More equal opportunity New workshop helps with starting a career
As a completely new addition to Heidelberg University's programme, the practice-oriented workshop ‘Startklar für den Berufseinstieg’ (‘Ready to start your career’) was held for the first time in January 2025. What makes it special: The event is aimed specifically at students whose parents do not have an academic background. Without family support and role models among relatives, the phase of starting a career is particularly challenging.
“Now I'm ready to apply for a job” – that was the conclusion of one student after the workshop. Sanna Humphrey, an experienced HR manager, spent the day working with the 22 participants to highlight their strengths and gather ideas on which skills and abilities could be developed further. After an intensive exchange on topics including the question “What do I want?”, practical exercises on the application process and suggestions for a successful CV, the students went home with their own “career/development plan”. “I didn't realise how many strengths I have and what I already bring to the table,” was the feedback from one participant. The exclusive insights from the perspective of an HR manager were considered particularly helpful. Sanna Humphrey explained what HR managers pay particular attention to and how young professionals can present themselves in the best possible way.
Simone Lasser, who organised the workshop on behalf of HAI, considers the premiere a great success: “The event showed how important it is for students and graduates from non-academic families to have people at their side who accompany, support and encourage them.” More than 70 interested parties registered for the workshop, but only one in three of them was able to get a place. "We will definitely repeat the programme."
The workshop was organised by Heidelberg Alumni International, the Career Service of the University's Competence and Language Centre heiSKILLS and the non-profit organisation ArbeiterKind.de. In 80 local ArbeiterKind.de groups, over 6,000 volunteers across Germany are committed to promoting equal opportunities and educational equality. They inform pupils about the possibility of studying and support them on their journey from starting university to successfully completing their studies and starting their careers.