From Steel Production to Race Car Development: Mechanical Engineering Students Visit Munich

During the fall break, a group of students in the bachelor’s program in mechanical engineering (5th semester) had a unique opportunity to combine theory with practice on a trip to Munich. From state-of-the-art industrial facilities to insights into innovative research and inspiring encounters with industry professionals, the trip was full of diverse and educational experiences.

In this report, the students describe their impressions and experiences from their perspective and show how this excursion has enriched them both professionally and personally.

Day 1: Monday, October 28

Our excursion began with the departure from Vienna in the direction of Linz. The first stop was at Voestalpine in Linz. During the 1.5-hour factory tour, we gained a deep insight into modern steel production and the highly automated processes of a global corporation. Particularly impressive was the proximity to the production facilities and the opportunity to experience theoretical knowledge in practice.

After a refreshing lunch break, we visited Eisenbeiss GmbH in Enns. The tour offered us fascinating insights into the production and development of gearboxes, with particular emphasis on innovative solutions and technologies. Afterwards, we were invited to a cozy snack, which allowed us to exchange ideas with employees and managers. A special highlight was the surprise party for the birthday of a fellow student, which strengthened the cohesion within our group.

Day 2: Tuesday, October 29

On the second day, we had already arrived in Munich and this day was dedicated to the automotive industry and academic networking. At 10 o’clock we visited BMW Welt & Museum. At BMW Welt, we were able to experience the latest vehicle models and technologies up close. The museum offered a comprehensive insight into the history and development of the company, as well as an outlook on future innovations in mobility. This visit highlighted the importance of innovation and continuous development in mechanical engineering.

At 4 p.m. that afternoon, we visited the Technical University of Munich, or more precisely the Formula Student Team TUfast. We were divided into two groups to enable an intensive tour of the workshops. The team leads from TUfast explained their working methods in detail, especially in the composite workshop. The insights into the development and construction of racing cars by students were extremely inspiring and showed us the possibilities of practical application of our studies.

Day 3: Wednesday, October 30

The third day was dedicated to the Deutsches Museum in Munich. From 9 o’clock we immersed ourselves in the diverse exhibitions, which cover a wide range of technical and scientific topics. For us as prospective mechanical engineers, the museum offered a wealth of information and inspiration. We were able to understand historical developments and discover current technological trends, which broadened our horizons and opened up new areas of interest.

Day 4: Thursday, October 31

The last day began with an information session on the master’s program in mechanical engineering (FH Technikum Wien) at 9:30 a.m. in the conference room of our hotel. Our program director, Patrick Eisner, and a former master’s graduate informed us about the possibilities of further studies and gave valuable tips for our academic career. This exchange helped us to better plan our future steps and motivated us to pursue our goals.

After checking out, we set off for Burghausen. At 1:30 p.m., we were welcomed at Wacker Chemie. During the 1.5-hour tour, we gained insights into the chemical industry and its importance for mechanical engineering. We were very impressed by the complexity of the production processes and the size of the plant. The explanations of innovative technologies and sustainability strategies were particularly instructive.

At 4:00 p.m., we came together for a final session, shared our experiences and reflected on the impressions we had gained. We ended the excursion with a final group photo and began our journey home.

“The excursion was a great benefit for us students in many ways”

The excursion was a great benefit for us students in many ways. It enabled us to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience and to get to know the many facets of mechanical engineering in a real business environment. Through direct contact with leading industrial companies and research institutions, we were able to gain valuable insights into current technologies and working methods.

We were particularly inspired by our encounters with professionals and students who shared their passion for technology and innovation with us. These experiences have strengthened our team spirit, boosted our motivation and opened up new perspectives for our professional future.

The excursion showed how important practical experience is for our education. It not only enriched us professionally, but also developed us personally. We are convinced that such excursions make an essential contribution to the quality of our studies.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to our program director Patrick Eisner and all the participants who made this trip possible. We very much hope that future students will also have the chance to benefit from similar experiences.

Further links:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering – UAS Technikum Wien

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering – UAS Technikum Wien

Faculty of Industrial Engineering – UAS Technikum Wien