Category: June2025

📅 Date: June 25, 2025
🕔 Time: 17:00 – 19:00

What makes German communication so direct? Why is punctuality such a big deal? These and other questions were at the heart of our interactive session “German Behavior – Understanding Cultural Norms”, which brought together international students eager to gain deeper insights into everyday life in Germany.

In a lively and engaging discussion, participants explored:

✅ Core aspects of German communication styles and social expectations
✅ The role of structure, rules, and efficiency in German society
✅ Common cultural misunderstandings – and how to avoid them

The event offered not only valuable information but also space for personal stories, questions, and shared experiences. For many, it was a chance to better understand the “unwritten rules” of German culture and feel more confident in navigating life in a new country.

Thanks to everyone who joined and contributed to the open, respectful exchange – we’re looking forward to seeing you at the next session!

Picture by Brooke Cagle.

📅 Tuesday, June 24, 2025
⏰ 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Room: F-S 123

On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, students came together in Room F-S 123 for an important and timely workshop: Intercultural Sensitivity, Feedback Culture, and Ethical Behavior in Business. As part of the FIT program, the session offered tools for succeeding in diverse and dynamic professional environments.

With the workplace becoming increasingly international, this workshop focused on key skills for navigating cultural differences and building strong professional relationships. Topics included:

• Developing intercultural sensitivity and adapting to different communication styles
• Understanding and applying the German feedback culture in work and academic settings
• Embracing ethical decision-making in professional life
• Learning how to build lasting networks based on respect, trust, and cultural awareness

Through group activities and guided discussions, participants gained practical strategies to enhance their global competence – a skill set highly sought after by employers in both the German and international job markets.

Especially for international students, the workshop provided a strong foundation for working successfully across cultures and aligning with local expectations.

As part of the Employability Pass , the session also awarded 3 points in the category Soft Skills & Employability.

📅 On Monday, June 16, 2025, participants gathered in Room F-S 012 to explore the unspoken rules of professional presentation during the Dining Etiquette, Business Dress Codes, and Small Talk Skills workshop.
Part of the FIT series, this session helped students understand how behavior outside of the meeting room can impact career success just as much as formal qualifications.

🔑 Key takeaways from the workshop included:
• 🍽️ How to navigate business meals with confidence and courtesy
• 👔 Understanding appropriate dress codes in various professional contexts
• 💬 Developing small talk strategies for networking events and informal business interactions

🎯 The interactive format allowed students to practice these skills in realistic scenarios, making the experience both practical and memorable.

🌍 For international students, in particular, the session offered valuable cultural insights into expectations in German business settings.

💼 By mastering these social and professional subtleties, participants are now better equipped to make a strong and lasting impression in any setting – whether at a formal dinner, a job interview, or a casual networking meet-up.

🏅 The workshop also contributed 3 points toward the Soft Skills & Employability category of the Employability Pass.

On Thursday, June 5, 2025, students gathered in Room F-S 011 for the FIT workshop Mastering Business Behavior and Communication. The session focused on helping participants make a confident and competent impression in the German professional world.

Through interactive exercises and real-world examples, the workshop covered:
• 🤝 Key elements of German business etiquette
• 🧍‍♂️ The impact of body language and non-verbal cues
• 🗣️ Techniques for clear, respectful, and effective communication in meetings and workplace settings
• 🌍 Cultural nuances that influence professional behavior in Germany

Particularly valuable for international students, the workshop offered insight into the often “unwritten” rules that shape business interactions in Germany. Participants left with a clearer understanding of how to build trust, present themselves professionally, and navigate typical workplace situations with confidence.

🎓 As part of the Employability Pass, the event also contributed 3 points in the category Soft Skills & Employability – a step forward in building a strong foundation for future internships and career success.

Change Competence – Developing the Ability to Cope with Transformation and Change

In June 2025, the Career Service once again hosted its well-received Change Competence workshop, part of the FIT series focused on strengthening soft skills and employability. Participants had the option to attend in person on Thursday, June 26, or join the online session on Monday, June 30.

As change and transformation become increasingly prevalent in the modern workplace, the workshop provided students and graduates with key insights and tools to navigate these challenges with confidence.
Through a mix of theoretical input, self-reflection, and practical exercises, attendees explored:

• ❓ What change competence means in personal & professional contexts

• 🔍 Their own attitudes toward change and how these influence behavior and decisions.

• 💪 The skills and strengths they already possess that support positive responses to change.

• 🧩 Established models for understanding change processes and individual reactions.

• 🛠️ Effective strategies for managing transformation in the workplace and academic settings.

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💬 Engagement & Takeaways

With active discussions and insightful takeaways, participants left the workshop better equipped to face transitions with:
🌟 Resilience | 🎨 Creativity | 🔄 Adaptability

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📅 What’s Next?

For those interested in building their soft skill profile, upcoming FIT workshops by the Career Service can be found here or on the Career Service website.

📅 Date: May 16, 2025
🕒 Time: 15:00 – 19:00
📍 Format: Career Competence Awareness Workshop (Part I)

The “Discovering Skills” workshop, part of the c2AW series, guided students through identifying and reflecting on the soft skills and competences that drive success in both academic and professional environments. Participants worked on building a personal skills profile to gain a clearer understanding of their strengths, talents, and development areas.

🌟 Workshop Highlights

• 🧠 Self-awareness: Recognized hidden competences for studying and working

• 🛠️ Personal skills kit: Mapped individual strengths and transferable skills

• 🧭 Reflection tools: Received tailored support and guidance for career planning

• 🎓 Employability Boost: Earned 3 Employability Pass points.