taking part in the Competence Program:

  • Free offers in addition to the module handbook
  • Can be used throughout your studies - according to your personal interests and needs
  • Each course with proof of participation
  • All offers are available exclusively on this website, so you can see all current events at a glance
  • From 20 hours of participation in the program → "Interdisciplinary Competencies" certificate from the Department of Computer Science
  • Offers every semester → Hours for the certificate can be collected flexibly over several semesters
  • Apply for the certificate: after 20 hours, send a short email with a list of the courses attended to sandra.lenz@tu-dortmund.de


Offers in the competence program:

Bachelor’s Degree—and Then What?
What comes after your bachelor’s degree? Whether it’s a master’s program or other paths—in this event, you’ll learn what options are available to you and how to make the right decision for yourself.
Wednesday, December 10, 2026 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | OH 14 | Led by: Sandra Lenz
Registration begins October 19, 2026: LSF

One-on-One Coaching: Career Planning
Inone-on-one coaching sessions, you can clarify or further develop your career ideas and aspirations. For example, you can explore which career goals align well with your strengths or how your experiences during your studies and/or part-time jobs can help with your career planning.
by appointment | Zoom | Coach: Sandra Lenz |
Registration: sandra.lenz@tu-dortmund.de

Job Interviews—How Do They Work and How Can I Prepare?
In this workshop, you’ll learn the purpose of job interviews, how they’re conducted, and how to prepare for them.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 p.m. | OH 14 | Led by: Stefan Steinke (Computer Science Alumni)
Registration begins October 19, 2026: LSF

Communicating Complex Content Clearly
You’ll learn how to convey complex content in a way that’s easy to understand, well-structured, and tailored to your audience. You’ll refine your key messages and use visuals to make a compelling case, even under time pressure.
Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | OH 14 | Instructor: Sandra Lenz
Registration begins October 19, 2026: LSF

Facilitating Decision-Making Processes: Tools for Successful Project Teams
Discover facilitation tools that will help you structure project meetings—whether in your studies or professional life—in a goal-oriented manner and make decisions efficiently as a team.
Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | OH 14 | Instructor: Sandra Lenz
Registration begins October 19, 2026: LSF

Managing Challenging Meetings and Discussions
You’ll learn how to effectively lead groups at work or at university, even in difficult situations.
Tuesday, December 8, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | OH 14 | Instructor: Sandra Lenz
Registration opens October 19, 2026: LSF

The Ghost and the Machine: What Computer Science Can Do for the Humanities
Computer science students bring valuable skills to modern humanities research. This workshop will introduce you to the growing field of Digital Humanities, allow you to explore an original dataset of historical Buddhist scriptures, and introduce you to potential career opportunities after graduation. The workshop will be conducted in English.
Date to be announced | OH 14 | Led by: Daniel Jach, Sunghye Hwang
Registration opens October 19, 2026: Registration link to follow

RFID Project – A Look Behind the Scenes of a Full-Stack Development Project
Whether you’re interested in web technologies, backend architecture, or robotics: This project demonstrates just how diverse and exciting full-stack development can be.
Date to be announced | OH 14 | Led by: Dr. Lukas Lerche (University Library)
Registration begins October 19, 2026: Registration link to follow

Staying Calm: Overcoming Stage Fright and Stress
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to channel nervousness constructively and remain calm, focused, and professional even under pressure—with direct benefits for your studies and career.
Tuesday, December 15, 2026 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | OH 14 | Led by: Sandra Lenz
Registration begins October 19, 2026: LSF

Confident Presentation: Using Body Language and Voice Effectively
Enhance your presence during lectures, job interviews, and project presentations. Learn how nonverbal communication works and how to consciously use your posture, gestures, and voice to come across as confident and persuasive.
Thursday, December 17, 2026 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | OH 14 | Instructor: Sandra Lenz
Registration begins October 19, 2026: LSF

Introduction to Literature Research for Computer Science Students
From this workshop, you will gain important skills that are crucial for your career and studies—for example, when familiarizing yourself with new technologies.
Date to be announced | OH 14 | Led by: Lukas Lerche (University Library)
Registration begins October 19, 2026: Registration link to follow

Introduction to LaTeX
Proficient use of LaTeX strengthens key skills such as structured work, precise academic writing, and confident handling of technical documents.
Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | OH 14 | Led by: University Library Team
Registration begins October 19, 2026: LSF

Zotero – Efficiently Organizing References for Academic and Professional Use
Proficiency with Zotero strengthens key professional skills such as structured work, academic writing, information management, and collaborative work—skills that are of great importance both in academic studies and in professional settings.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | OH 14 | Led by: University Library Team
Registration by October 19, 2026: LSF

Planning Efficiently: Staying Organized Through College and Everyday Work
Learn tried-and-true methods for planning tasks, deadlines, and projects in a structured way during your studies and career, and for staying on top of everything.
Tuesday, January 21, 2026 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | OH 14 | Led by: Sandra Lenz
Registration begins October 19, 2026: LSF

Here's what participants have to say about the program:

Tuqa
„I find it particularly valuable that the skills program complements my major by teaching skills that are often underestimated in everyday academic life. This not only allowed me to learn practical methods for communication and self-management, but also helped me grow personally and prepare more effectively for my career.“

Further interesting offers at TU Dortmund University can be found in our Moodle course (self-enrollment). Only the courses listed on this website count toward the “Interdisciplinary Skills” certificate.

The competence program is offered by the Computer Science study team.

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