Isn’t this thing just for German students/people who speak German? No! It’s a great opportunity for any student and any major in LCWA. Multinational corporations like BMW and Mercedes are very interested in students who speak second languages other than German are interculturally competent critical thinkers and excellent communicators. And their internships pay circa 20 dollars per hour!
I’m a International Studies/African American Studies/ History/PoliSci/Arts/liberal arts major, not a business or science or engineering major. How do I approach the job fair? These companies are very interested in hiring quick learners and critical thinkers (and the fact that you’re learning German is a plus). This will in fact be a topic of discussion at the first panel discussion. The key is to go from table to table and ask the right question. Not “What jobs do you have for a history major?” but rather, “What do you have in HR, Communications, purchasing, etc.?” That’s how you pique their interest, and then you make the case for how you’re the best candidate because of your transferable communication skills and ability to think critically! We have had several students over the years in humanities majors who did just that and interned at German companies multiple times!
How should I dress? Business attire will make the best impression—business or business casual
I have limited time: When should I go? You don’t have to go to the entire event, and if you’re triaging multiple duties that day and can only make an hour, the most important visit will likely be the job and internship fair from 10:30-12:30 (see the companies that will be attending below).
I’m not interested in a corporate career. What’s the point of this event for me? The conference will certainly be interesting as it covers issues that affect us all—the first panel on workforce needs/soft skills in the AI era in particular. But even the job and internship fair can be a great way to “rehearse” conversations with employers. Think of it this way: there are 11 German companies at the job fair and that means 11 chances to practice having a conversation with employers, and that’s a lot of rehearsing that can help you in other contexts. Also, are you really sure you don’t want at least an internship at one of these companies? Most pay 20 dollars an hour and it looks great on your resume—the skills you pick up are skills that you can later apply to the things/career you really care about. Another side benefit of going to the job fair: there is always awesome branded swag from the companies that you can pick up for free!
I’ve only waited tables throughout college and have no job experience in industry. Do I have any chance at the job and internship fair? Absolutely! This is exactly the story of German major and logistics minor Grant Pigeon '19, who attended the second summit with no experience other than hospitality and who interned at IFA his senior year and then got a job with Isringhausen after graduation! Don’t forget as well that companies are struggling to recruit talent—this gives you the perfect in and your experience with part-time/full time jobs in hospitality or other fields will help you make your case (transferable skills!)
I’m a freshman and just starting out: is there any hope for me at the job and internship fair? Absolutely! We have had several examples of freshmen who have gone to the summit and then subsequently done internships in the first summer after their freshman year. German companies are looking to recruit interns earlier and bring them into the company during college. And even if you don’t get an immediate internship, it’s worth the networking experience and the contacts that you’ll make! In other words, this is your time: seize it!
