Author: Kim-Kristin Hain

On December 5th, international students gathered for the From Siegen to Success Alumni Event to connect with former international students and gain valuable insights into studying, living, and building a career in Germany. This inspiring session brought together current students and alumni eager to share their personal stories, tips, and professional journeys, creating an open space for learning and exchange.

Event Highlights:

✅ Insights from international alumni:
Students heard firsthand experiences about arriving in Germany, adapting to a new culture, and navigating life as an international student at the University of Siegen.

✅ Success strategies for studies:
Alumni shared practical advice on managing academic expectations, finding the right support, and succeeding in the German higher education system.

✅ Career pathways in Germany:
Participants gained an understanding of how to approach job searches, explore professional opportunities, and take meaningful steps toward a career in Germany after graduation.

✅ Personal stories & realistic guidance:
The speakers offered honest reflections on the challenges they faced—along with the opportunities that helped them grow—providing both encouragement and actionable tips for students at any stage of their journey.

✅ Networking session:
After the talks, students joined a relaxed networking round with alumni. This was a chance to ask questions, exchange experiences, and build meaningful connections while enjoying light refreshments.

As the event concluded, students left feeling motivated and better prepared to shape their academic and professional path in Germany, supported by the real-life experiences of those who once stood where they stand today.

Overall, From Siegen to Success offered an enriching opportunity for international students to learn from alumni role models, expand their networks, and gain confidence in their next steps—whether settling into life in Siegen or preparing for their future careers.

🎓 This event counted for 1 point in the category Soft Skills & Employability of the Employability Pass!

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Featured image by fauxels.

On December 1st, 2025, participants gathered for a engaging workshop focused on personal branding, specifically how to craft an impactful and professional profile on LinkedIn and XING. The session was designed to provide students with practical insights and strategies for leveraging these platforms to enhance their online presence and boost career prospects.

Facilitated by expert social media strategist Lisa Müller, the workshop combined expert advice with hands-on activities, guiding students through the essential steps of creating and optimizing their personal brand on professional networking sites.

Highlights included:

✅ Optimizing LinkedIn and XING profiles: Participants learned how to improve their profile photos, headlines, and summaries to better highlight their skills and achievements.
✅ Building and expanding a professional network: The session emphasized strategies for connecting with the right people and maintaining meaningful relationships.
✅ Sharing the right content: Insights were given on what types of posts, articles, and interactions help establish credibility without being overly promotional.
✅ Avoiding common personal branding mistakes: Attendees learned what to avoid, such as unprofessional photos or irrelevant content that can damage their reputation.
✅ Maximizing the unique features of  LinkedIn: Practical tips were shared on how to use LinkedIn  effectively based on it’s distinct features and target audience.

Participants put the theory into practice immediately, refining their profiles and identifying specific steps to improve their online presence. By the end of the workshop, attendees left with a clearer understanding of how to brand themselves professionally, an enhanced profile on both platforms, and actionable steps to make a stronger impact in the job market.

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