Autor: Janina Nüs

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02.10.2024 Kickstart Your Semester! | FIT: Well Being & Social Integration

We wanted to share some exciting feedback from our recent “Kickstart Your Semester” workshop. After the workshop, we asked participants for their thoughts, and the response was overwhelmingly positive! Here’s what attendees found most valuable:

  • Goal Setting: Participants learned how to set realistic and achievable goals for the semester, making it easier to stay focused and motivated. 🎯
  • Time Management: The workshop provided practical strategies for managing time effectively, helping students balance their studies with personal life. ⏳
  • Building Resilience: Attendees gained tools to build resilience, equipping them to handle stress and overcome challenges that may arise during the semester. 💪

Many students expressed that the workshop made them feel more prepared and confident as they began the semester:

„The Kickstart Your Semester workshop was a powerful reminder of the necessity of acting in the now. It helped me confront procrastination, align my goals with purpose and built the resilience needed to face the semester ahead with clarity and intention. 

Aybaniz Mammadrzayeva, Master Economic Policy

 

„Participating in the ‚Kickstart Your Semester‘ workshop not only helped me become more productive and proficient in my studies, but also increased my self-awareness and provided insight into my strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, I had the opportunity to meet new people, some of whom have since become friends.“

Baqir Qanoni – Master Roads to Democracy


We’re thrilled to see such positive feedback and hope to make this workshop a regular event each semester. If you’re looking for support to enhance your academic experience, be sure to join us next time!

In the meantime, check out more events from the FIT project here:
FIT Events

You don’t want to miss out!

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21.11.24 Join our special Welcome Event for international students! | FIT: Welcome & Orientation

The University of Siegen, the City of Siegen, and the Region of Siegen-Wittgenstein are excited to invite all international students to a Welcome Event on November 21, 2024, starting at 4 p.m. in the US Mensa at the University of Siegen. This event is free to attend and no registration is needed!

Why Should You Attend?

This is more than just a welcome event—it’s your opportunity to get to know your new home and connect with people who can help you settle in and succeed.

  • Meet Siegen’s Mayor, Steffen Mues, and the University’s Rector
    Get a personal welcome from the leadership of your new city and university.
  • Connect with Key Representatives
    Speak directly with the university’s service units, local organizations, and regional representatives to discover how they can support you.
  • Explore the Region
    Learn about Siegen-Wittgenstein and South Westphalia, from leisure activities to professional opportunities.
  • Make New Friends
    This is your chance to meet fellow students, join student initiatives, and start building your social network.
  • Get Ready for the Future
    Hear about resources to help you integrate into the community, prepare for the job market, and make the most of your time here.
  • Free Treats!
    Enjoy a voucher for a hot drink and a cake on us!

Event Details:

Date: November 21, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: US Mensa, University of Siegen
Entry: Free, no registration required!

Hosted By:

This event is proudly organized by the University of Siegen, the City of Siegen, and the Region of Siegen-Wittgenstein, in collaboration with the “Willkommen in Siegen” network.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out:
Email: eva.grottschreiber@uni-siegen.de

Why This Event is Important for You

  • Build Your Network
    The event is your chance to connect with fellow international students and local stakeholders in a friendly, informal setting.
  • Get Key Information
    From university services to regional highlights, this event will provide you with essential information to help you make the most of your time in Siegen.
  • Prepare for the Job Market
    Learn about local opportunities that can help you prepare for your future career in Germany or internationally.

We look forward to welcoming you to Siegen and helping you feel right at home!

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13.+14.12.24 Workshop: Employability for International Students | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

Take part in this great opportunity:
Employability Workshop for International students

What? 2-day training in person training
When?

      • Friday, the 13th of December 2024 (14:00 – latest 19:00) and
      • Saturday, 14th of December 2024 ( 9:00 – latest 16:00)
      • January 2025 follow-up Zoom call (2hrs)

Where? TBA after your successful registration (places are limited!)

Goal: learn and apply skills to increase your job opportunities in Germany
Topics: employability, team skills, self-leadership, intrapreneurship and job training

Facilitator: Manuel Löffler

EMPLOYABILITY PASS INFORMATION: 

If you successfully complete this workshop, you will receive 3 points in the area of Soft Skills & Employability for your Employability Pass.

Please register via our BOOKING LINK

About the training:

This training is a great opportunity to check your job-readiness and improve your skills to get jobs successfully.

