Self-test "Business Information Systems Specialist HF / Business Information Systems Specialist HF": Is the Business Informatics degree program right for me?
Are you thinking about studying business informatics, further education or training?
Take our self-test to find out whether the job of Business Information Systems Specialist HF corresponds to your interests and whether you would be on the right path with a degree in Business Information Systems.
Note: Since fall 2022, the HF technician courses (formerly "Techniker HF Fachrichtung") have been given a separate framework curriculum and a new title for each specialization. For example, the course "Techniker HF Wirtschaftsinformatik" is now called "Wirtschaftsinformatiker HF".
What does the everyday working life of business IT specialists with an HF diploma look like?
Business IT specialists work for the IT department of a company or for IT service providers and consulting firms. They ensure that IT optimally supports all business processes and employee tasks.
Your most important tasks are
- Analysis of business processes and design of IT solutions
- Analyzing IT problems and developing solutions
- Development or evaluation of professional information systems to support management and business processes
- Project management of IT projects such as software development, procurement and implementation
- Advising company management on strategic IT deployment issues
- Collaboration and support of software developers, suppliers, customers and employees
- Contact person for all IT issues, customer support, training and support for employees
(Note: The distribution of tasks (weighting and frequency) may vary depending on the task profile/job profile or function and company).
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a business IT specialist HF?
Great! Then you've come to the right place with this course. We wish you lots of fun and success.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your HF degree in Business Informatics, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Based on the information you provide in the questionnaire, our education advisors will make suitable suggestions for courses, seminars or training programs, provide an overview of the different levels and types of education and assist you with questions about the Swiss education system. You will thus receive an initial overview based on the information you provide. This can support you in your search for or decision on the right education or further training.
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Also take a look at relevant job advertisements. You may find that there are only jobs that you are more suited to, in which case you are in the right place with this training.
Also remember: in practically every job, there are activities that are less interesting. It is important to make sure that these do not predominate.
If you don't see yourself at this interface between business administration and IT, take a look at other further education courses that focus on either business administration or IT:
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Why don't you also take a look at ourAdvisorand find your calling.
Target group and skills: For whom is the Business Information Systems degree program in Business Information Systems HF suitable?
The "Business IT Specialist (HF)" courses are aimed at professionals who are equally interested in business management issues and IT and would like to work on aligning business IT as closely as possible to the needs of the company.
Business IT specialists HF should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Quick comprehension
- Logical and abstract thinking
- Spatial imagination
- Flexible handling of language and image content
- Patience and perseverance
- Good knowledge of English
- Logical thinking
- Systematic way of working
- Interest in business management issues
- Ability to concentrate
- Enjoy solving problems
- Communicative skills
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! In the next step, find out whether you meet the admission requirements to start studying Business Information Systems.
- If you do not belong to the target group, you cannot apply directly for the HF Diploma in Business Information Systems HF. In this case, take a look at the following pages:Computer science,Economy.You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you. You can also find helpful information on suitable training courses in our guides:
- Training and further education in business administration
- Training and further education Use of PC, tablet & co., ICT certificates and IT professions
- Training and further education lateral entry into IT
- Also take a look at the following further training courses, which focus on either business administration or IT:
- If you don't have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you won't be happy in this role. Look out for training opportunities that offer a technical specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to the Business Informatics (HF) degree program:
The universities of applied sciences (HF) decide independently who is admitted to a degree course in business informatics and the admission procedure. For this reason, there may be differences between the providers. The admission procedure is set out and regulated in the study regulations of the respective HF. It must be based on the relevant legal principles*.
The following requirements generally apply for admission to a degree program in Business Information Systems (HF):
- Apprenticeship certificate (EFZ) as:
- Computer scientist
- Mediamatician
- Businessman / Businesswoman
- Diploma from a federally recognized business school
Or
- Apprenticeship qualification with EFZ in another profession and at least three years of professional experience in business informatics
Or
- High school diploma and at least three years of professional experience in business informatics
Or
- Equivalent degree and professional experience to those already mentioned above
Further conditions:
- During the part-time HF Business Informatics course, you are required to work at least 50% in a relevant field.
