Jacobs University’s inaugural career fair drew more than 900 visitors who chatted to international and regional company representatives about prospects on the job market and expectations from future employers. Multinationals such as Anheuser-Busch InBev, Daimler AG, Barry Callebaut AG or Microsoft counted among the exhibitors at the fair as well international companies with headquarters in the Bremen such as DMK Deutsche Milchkontor or BEGO. The companies used the chance to recruit future employees and introduced their different occupational fields. Jacobs University faculty members supported the fair exchanging information about current research project with industry representatives.
March 2, 2015Networking, networking, networking was at the center of the first Career Fair held by Jacobs University. Students and company representatives used the opportunity to get to know each other and to talk about training programs and the chances on the local and international employment market. With an internship being a mandatory part of a Jacobs University education, many of the students were already searching for a placement.
“I’m in my fourth semester and looking for an internship for my final year. I have discovered great companies that weren’t on my radar before,” said Matthias Schneider. The 18-year-old studies Global Economics and Management [1]at Jacobs University. He is not shy to approach potential employers. “You have to be confident, of course. Without talking to people you never make contacts.”
Amanda Amoah, who is just finishing her Master's degree in Molecular Life Sciences, was excited about the fair: “It’s great to have so many companies in one room,” said the student from Ghana. “I really like the personal atmosphere here, the exhibitor are really friendly and approachable.” Company representatives were also full of praise for the event: “We have a great relationship with Jacobs University; said Jens Behre, Director at KPMG. “The students here are not just focused on one single career path but open for many different fields.”
Software giant Microsoft has already recruited about a dozen Computer Science [2] students from Jacobs University to its workforce. “We have found some great talents here at Jacobs University,” said Microsoft recruiter Benjamin Mercer. “At this fair we have the chance to talk to students directly or to introduce our company in a short presentation, which is a great combination for us.”
The first Jacobs Career Fair was complemented by workshops from Jacobs University alumni, who not only remain in touch with their old university but also stay in the region to start their professional career. Every third one of the Jacobs University alumni works in the Northwest of Germany. The former students gave practical tips for job applications, interviews or preparing for an assessment center.
Predrag Tapavicki, Coordinator at Jacobs University’s Career Services Center, organized the event. He said: “The feedback was great from students and exhibitors alike. We have a laid a good foundation for next year’s fair.”
At the end of the Jacobs Career Fair, organizers and exhibitors reflected on the afternoon at an informal gathering. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katja Windt, President of Jacobs University, told the 120 invited guests: “The success of our first Career Fair has shown that companies are very much interested in our students and that the exchange between Jacobs University and business is working very well.”
Otto Lamotte, Vice President of the Bremen Chamber of Commerce and Patron of the Jacobs Career Fair, was also very impressed by the event. He told the audience in his welcome address: “Education and knowledge very much determine and decide on the ability for innovation at a business location. The Jacobs Career Fair is an important building block in this constellation. It’s great to have such a networking event.”
Author: Jacobs University [3]
Links:
[1] http://www.jacobs-university.de/gem
[2] http://www.jacobs-university.de/cs
[3] https://plus.google.com/+jacobsuniversity?rel=author