Employability encompasses all your abilities, knowledge and skills that make you ‚job-fit‘ (hard and soft skills) – and stay job-fit once you have a job. Within these two days you will get to know the concept, work on your biggest challenges and improve your skills around communication, critical thinking, creative problem solving and collaboration.

You will also learn about self-leadership in terms of time management and self-regulation. The training includes short presentations, solo reflection, partner exchanges and group work.

A few weeks after the training you will have the chance to meet again online and check in on your progress and topics, that you identified for yourself.

About the facilitator.

Manuel Löffler is a team development and leadership consultant. He works with individuals and groups to make sure they don’t waste time, resources or people’s potential. Born in Germany, he studied and worked abroad and worked from small businesses, NGOs, universities to big corporates. He has a background in environmental sciences, circular economy, application counseling, human resources and organizational development. With a mix of clarity and kindness he makes every training fun and moves it into the learning zone.

 

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23.10.24 Culture Session: Preparing for International Careers | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

On October 23, 2024, a group of international students participated in our interactive session about German business culture called “Preparing for International Careers: Understanding Cultural Differences.” The session aimed to deepen their understanding of German work culture and develop skills to thrive in workplaces around the world.

To start, participants engaged in an exercise that highlighted how everyone sees the world through a “cultural lens.” This lens is shaped by the values, norms, and experiences of one’s own culture. Recognizing this is essential for building an international career, as it allows people to reflect on interactions from a more objective perspective. This skill of self-reflection was then practiced through hands-on exercises, each set in realistic work scenarios.

Another key takeaway from the workshop was to “observe quickly, but avoid judging right away.” Students learned how elements like Germany’s focus on punctuality and direct communication affect professional interactions, gaining insights on how to handle these differences smoothly. The Iceberg Model of Culture added further depth, showing that visible aspects, such as language or dress, are just the surface, while hidden values and norms drive behavior on a deeper level.

With an energetic atmosphere, the session encouraged active participation and practical exercises, helping students adapt their communication styles and avoid cultural missteps. By the end, the group walked away with useful tools to boost their confidence in navigating cultural differences, both in Germany and beyond.

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Recommendation: Career Service of the University of Siegen

We want to bring your attention to the valuable opportunities offered by the Career Service of the University of Siegen that we highly recommend:

Please have a look at their WORKSHOP OFFERS in Wintersemester 2024.

These events will provide you with essential skills and knowledge for navigating the job market effectively.
The Career Service offers a comprehensive range of resources and support to help students and graduates navigate their career paths successfully.

Wishing you all the best in your job search!

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Recommendation November: MEET´N´MATCH

The Südwestfalen Agentur is connecting you with your potential dream job in South Westphalia! 🥳💜

Find your dream job in just 90 minutes – all from the comfort of your couch! 🛋

Here’s how it works: Take part in Meet’n’Match, your gateway to a job in South Westphalia, easily and for free! 🙌🏼 Meet up to five exciting, world-leading companies in South Westphalia digitally, from the comfort of your home, in just 90 minutes!

➡️ This is how Meet’n’Match works:

Login: Digital company tour 🏭
Meet: Casual networking with your future colleagues 👨🏽‍💻
Match: Speed-dating interview (optional) 💬

🗓 In November, we have five exciting events for you:

👉🏼 MEDICE on November 7
👉🏼 Howmet Aerospace – TITAL on November 12
👉🏼 Viega Career on November 14
👉🏼 HOPPECKE Batteries on November 20
👉🏼 Infineon Technologies AG on November 26

Sign up for Meet’n‘Match now and secure your dream job in South Westphalia! 🥳💜
➡️http://match-suedwestfalen.com/

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06.11.24 | Excursion: Beneath the Surface: How Mining and Steel Shape Local Industries | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

Recap of the Müsen Mining Museum Excursion for International Students

On November 6, 2024, international students explored the deep industrial roots of the Siegerland with a visit to Müsen’s historic mining museum. This guided tour offered a unique look into how mining shaped not only the region’s economy but its very existence.

Historically, the Siegerland’s mountainous terrain and harsh climate made agriculture challenging, meaning that mining became the area’s primary source of livelihood and growth. Mining, which began here over 2,500 years ago, laid the foundation for settlements and sustained communities, fueling a network of industrial trades that eventually turned the region into one of Germany’s most industrious areas. Without mining, the cities and industries in the Siegerland as we know them might not have developed.

The tour highlighted the technical processes of early mining. Students learned how the raw materials mined here helped create jobs and supported the growth of global steel companies. This immersion into the Siegerland's industrial heritage provided students with not just historical knowledge but also a better understanding of the local economic landscape and its lasting impact on today’s job market.