- Depending on the school: entrance examination or aptitude test and/or attendance of a preliminary course, for example in mathematics.
Note: In some cases, it is possible to have educational achievements already completed credited. The school of your choice will provide detailed information.
* The courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula developed jointly by education providers and industry associations and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the PET colleges adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their PET courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! An interest in the subject is the best prerequisite for successfully completing further training.
You can start studying Business Informatics.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training, then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance"
- If you are not sure whether you have a relevant EFZ, please contact theSponsorshipIG-BWI : The interest group for vocational training in business informatics
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for Business Information Systems graduates, clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the relevant field, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- Or if you come from a completely different industry and are keen to switch to IT, you can take a look at the entry-level program for career changers:Computer scientist career changer (2 years) (EFZ)With a vocational baccalaureate or a high school diploma and one year of professional experience, you could alternatively study business informatics at a university of applied sciences.
- If you meet all the requirements but don't see yourself at the interface between business administration and IT, take a look at other training courses that focus on either business administration or IT:
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training, then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance"
- If you are not sure whether you have a relevant EFZ, please contact theSponsorshipIG-BWI, the interest group for vocational training in business informatics.
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for Business Information Systems graduates, clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the relevant field, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you answered no because you do not have any of the required qualifications or work experience in business informatics, this course is not right for you at the moment. You can either look for a job to get the work experience or look for another course in a related field. If you really want to switch to IT, there are special training courses for career changers:Computer scientist career changer (2 years) (EFZ)
- If you meet all the requirements but don't see yourself at the interface between business administration and IT, take a look at other training courses that focus on either business administration or IT:
Subject matter and content of the training
The learning content taught in a HF Business Informatics course is generally based on the "Business Informatics HF" framework curriculum.
The sponsorship is made up as follows:
- Organization of the world of work (OdA): ICT-Berufsbildung Schweiz, Kaufmännischer Verband Schweiz, SGO Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Organisation und Management, Swico, VIW Wirtschaftsinformatik Schweiz
- Representation of the education providers: CRODES Conférence romande des écoles supérieures, KIS Konferenz der Informatikschulen Schweiz
The sponsoring body is responsible for drawing up the framework curriculum and for periodically checking that it is up to date and of high quality.
Nevertheless, the universities of applied sciences have a certain amount of leeway in the design of their business informatics training. Which course content is ultimately covered and how it is structured or deepened can therefore vary from HF to HF. The universities of applied sciences can also offer specializations, for example.*
TheSubject matteris generally divided into the following main areas:
Economic fundamentals
- Strategic management
- Management processes in day-to-day business
- Financial management
- Customer process design
- Legal basis
- Methods and techniques
Working techniques
- Written communication
- Oral communication
- Networked thinking
Principles of service provision
- Project management
- Process management
- Risk management
- Quality management
IT-specific learning areas
- Service management
- Systems Engineering & Development
- Application Engineering
- IT management
- IT security
- IT quality management
- IT risk management
Specialization
*In the case of the Business Information Systems degree program, it is also possible for schools to offer specializations (max. 10% of total learning hours). The generalist orientation of the framework curriculum therefore also enables (apart from the specializations) cross-industry mobility of business informatics graduates on the job market.
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! An interest in the subject is the best prerequisite for successfully completing further training.
You can look forward to exciting and informative hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If you have even more time and are prepared to accept a greater time commitment, you can see if there are shortened courses available. This would allow you to achieve your training goal in less time.
If there are a few individual subjects or topics that you could do without: don't take it too tragically. Most people do. However, if you have difficulties with a large number of subjects or cannot imagine doing without an entire subject area, you should attend an information event about your studies and clarify your questions with the school management. Find out exactly what is actually taught and how deeply you need to familiarize yourself with the subject matter. And ask about support options.
If you struggle with a lot of these subjects, this may not be the right course for you. Take a look at other further education courses or attend an information event about the course and clarify whether you really think these subjects are right for you.
