Author: Fany Sorel Nguewo Sob

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11.07.2026 | Workshop: How to Build a Network for you First Job in Germany | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

Job search strategies and career development

📅 Date: 11.07.2026
🕐 Time: 9:00 – 17:00
📍 Room details will be communicated per email a few days prior to the workshop.

Ready to connect and build the foundation for your future? Join us and take the first step towards a successful career in Germany!

This interactive workshop will guide you through effective strategies for networking, using platforms like LinkedIn, and connecting with potential employers while you're still studying. you’ll also learn how to integrate online and offline networking techniques, build meaningful professional relationships, and leverage them for your future job search.

✅What you’ll learn:

✅ How to use LinkedIn and other business networks effectively during your              studies
✅ Simple strategies to create lasting relationships with future employers
✅ How to combine online profiles with offline networking to increase your                chances of getting hired
✅ Insights into the Life/Work Planning method for connecting with your                   target industry
✅ Practical tips for using coffee dates and unsolicited applications to                         kickstart your career
✅ How to strengthen your employability by strategically networking early

📌Don’t miss out on this opportunity to start building your professional network now and set yourself up for career success after graduation.

Trainer

Britta Bollermann is a Career Consultant and Coach (IHK/DGTA). Since 2015, she has been supporting graduates and career changers in accessing the hidden job market. Her approach combines social media–based job searching with the Life/Work Planning method by Richard Nelson Bolles. She delivers seminars and workshops across Germany, helping participants strengthen their professional profiles and build confidence in networking and self-marketing.

This event counts for 2 point in the category „Soft skills and Employability“ of the Employability Pass!

 

Registration:

Registration period starts 01.06.2026 - registration will be available here!

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15.05.2026 | Employability Training | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

📅 Date: Friday, 15 May 2026
🕘 Time: 16:00-20:00
📍 Location: Room details will be communicated per Email to all participants  a few days prior tot he Workshop

Ready to level up your career readiness? Join us for the Employability  Training, an interactive workshop designed to help you understand your current skills, reflect on your professional strengths, and take practical steps toward career growth. This session provides hands-on guidance and self-assessment exercises to prepare you for the job market with confidence.

✅ What to expect:
✅ Assess your current employability profile and career readiness
✅ Identify your key strengths and areas for improvement
✅ Reflect on personal, interpersonal, and subject-related competencies
✅ Understand workplace skills relevant to your target industry
✅ Learn how to align your skills with job market expectations
✅ Take practical steps to enhance your career growth

About the facilitator:
Manuel Löffler is a team development and leadership consultant with extensive international experience. With a background in environmental sciences, human resources, and organizational development, Alex has worked with businesses of all sizes, from NGOs to major corporations. His approach blends clarity with kindness, making every training session both enjoyable and impactful.

🎓As part of the Employability Pass!, the event also contributes 2 points in the category Soft Skills & Employability.

Registration:
Sign up here!

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16.05.26 Workshop: Job Hunt Boot Camp | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

📅 Date: Saturday, 16 May 2025
🕘 Time: 09:00 – 14:00
📍 Room details will be communicated per email a few days before the workshop

Ready to level up your job search? Join us for the Job Hunt Boot Camp, a hands-on workshop designed to provide you with the practical skills you need to stand out in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re looking to refine your CV, ace an interview, or build your personal brand, this workshop will set you up for success. You’ll learn from experts, get personalized feedback, and practice key skills in real-life scenarios.

✅ What to expect:
✅ Practical tips for crafting a standout CV and building a personal brand
✅ Role-play exercises to practice interviews and presentations
✅ Group work focused on improving communication and teamwork skills
✅ Personalized feedback on your CV from experienced facilitators
✅ Analysis of actual job postings to tailor your applications effectively
✅ Develop essential self-leadership, critical thinking, and goal-setting strategies

Note:
📝 Bring a job posting you’re interested in, and we’ll help you tailor your application to stand out.
💼 If you have your CV ready, get personalized feedback to improve it during the session.
🌐 Join an online follow-up session to continue refining your job search and share progress with peers.

Trainer:
Manuel Löffler – International team development and leadership consultant with extensive experience in environmental sciences, HR, and organizational development. Alex’s approach blends clarity with empathy, ensuring each session is both engaging and valuable.

