The Fachhochschule des Mittelstandes (FHM), known as the University of Applied Sciences for the Mittelstand, is a private institution dedicated to practical higher education tailored to Germany's medium-sized enterprises. Located primarily in Bocholt, Nordrhein-Westfalen, with additional campuses in Köln, Bamberg, and others, FHM has been bridging academia and industry since its founding. Jobs at Fachhochschule des Mittelstandes (FHM) attract professionals who thrive in dynamic, practice-focused environments, offering roles in teaching, research, and administration that directly impact the next generation of business leaders.
FHM stands out for its dual study programs (duales Studium), where students alternate between classroom learning and paid work at partner companies. This model influences job opportunities, as faculty and staff often engage in real-world projects, fostering strong industry ties. With around 3,500 students across campuses, the Bocholt site specializes in business administration (Betriebswirtschaftslehre or BWL), health management, and technical fields, making it a hub for career opportunities in these areas.
Established in 1993 by the Bundesverband des Deutschen Mittelstands (Association of German Medium-Sized Businesses), FHM was created to address the skills gap in the Mittelstand sector—family-owned companies that form the backbone of Germany's economy. Over three decades, it has grown into a recognized provider of state-accredited degrees, emphasizing employability. The Bocholt campus, opened early in its history, embodies this mission with modern facilities overlooking the Aasee lake, promoting a collaborative atmosphere.
The university's evolution reflects Germany's dual education system, where theory meets practice. Today, FHM holds institutional accreditation from the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat), ensuring high standards. This heritage shapes jobs at FHM, prioritizing candidates with industry experience over purely academic pedigrees.
FHM offers bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like International Business Management, Logistics, Health Management, and Digital Business. Programs are often dual, with over 70% of students in such tracks. Faculties in Bocholt focus on commerce and engineering, supported by labs for simulation and project work.
This structure creates diverse job needs: lecturers for specialized modules, researchers for applied projects, and coordinators for industry partnerships. Explore higher ed jobs to see similar roles globally.
Career opportunities span teaching, research, and support roles. Professor positions (W2/W3 Professuren) involve lecturing, curriculum development, and leading dual study cohorts. Lecturers (Dozenten) teach part-time, balancing with consulting. Research assistants contribute to funded projects on sustainability and digital transformation.
Administrative jobs include study advisors, HR specialists, and IT support. For an overview of university job types, including adjunct professor jobs and research assistant jobs, check our resource. In Bocholt, roles often leverage the region's textile and manufacturing heritage.
Fachhochschule (FH): A German university of applied sciences focused on practical training, contrasting with research-intensive universities.
Duales Studium: Dual study program integrating academic study with practical work experience at a company, common at FHM.
Mittelstand: Medium-sized enterprises, typically family-run, key to Germany's export economy.
For faculty jobs at FHM, a master's degree is minimum; PhD preferred for full professorships. Research focus aligns with applied fields: supply chain management, health economics, and Industry 4.0. Preferred experience includes 3-5 years in industry leadership, publications in trade journals, and grant acquisition.
Key skills and competencies:
Job postings appear on FHM's website (fhm.de/karriere) and platforms like StepStone or AcademicJobs.com. Submit via email or portal: cover letter (Anschreiben), CV (Lebenslauf), diplomas, and publication list. Interviews often include teaching demos and panel discussions.
Actionable tips:
FHM actively advances diversity through its Equal Opportunities Officer (Gleichstellungsbeauftragte) and participation in the DFG's Women in Research program. The Bocholt campus hosts workshops on unconscious bias and supports LGBTQ+ networks. Over 30% international students foster a global environment, with initiatives for female professors in male-dominated fields like logistics. FHM's charter commits to accessibility, including for disabled staff, aligning with Germany's AGG anti-discrimination law.
Working at FHM offers excellent balance: 30-35 vacation days, flexible hours (Gleitzeit), and parental leave per TV-L tariff (public sector pay scale). Bocholt campus features ergonomic offices, a library, cafeteria, and gym. Proximity to the Netherlands enables weekend trips; the Aasee lake offers jogging paths.
Campus life includes faculty events, research seminars, and student collaborations. Low hierarchy promotes open doors; average workday 38 hours. Benefits: company pension, health programs, and bike subsidies. Nordrhein-Westfalen's vibrant region adds cultural perks like nearby Münster's theaters.
Beyond salaries (€50k-€90k annually), perks include professional development, conference funding, and industry networks. FHM's small size (200+ staff) ensures visibility and impact. Contribute to educating Mittelstand successors while enjoying stable employment in Europe's strongest economy.
For Germany-specific opportunities, visit Germany jobs, Nordrhein-Westfalen jobs, or Bocholt jobs.
Jobs at Fachhochschule des Mittelstandes (FHM) offer a unique blend of teaching, research, and industry impact. Whether faculty, research, or admin, roles in Bocholt provide growth in a supportive setting. Ready to apply? Browse higher ed jobs, get advice from higher ed career advice, search university jobs, or post your vacancy at post a job.
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