In lectures, workshops and consultation hours, young people can address their doubts, find out about their career options and take the first steps towards their individual career goals in confidential discussions with study and career counsellors from universities, chambers and the employment agency.

From 10 to 28 March, numerous universities in NRW have organised a diverse programme specially tailored to students with study doubts. With more than 40 predominantly digital events, participants will receive comprehensive support in various areas: students will have the opportunity to reflect on their current situation, develop their personal skills and take specific steps to make important decisions. They also gain insights into alternative educational paths outside of university and learn how they can find their place in professional life.

Breaking taboos and creating new perspectives

Many young people are familiar with questioning their own studies. At the same time, doubts and thoughts of dropping out are still a taboo subject in society. With this series of events, the participating universities from NRW want to send out a signal against the stigma of doubt and failure. Organised by the student advisory services and career services of the universities in NRW and financed by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of NRW, the theme weeks make it clear that doubt can be a new opportunity. There are many reasons why students question their decision to study and sometimes orientate themselves in a completely new direction. This openness and broader understanding should help students to find their own individual solution. "The theme weeks are intended to show students that there are always solutions," explains Judith Asmacher, FH Münster, co-organiser of the theme weeks. "Doubts are a natural part of the educational biography. The most important thing is to seek support in good time."

A growing network of participating universities

The "Study Doubts" theme weeks benefit from a constantly growing network of participating universities. While there were 13 universities at the beginning, around 30 universities are now involved in the NEXT CAREER project for students with study doubts. This expansion enables an even more extensive range of services and ensures that students at almost all university locations in NRW have access to the resources and events. "We are very pleased about the extensive and low-threshold offer of the theme weeks, which involves the students concerned as well as all network partners," emphasises Dr Christine Hummel, Head of Central Student Guidance and Counselling Services at the University of Wuppertal. "The broad commitment shows how important it is to signal to students in difficult phases that they are not alone with their experiences, to support them with offers of dialogue and to show them concrete perspectives."