Hello, hello! 😀

Are you interested in developing your professional career while still studying? Do you want to start creating your network already now? Let’s talk about the career fairs at LiU and other opportunities you have in Linköping to kick off your career 😀

If you are still wondering why you should attend a career fair and what you can gain from it, here are some of my humble thoughts on that 😉

  • Attending student career fairs at university can be a valuable experience for somebody who looking to jumpstart their professional life. These events provide an opportunity to connect with potential employers, learn about different industries, and develop skills necessary for success in the job market.
  • One of the main benefits of attending student career fairs is the chance to network with professionals in your field or related fields. By engaging with recruiters and industry experts, you can gain insight into the job market, learn about potential career paths, and establish valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities down the road.
  • In addition to networking, student career fairs often offer workshops and panels that can help you build your job-seeking skills. Workshops may cover topics such as resume and cover letter writing, interview techniques, and job search strategies. By attending these events, you really can gain valuable insights into what employers are looking for and how to present themselves in the best possible light. And who doesn’t want that when searching for a job…?
  • Another benefit of attending student career fairs is the opportunity to explore different industries and companies. By speaking with recruiters from various organizations, you can gain a better understanding of what it’s like to work in different fields and companies. This can help you make more informed decisions about your career paths and the types of jobs you would like to pursue.

I believe that attending student career fairs is an excellent way for you to start building your professional network and gain valuable insights into the job market. By taking advantage of networking opportunities, workshops, and panels, you can develop the skills and knowledge necessary for your success. So, if you’re a student looking to kickstart your career, consider attending a student career fair at university – it could be the first step towards landing your dream job.

So now, that we are sure why we go there let’s talk about where and when it is happening… Just as a disclaimer, I want to let you know that I’m talking only about the activities and programmes that I know from my friends where at least one person took part in them. So no sketchy programmes below… 😉

LARM

It is a career fair for technologists, engineers and everybody who belongs to LinTek (here is more). This year it is happening on February 14th at campus Valla. I highly recommend visiting this fair as I, personally, know several people who actually made connections during the fair which resulted in a job position later on (one was a master thesis). More information about the fair you can find here.

CARMA

If you are a student of the Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty, you should visit CARMA. This year CARMA will take place on February 15th at campus US. More information about the fair you can find here.

 

Now… these aren’t the only opportunities you can get in Linköping. Just by the campus Valla, we have Linköping Science Park which also offers some good deals for students trying to put their first steps into the job market.

Brilliant Mentors of the Future

It is a programme where a student is matched with a company. In this company, the student takes a mentoring role over the more senior and experienced person from a company who usually has a leading role e.g. CEO. It is a great learning experience for both parties and also a wonderful opportunity to expand your network and make a difference for the business you are working with. According to the description on the programme’s site, the application process is usually in the autumn semester and then you meet the other person several times during the spring semester.

Switch to Sweden

As the Science park describes itself:

“Based on skills and motivation factors we match companies and international academic talents who are already in Sweden. Yes, we find you a perfect match! So get ready to give your big first impression in a short meet and greet.”

It is a fairly new programme. It was opened maybe a year ago or so but it is very… lively. I can actually see quite a lot of events happening here and there within the programme. For example, on the 1st of March, there will be another matchmaking event where you can meet companies in the north of Sweden (registration closes on the 17th of February though so hurry up!). This programme has particularly one huge advantage. It is directed at international students so the employer is aware that you may not speak Swedish. From what I have heard, the Swedish language or rather lack of is usually the most difficult obstacle on your way to the dream job so start learning it ASAP – it’s a pleasant language 😉

In general, if you are wondering about career growth you can always visit the Linköping Science Park website. They have quite a few events lined up and maybe you will find something else that interests you that I didn’t include here…

Just as a last piece. In Science Park, there is a company called LEAD. LEAD is a business incubator for any type of company from IT to healthcare. If you are into entrepreneurship, you can try their programme for students.

Entrepreneurs in Residence by LEAD

It is a full-time position for half a year (unfortunately, it can’t be done in parallel with your studies). It is like a trainee programme where you build a start-up (yes, it is all real). The business you will be developing may be from absolutely different areas but as far as I am aware you have a say in what you are involved in. On your way, you get help from professional business coaches and perhaps build a company that may change the world? Sounds exciting, isn’t it? Currently, two of my friends are part of it and they love it. More information is here.

 

Of course, skill development and networking are critical aspects of your career growth but in addition to skill development and networking, it’s essential to seek out new opportunities to grow your career. Seeking out new challenges can lead to tremendous career growth and development. So, take the initiative, invest in yourself, and start taking the steps necessary to grow your career today! Fingers crossed! 😀

 

/Alexandra, Experimental and Medical Biosciences

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why don’t continue the conversation with us?

Start with checking out:

Our programmes, the application process, webinars, and our Instagram and Facebook account.

Still left wanting more?Book an appointment with our recruitment coordinator at infocenter@liu.se.

 

Pin
Comments are disabled for this post