For international students, this excursion was a powerful way to connect with the region's cultural values of resilience and innovation and to network with peers. It underscored how the region’s history continues to shape its present-day industries and communities.

 

See what your fellow students say:

"Being in the depths of the mine, surrounded by history and innovation, truly felt like stepping into an adventure film. I loved learning about the dedication and hard work that shaped the Siegerland region’s culture ,it gave me a new perspective on the local mentality and the pioneering spirit in mining practices." - Aybaniz

"Reflecting on my recent excursion to the Mining Museum in Musen, organized by the University of Siegen, I came away with a deep appreciation for the role mining has played in shaping both the city of Siegen and the broader region of Germany. The visit highlighted how mining isn't merely a chapter of local history but is deeply woven into the cultural DNA of Siegen, characterized by the city's renowned motto: "Work hard, do less talking." This ethos, forged through generations of resilient miners, has left a lasting legacy on Siegen's identity and values." - Aadarsha

 

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08.11.24 International Breakfast: Siegenia | FIT: Career & Networking by SieguVer

Report: International Breakfast with Siegenia | FIT: Career & Networking by SieguVer

On November 8, 2024, Siegenia hosted an International Breakfast in collaboration with FIT: Career & Networking by SieguVer, providing international students with insights into career opportunities at the company.

Siegenia is a family-owned leader in the metal industry, specializing in innovative solutions for windows, doors, and comfort systems. With locations worldwide, the company offers an international yet informal work environment, particularly welcoming graduates in fields like computer science, electrical engineering, mechatronics, and related disciplines.

Vladimir Sizikov, an international graduate who successfully joined Siegenia, shared valuable advice for overcoming common challenges faced by international students:

    1. Language Skills – Proficiency in German is important for integration, though some technical roles may require less fluency.
    2. Lack of Local Experience – Internships, academic projects, and volunteering can help build a relevant portfolio.
    3. Networking – It's crucial to build local connections. Vladimir encouraged attending networking events and engaging with alumni.
    4. Legal Challenges – Siegenia is experienced in handling work and residence permits for international candidates.
    5. Time and Financial Constraints – Job searching can be time-consuming, so it's important to balance job search efforts with academic responsibilities.

Siegenia is especially interested in students from technical fields and offers various entry points, including internships, trainee programs, and direct career opportunities. The event provided an excellent platform for students to connect with the company and gain practical advice on starting their careers in Germany.

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22.11.24 International Breakfast: Viega | FIT: Career & Networking by SieguVer

Viega GmbH is a well-known manufacturer of sanitary and heating technology based in Attendorn. The product range consists of over 17,000 products from the product areas of sanitary and heating systems, piping systems, connection technology, pre-wall technology and drainage technology. It is also the world market leader in the production of press connection technology.
Viega is represented worldwide with many locations, e.g. in the EU, but also in the USA, China and India.

Date: 22.11.2024
Time: 10:00-12:00 a.m.
Place: TBA
Language: English + German
Fee: free

At our International Breakfast, Ms. Rauterkus from the HR department will present Viega and the job opportunities at Viega and will be open to answer your questions and discuss with you.

The company is particularly interested in students from the fields of business administration, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, industrial engineering, computer science and the like.

Please register via our BOOKING LINK

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30.10.24 Speed Friending | FIT: Well Being & Social Integration

On October 30th, 2024, our Speed-Friending event took place at the F-S Building, gathering international students from around the world to connect, build friendships, and become part of our community. Through a series of interactive activities and games, participants had the chance to break the ice, share experiences, and make lasting memories.

The event kicked off with the "Find Somebody Who" photo competition, a fun twist on finding commonalities. Students collaborated to capture photos of each other based on similarities, from shared hobbies to favorite foods.

Afterward, everyone joined multiple Speed-Friending rounds, where students rotated through brief, lively chats to get to know as many people as possible. Laughter and smiles filled the room as participants quickly discovered shared interests and stories.

Finally, a Silent Group Quiz challenged participants to communicate solely via social media—a unique and modern approach that encouraged teamwork in a digital format.

The winning teams celebrated their victories with vouchers to Café Flocke, where they can continue to connect and enjoy each other’s company in a cozy setting.

The event was a great reminder that building a supportive social network is possible, even when far from home. We look forward to organizing more events that bring people together, promote well-being, and create opportunities for meaningful connections.