Networking: Positive effects for your studies and your career
Below are some ideas on how you can build a network during your studies. A network can make your start in a new city easier and it can help you with feeling more familiar also outside of the university. It also supports you in your career orientation and career start.
Your fellow students During the orientation program for international students and in the getting started week of the faculties (German), you will meet fellow students who are facing similar challenges like you. Some of them also are working part-time in addition to their studies, they are talking about future careers, completing internships, and meeting people who can help them. You can learn from them and you can share your own experiences.
Personal relationships Your uncle who works as a journalist at a radio station? A cousin who works in corporate communications at a large car dealership? Parents of friends and fellow students who work at a law firm or hospital? Ask them — maybe you can land an internship there!
Learning groups In learning groups, you will meet people who are dealing with the same topics as you at the same time. During coffee breaks, you probably talk about internships you and the others have completed: use these contacts to perhaps find a new internship or a voluntary work.
Associations Whether it's a cultural, sports, or gardening association — depending on your hobbies and interests, you can get involved and network with others here! You'll quickly find all associations of your city you're looking for by searching online.
Voluntary Engagement As a volunteer, you will not only gain professional experience, but also meet new and interesting people: Find the most suitable initiative for you.
Student Councils (Fachschaften) Members of the active student council (German) in your department work to promote common interests and are self-governing, i.e., they organize events such as lectures, discussion groups, excursions, and parties.
General Student Committee (Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss (AStA))
AStA Marburg acts as the external representative of the student body and also provides services for them. There are many fields in which you can get involved, e.g., for international students, students with children or students with disabilities.
Student initiatives In a student initiative, social, political, legal, economic, or other services are organized and carried out in a self-managed manner in the form of further training opportunities, volunteer work, etc.
Mentoring programs A mentor accompanies you over a certain period of time and is there to offer you advice and support. You receive advice and support from experienced specialists or managers. You find all offers on the mentorings website .
Alumni networks and associations Alumni are graduates who want to stay in touch after their time with their university. They exchange ideas on academic and professional topics. Take a look at these networking opportunities: Central Alumni Service.
Industry events Companies that deal with similar content sometimes meet at trade fairs and exchange ideas — in general or sometimes on specific technical topics: IQB Career Services: Nationwide Events (German)
Professional social networks Unlike private social media apps, "XING" und "Linkedin" focus on a person's work experience. Create your own profile that can be used to connect digitally with colleagues and companies.
Job/Career fairs and events with companies At job or career fairs, you can get to know many different companies and have the opportunity to ask questions or exchange contact details. Large companies with a wide range of activities give newcomers the chance to learn about their working methods at their own career events. You can easily find current lists of dates on the internet.
