Career Perspectives
Today’s professional world requires more than mere disciplinary knowledge from graduates. Students face the prospect of not only technological and societal advancement and amazing individual opportunities, but also a growing field of contradictions, conflicts and crises that our societies are confronted with. In this context, the value of young professionals who understand the relevance of a rationally informed and scientifically trained, creative and critical approach cannot be overestimated.
Studying SMP typically opens careers in the media, in non-governmental organizations, public administration, community development, international aid agencies, international business, the cultural sector, international youth and social work, fundraising and many other pursuits.
Our graduates are known to build successful careers in start-ups and NGOs as well as in large companies; they have moved on to the most renowned academic institutions in the world, some of them developing impressive careers in academia, others starting their own company. This is because creative problem solving, the ability to judge from a broader perspective and to think out of the box are faculties that are in very high demand in all positions of leadership. Our students move on to positions that cannot be substituted by machines.
What companies and NGOs also see in our graduates is the power to connect local and specific problems to societal trends and issues in a global and digital context. They are in high demand, because they are trained to think problems through from varying disciplinary perspectives. These qualities are of huge advantage for the undertaking of entrepreneurial initiative, e.g. in the context of social entrepreneurship.
Career-related services at Jacobs University provide information, counseling and training, networks, and events. The Career Services Center (CSC) as well as the Jacobs Alumni Office help students in their career development. The CSC provides students with high quality training and coaching in CV creation, cover letter formulation, interview preparation, effective presenting, project management, business communication and etiquette and employer research as well as in many other aspects, thus helping students identify and follow up rewarding careers after their time at Jacobs University. Digital job and internship portfolios help students to prepare for their career.
SMP (formerly Integrated Social Sciences) has the largest alumni community at Jacobs University. And our alumni are known to be especially closely connected – they are united by the common spirit of the study program and support each other in realizing their visions, because they value the importance of the contribution we make. The Alumni Office will help students establish a long-lasting and worldwide network which comes in handy when exploring job options in academia, industry, and elsewhere.
