Review 2022

"When do you ever have the opportunity to learn first-hand about starting a career?" Dean Prof. Dr. Meike Utzerath asked the students of the Faculty of Business Studies who had come to the "Business Insights" event in the lecture halls of the C-Building on Eupener Straße. The programme included lectures and panel discussions; the speakers were once students of the faculty themselves and were able to authentically describe to their successors which skills are in demand when starting a career and what is important when studying.

"The most important thing in life is curiosity."

Anyone looking for a job after graduation will sooner or later find themselves face to face with recruiters who are looking for suitable candidates for their companies during job interviews. Prof. Dr. Thomas Fritz knows the situation - he worked as a human resources manager for several years before he accepted the call to teach business studies, especially organisation and human resources, at the FH Aachen. In his introductory lecture "Curious about what happens after graduation? It will take a little luck!" he gave the students insights into the question of which factors are significant for a successful career start. At the outset, he emphasised, "Everyone defines success differently." He encouraged the students to develop a passion and try different approaches - but to do so seriously and consistently. It is no problem to change direction once in a while. Prof. Fritz said, "The most important thing in life is curiosity." He said that acquaintances ("vitamin B") and luck are often cited as important career factors. This is not entirely wrong - but it depends on how you deal with it. As a young professional, you have to have the confidence to approach other people and build networks. But this is always a give and take at the same time. Luck also plays a role, Prof. Fritz said, but you have to give luck a chance and be prepared.

Four different thematic blocks

The presentations at "Business Insights" were divided into thematic blocks so that students could put together an individual programme. There were three presentations each in the areas of "Finance, Accounting, Controlling & Taxation (FACT)", "Human Resources", "Procurement, Production & Logistics" and "Marketing & Sales", followed by a panel discussion. During the breaks, the participants also had the opportunity to talk to representatives of the partner companies about practical trainings, student jobs and career entry. Prof. Utzerath thanked everyone involved for the organisation and support. The fact that the former students have now returned to their old university as speakers is a special sign of solidarity.