International Career Fair Helps Companies Recruit New Skilled Workers

More than 5,200 of the students at TU Dortmund University have an international passport, which is about one in six. Most of them study mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, or technology – “precisely the specialized fields that form the industries of the future in the city of Dortmund,” said the head of the International Office, Dr. Barbara Schneider, in her opening speech. “Our students are versatile young professionals with intercultural skills and international experience. Moreover, those who have moved to Germany to study demonstrate flexibility and endurance.”

Dominik Stute welcomed the guests on behalf of the Dortmund Chamber of Industry and Commerce, which co-organizes the fair every year. He emphasized that the shortage of skilled workers among companies is currently a major problem and that the International Career Fair is a promising opportunity to counter this challenge: “This fair brings together what belongs together: highly educated and internationally experienced students of TU Dortmund University and innovative regional companies. We are happy if students stay with us in the attractive location of Dortmund, which offers such great potential for economic development and so many cultural opportunities, and find a home here in the long term.”

Numerous success stories after meeting at the International Career Fair

There are many success stories of the International Career Fair, as Dominik Stute would like to see them. One example from last year is Umut Ceylan, who met his current employer at the International Career Fair. The economist now works in an international environment at the consulting firm KPS AG, which supports companies in digitalization and attended the fair itself for the first time in 2022. He advises other students: “Use career fairs and formats where you can get to know the company representatives. This gives you a completely different approach than applying only via documents – and also a completely different chance as a student or graduate to prove yourself.” Merve Usta, recruiter at KPS AG, says: “The international career fair was a great experience for both sides. You can count on candidates here to be active and professional in their search.”

To simplify this search, the app “Talentefinder” was used for the first time this year. Students had been “matched” with potential employers before, so that previously arranged appointments took place at the fair. By using the app, companies and students can now get in touch digitally, get to know each other bilaterally and independently arrange an appointment for the fair. As always, spontaneous visits were also possible.

Two workshops, one of them organized by the Center for Entrepreneurship & Transfer (CET) of TU Dortmund University, prepared the international participants for the application and the interviews with potential employers.

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