Costs and financing of further training
The costs depend on the provider, the training location and the training model and can therefore vary. In general, the following costs can be expected for the 4-6 semester Business Informatics course:
- Tuition feesThe semester fee depends on the school and your canton of residence. On average, you can expect to pay around CHF 12,000 to CHF 16,000 for students residing in the canton of training*. The costs for the examinations and diploma thesis are usually included in the course fees.
- Fees for additional certificatesFor example, in English or project management (IPMA) etc. Whether you can complete additional certificates during your studies to become a business IT specialist varies depending on the provider.
- Other extra costsSome providers charge extra costs for the registration fee and the student ID card, preliminary courses, teaching materials, special software, licenses, laboratory exercises, practicals, training documents, examinations/diploma papers and examination retakes. Find out about the additional costs directly from the HF of your choice.
* Courses at universities of applied sciences are financially supported by the cantons. Students from outside the canton pay higher tuition fees. The following conditions apply in order to receive cantonal funding:
- at least two years of residence in the canton
- The course is listed on the EDK (Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education) list of eligible courses (you will find the link to the list in the answer texts).
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance around CHF 12,000 - CHF 16,000 for your studies and exam/diploma thesis?
- Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount if you pay in full in advance. Some schools also offer a special price if you book very early.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
- Hereyou will find an overview of IPMA training courses.
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
- Hereyou will find an overview of IPMA training courses.
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
- Hereyou will find an overview of IPMA training courses.
Duration of study, number of teaching hours, teaching times, teaching format and learning effort
- Duration of studyBusiness Information Systems can be studied part-time (6-8 semesters) or full-time (4 semesters). In order to attend the part-time program, you must be working in the field of business informatics with a workload of at least 50%.
- Number of lessonsThere are different curricula for people with a relevant occupation and those with other occupations, which therefore differ in terms of the total number of hours. With a relevant EFZ, the course comprises at least 3600 learning hours. For courses without a relevant EFZ, the number of learning hours usually increases to 5400 learning hours, please contact the school of your choice. The learning hours are divided into the following study elements: Contact study, guided self-study, free self-study, work placement, qualification procedure and other learning assessments, diploma thesis.
- Lesson timesThe part-time or full-time HF Business Information Systems degree program is offered at different times. These can be, for example, two evenings per week, one morning and one afternoon per week, one afternoon/evening per week and individual Saturdays, etc.
- Teaching formatMany schools offer a mix of face-to-face and online courses (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning). Please contact the provider directly to find out which forms they offer.
- Learning effort: You should allow sufficient time to prepare for and follow up the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style, learning speed and chosen training model. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week for the part-time model.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons"/"trial lessons". This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful graduation. Take the opportunity and contact the school of your choice directly.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than six semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
During the Business Informatics degree program, students complete various learning achievements, so-called doctorates (e.g. theoretical and practical examinations, case studies, project work, etc.). Passing these examinations and assignments is a prerequisite for admission to the diploma examination.
The final qualification procedure for the degree course in Business Information Systems generally comprises:
- a written practice-oriented diploma thesis
- oral or written examinations
Diploma and title
Graduates of the course receive an HF diploma and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected professional title "Dipl. Wirtschaftsinformatiker HF / dipl. Wirtschaftsinformatikerin HF".
- In French: "Informaticien de gestion diplômé ES / Informaticienne de gestion diplômée ES"
- In Italian: "Informatico di gestione dipl. SSS / Informatica di gestione dipl. SSS"
- In English: "Business Data Processing Specialist, Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education" (Attention: not a protected title, this is only a recommended translation)
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the higher technical college for the HF diploma?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
You can find suitable offers here:
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are not at all confident about passing the final exam but would like to complete the training, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training. You can find suitable offers here:
No, studying business informatics, further education, training for a federal HF diploma does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other would certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Business IT Specialist HF / Business IT Specialist HF is probably not the right further education goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: working as a business IT specialist HF does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Studying business informatics at a university of applied sciences (HF) is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
"Business IT Specialist HF / Business IT Specialist HF"
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
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