Networking Made Easy
At the beginning of June, the 37th CareerForum took place at the University of Bayreuth (UBT). For more than 30 years, this event has given UBT students the chance to engage in dialogue with potential employers and make initial contacts to launch their professional careers.
Egid Orth
UBT educates bright minds and the skilled professionals of tomorrow – and ensures they transition smoothly from university to working life. At the 37th CareerForum, held in the exhibition spaces of the Faculty of Law, Business & Economics and the Faculty of Engineering on campus, numerous students seized the opportunity to connect with around 100 companies, law firms, and institutions from the fields of STEM, law, business, sport, and health.
As UBT’s flagship careers fair, the CareerForum, which is organised by the Career Services and Company Contacts department (KUK), has a clear goal: to bring tomorrow’s professionals together with potential employers at an early stage. In a personal and welcoming setting, participants could network, explore career paths, and discuss concrete opportunities for internships and graduate positions. In addition to the exhibition stands, the fair – now a tradition of over three decades – once again offered a rich supporting programme, including several Career Dinners and both in-person and virtual one-to-one meetings.
Numerous regional and national employers took advantage of the CareerForum to discuss job entry opportunities, internships, and part-time roles with talented and motivated graduates. Students and doctoral researchers were also able to reflect on the type of working environment they prefer – whether it be large corporations, medium-sized businesses, or family-run enterprises. Especially in Upper Franconia, there are many "hidden champions" – companies not widely known due to the niche nature of their products and services, but where young professionals often find excellent opportunities to thrive and develop.
A particularly welcome development: many alumni used the opportunity to return to their alma mater as part of the fair – now representing their companies. They travelled from across Germany to the Bayreuth campus to share insights into their career paths and support future graduates with valuable advice. Their return to UBT not only reflects the strong bond many alumni feel with their university, but also highlights the importance of the CareerForum as a place for building lasting networks.
Pictured from left to right, visiting as company representatives from Munich, Stuttgart, and Nuremberg: UBT Law & Business alumni Richard von Hesler, Dr. Sebastian Zerbe, and Christian Mehnert.
Nina Rauscher
After the fair, alumni and company representatives had the chance to network, exchange ideas, and wind down the day in a relaxed setting at the Alumni Beer Garden.