🎓 As part of the Employability Pass, this workshop earns you 2 points in the Soft Skills & Employability category.

Registration:
Sign up here! 

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31.07.26 | Workshop: Strategic Job Search | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

Where to Find Jobs and How to Choose the Right Company

📅 Date: Friday, 31 July 2026
🕘 Time: 13:00-16:00
📍 Location: Room details will be communicated per Email a few days to the event

Are you ready to navigate the German job market and find your ideal employer? This workshop will guide you through the essential strategies for a successful job search in Germany, from understanding how positions are filled to utilizing the right channels to build meaningful connections. Get hands-on advice and learn to tailor your approach to the specific needs of the German job market.

In this practical session, you will:
✅ Discover the most popular job portals and social media platforms used in Germany
✅ Understand how positions are typically filled and which channels recruiters rely on
✅ Learn the importance of networking and personal contacts in the German job market
✅ Get inspired with new networking strategies and methods to meet the right people

📌 This session includes:
Practical exercises like reflecting on your personal contacts, networking tips, and hands-on activities to research companies both digitally and at job fairs. You’ll also get the chance to explore company websites for insights into their vision, mission, and achievements.

Trainer:
Sandra Bolesch holds an MSc in Business Administration and specializes in HR and Labor Law. With extensive HR experience, she now coaches international students on navigating the German job market and leads workshops at universities like Freie Universität Berlin and Universität Mannheim.

🎓As part of the Employability Pass, the event also contributes 2 points in the category Soft Skills & Employability.

Registration:

Registration period starts on June 15 - registration will be available here! 

Featured image by Vlad Deep on pexels.

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Recap 14.04.2026| Online Workshop: AI in Job Applications | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

ChatGPT & Co.: How to Use Artificial Intelligence for Your Applications

On April 14, 2026, the interactive online workshop “ChatGPT & Co.: How to Use Artificial Intelligence for Your Applications” brought together students eager to enhance their job application strategies with modern AI tools.

Click here to open PDF slides from the workshop.

The session focused on how tools like ChatGPT can be applied effectively to improve CVs, cover letters, and interview preparation. Beyond technical usage, the workshop emphasized the importance of maintaining authenticity and aligning applications with expectations in the German job market.

Participants gained hands-on insights into:

  • creating strong, personalized application documents
  • using effective prompts to get better results from AI
  • matching their profiles strategically with job postings
  • preparing for interviews through realistic AI-based simulations

A key highlight was the practical, interactive approach. Students were encouraged to work directly with their own materials—such as CVs or job postings—throughout the session. At the end of the workshop, they had the opportunity to test the tools independently and receive individual feedback on their results.

The workshop was led by Tanja Herrmann-Hurtzig, who brought over 30 years of experience in human resources. She shared valuable insights into employer expectations and guided participants in defining application strategies that truly reflect their strengths and career goals.

Overall, the workshop provided not only a solid introduction to AI in the application process but also concrete strategies to make applications more effective, targeted, and confident.

✅ Follow us on Instagram: @int.uni-siegen
✅ Join our WhatsApp Channel

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Finding a Student Job: A Quick Guide from One International Student to Another

Welcome to Siegen! By now, you’ve likely started settling in and are gearing up for your upcoming semester. As classes will begin soon, you might be thinking about how to make the most of your time here, whether that means earning some money, gaining work experience, or preparing for your future career. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started on the job search.

What do I need to pay attention to?

Before you start working, check that you’re legally allowed to work. As an international student from a non-EU country, you can work a maximum of 120 full days or 240 half-days per year. Exceeding these limits can have legal consequences.

Where can I find a job?

Your university’s career services are the best place to start. Check out the   Jobvermittlung (Job Placement Office),  Praktikumsbüro(Internship Office for Faculty I), and the university’s application portal for current job offers. You can also look on external job portals like:

Where can I get help?

Book an appointment with the Career Service for personalized job search advice. The International Office’s FIT project also offers workshops and networking opportunities.

Can I balance a job with my studies?

Yes! Many employers offer flexible hours that fit around your classes. However, aim for 10-12 hours per week to avoid affecting your studies.

How do I find a job in my field?

  • Google companies in your field and check the career section of their websites for job listings.
  • Consider unsolicited applications: I found my internship  for my bachelor’s degree by reaching out directly to companies in my field listed in the Gelben Seiten.

