Thank you very much for taking the time to speak with us. Could you briefly introduce yourself and describe your professional background?

My name is Marcus Krah, and I’m the head of the Testing and Measurement Service at the Federal Network Agency in Munich. I studied electrical engineering at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg and was part of the first cohort to participate in the combined study program. I completed my apprenticeship as an electronics technician for devices and systems at the Federal Network Agency. I have been employed continuously at the Federal Network Agency since the combined study program began. It was also clear from the start that I would be hired. After completing their studies, graduates are offered open positions. As a result, the Federal Network Agency is staffed almost entirely by “home-grown talent.” The Federal Network Agency regularly offers internal training courses, for example, on specific measuring instruments and measurement procedures.

What defines your work at the Federal Network Agency?

At the Federal Network Agency, we carry out traditional consumer protection work, such as preventive measures for radio equipment and investigating frequency usage—for example, at events. For instance, the Federal Network Agency was responsible for overseeing the G7 Summit in Elmau to ensure that no one “interfered” with the signals.

The Federal Network Agency also oversees sporting events, such as the Nations League, NFL away games, and the 2025 Champions League Final in Munich. I’ve been up inside the Allianz Arena before. Radio equipment is often installed at heights, so it helps to have a head for heights in this job. We might also inspect cell towers or broadcast masts, for example. So you really do get up high.

Dealing with radio interference is a fundamental part of the Testing and Measurement Service’s work. We handle every type of radio interference, from disrupted radio reception in the kitchen to widespread disruptions affecting police or aviation radio communications. We are staffed 24/7, 365 days a year, and available to key clients and partners. Nationwide, we are on call around the clock.

After completing your degree, you’ll spend about 50% of your time in the field and 50% on documentation.

These days, however, I have more personnel-related responsibilities than technical ones. I initially served as acting head of the Testing and Measurement Department, and since January 2024, I have been the department head myself.

I still handle specific topics in which I have expert knowledge, such as aviation radio systems. I’m regularly at Munich Airport, since airplanes also use radio communications. For example, I once tested the radio equipment on a passenger airplane.

We also conduct tests when companies develop new devices that transmit radio signals to ensure they don’t interfere with other systems. In the electrical engineering department, there’s a measurement chamber upstairs; the Federal Network Agency also has a measurement lab in Kohlberg—only it’s larger—big enough to fit a helicopter.

You completed a combined degree program in electrical engineering at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg. Why did you choose this type of program?

I knew I wanted to study something technical. I was also interested in mechanical engineering. Then my mother pointed out the job posting from the Federal Network Agency to me. I applied, and it worked out. That was a real stroke of luck for me!

What advantages do you see in the dual study program at THA?

The dual study program is a dream come true! You’re employed by the industry partner and get paid. After lectures, I can study and have free time. There are plenty of people to turn to for help—for example, students in higher semesters and experienced colleagues at the industry partner. The hands-on experience and technical background from the first year of training make the academic program easier. Plus, you have an immediate connection through your colleagues and classmates from vocational school, who are also attending the university.

The combined study program is just very practical. I don’t need to look for a company for the internship semester—I already have one. It goes without saying that I’ll write my thesis with my internship partner. I don’t need to look for jobs to finance my studies. Thanks to the internship partner, you also have a different mindset and motivation toward your studies.

What does the combination of vocational training and university studies look like in practice? Was there a typical semester schedule for you with your internship partner, the Federal Network Agency?

The first year is spent entirely in vocational training; starting in the second year, you’re a full-time student during the semester and work on projects at the Federal Network Agency during the break between semesters until the end of your vocational training. After completing the vocational training, you then do an internship in various departments. Typically, the last exam at the university would take place on Thursday, I’d have Friday off, and Monday would be my first day on the job.

One of the projects during the break between semesters, for example, involved building a control system for event technology; that was a practical exam as part of the degree program, or rather a hands-on project. I fabricated components and carried out programming tasks. 

What challenges did you face both at the company and at the university?

When I started, the dual study program was still in its infancy. Often, there weren’t yet any specific contacts who were familiar with the system, since it was new to everyone. But that also had its advantages—it allowed me to actively contribute to the system, and our feedback could be directly incorporated for future students.

What helped you successfully complete your degree program?

It’s not just your own interest that leads to success in your studies. You also have supervisors who walk the path with you and are invested in your success.

How were you able—or are you able—to apply the knowledge you gained during your studies at your training company or employer?

Everything related to radio—communication systems, radio systems, high-frequency technology—the university even has an amateur radio station, for example. Otherwise, the work of the Federal Network Agency is quite specialized, especially when it comes to high-frequency technology.

How has the dual degree program influenced your future career path?

Thanks to my dual degree program, my path to the Federal Network Agency was clear. The dual degree program prepares young people for future leadership positions. In addition, the Federal Network Agency offers many opportunities for continuing education. Thanks to the internships at various offices during the program, you don’t feel like you’re starting from scratch after graduation—even if you’re assigned to a new office. You’re already part of the organization and grow into your future role naturally.

Can you draw on experiences from the dual study program in your day-to-day work? If so, which ones?

I took a course in industrial psychology during my studies; it was a companion course to the practical semester, and it’s very useful to me now.

What advice do you have for people interested in a combined degree program or a degree program with an in-depth practical component?

I would choose a dual degree program again in a heartbeat.

A lot of things are easier—yes, you commit to a practical partner, but that’s not a bad thing. As a high school graduate, you don’t know what work is if you’re “just” studying; the training in the combined study program makes a difference.

One last question: Would you recommend a dual study program, and what are your fondest memories of that time?

Choosing the Federal Network Agency was a good decision. The framework is in place. It’s more relaxed, and I’m certain I would have fared worse in my studies without a practical partner.

From my studies, I still have fond memories of the stratospheric balloon project. We were really hands-on there and invested a lot of time as a group. We made a direct impact. That practical, collaborative work with a tangible result at the end—
you generally get a lot more of that in the combined study program.

Working at the soccer stadium on Sunday evenings isn’t half bad either. You get a feel for the “buzz” of it all. For example, you have to make sure a drone doesn’t broadcast into the referee’s ear—you simply have to be able to mediate so that no one gets in each other’s way. That’s really something special.