Do I need to speak German?

Jobs in Germany usually require at least B2-level German. Learning the language will greatly improve your chances of finding work and integrating into the community.Check the Language Center  for German language classes. However, you can occasionally find some opportunities in Siegen that require only English or minimal German on websites like  indeed.com,  Arbeitnow and  English Speaking Jobs in Germany.

Any advice for international students?

Aim for a part-time job related to your field to gain valuable experience. If you don’t have work experience yet, consider unpaid internships. By your third or fourth semester, you’ll likely be in a better position to land a relevant job.

Good luck with your job search and career start!

Fany Sob

Check out another job-search related article here.

 

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Yes, German CVs Still Require a Photo!

 

One of the most unique aspects of the German job application process is the requirement for a photo on your CV. While a profile picture may be considered optional or even unnecessary in many countries, it is a key element in Germany. Your photo provides a quick glimpse into your personality and can give insight into your level of motivation.

The Importance of Your Expression and Posture

The way you present yourself in the photo plays a significant role in conveying aspects of your personality. For example, a gentle smile can suggest friendliness and openness. However, your expression and posture should also align with the type of job you’re applying for. In certain industries, such as finance or law, a more serious or professional demeanor might be more suitable.

The Photo Should Be Professional

When it comes to the photo itself, professionalism is key. Your clothing should match the industry you’re applying to. For instance, if you’re applying for a job in banking, finance, or law, wearing a suit would be appropriate. For most other jobs, a neat, clean, and ironed shirt should suffice. The goal is to look polished and put together, but still approachable.

What About the Size of the Photo?

In terms of size, the photo should be passport-sized (roughly 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) and should be placed at the top of your CV. Make sure the photo is clear and high-quality, as a blurry or poorly lit image can leave a negative impression.

In Summary:

To sum it up, your CV photo should be a professional, clear image where you are dressed appropriately for the job you’re applying for and wearing a friendly, approachable smile.

Quick Tip: Professional application photos can be quite costly. However, you can attend workshops or events offered by the FIT Project, where you might receive a €100 voucher to use for your professional application photos.

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Recap Workshop: Employability Assessment Training | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability


On November 14, 2025, participants attended an interactive in-person workshop designed to help them assess and strengthen their personal employability profile.

Led by employability and personal development expert Manuel Löffler, the session offered a mix of expert input, guided reflection, and collaborative exercises to support students in understanding their strengths, competencies, and development needs.

Highlights included:
✅ Assessing one’s current employability profile and identifying relevant strengths and areas for improvement
✅ Reflecting on personal, interpersonal, and professional competencies
✅ Learning which skills and attributes are especially valued in different industries
✅ Understanding how to align one’s individual profile with career goals
✅ Defining practical steps to further develop key competencies and boost employability

Participants immediately put their insights into action — from evaluating their current skill set to identifying concrete development steps for their future careers. By the end of the workshop, students left with greater self-awareness, practical strategies, and renewed confidence to strengthen their employability profile and move forward in their professional journey.

🎓 As part of the Employability Pass, this workshop contributed 2 points in the category Soft Skills & Employability.

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Recap 29.11.25 Workshop: Challenges of Working Internationally in Germany | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

 

On November 29, 2025, participants took part in an interactive full-day workshop focused on understanding and navigating intercultural communication in the German academic and professional context.

Led by intercultural business communication trainer and coach Gertrud Goudswaard, the session combined expert input, hands-on exercises, and guided reflection to help students build confidence in working across cultures.

Highlights included:

✅ Understanding how cultural values influence communication, teamwork, and leadership

✅ Exploring eight key dimensions that shape collaboration in international business environments

✅ Reflecting on one’s own cultural background and broadening intercultural awareness

✅ Learning strategies to prevent and resolve misunderstandings in diverse settings

✅ Practicing how to adapt communication styles in writing, meetings, and negotiations

✅ Discussing personal questions and real-life challenges related to working in Germany

Participants actively applied their new insights — from analyzing cultural differences to experimenting with communication approaches tailored to the German work environment. By the end of the workshop, students left with greater cultural awareness, practical communication strategies, and more confidence in navigating intercultural situations.

🎓 As part of the Employability Pass, this workshop contributed 2 points in the category Soft Skills & Employability.