Networking on campus

By Sven Rottner

The tent is up again - For the first time since 2019, the International Business Fair (IBF) at Reutlingen University’s ESB Business School took place on campus. On April 5 and 6, 2022, students were able to get in touch with well-known regional and international companies, explore career opportunities and network in person on campus as well as virtually via an online platform. A total of 69 companies introduced themselves on the two days of the fair.

In his opening speech, Professor Christoph Binder, Dean of ESB Business School, emphasized the great importance of career fairs, saying "The IBF offers our students and the companies participating the opportunity to enter into a lively dialogue. I am very glad that we are able to do this in person again this year."

Tamara Högerle from Bonduelle was also pleased to once more participate in the IBF on campus. She particularly emphasized the ESB students' determination: "The ESB students have a very clear idea of where they want to go. We are always impressed by their future-oriented and sustainable approach."

On the second day of the International Business Fair, it was moved back online. In this way, students who are currently on a semester abroad were also able to take advantage of the career fair.

On both days of the fair, the companies taking part had access to the resumes of registered students via an online platform. They were thus able to specifically approach candidates who were a particularly good fit for them. In pre-arranged one-on-one meetings, both sides sounded out the possibilities for an internship, a thesis, or direct entry after graduation.

The career fair was very well received by the students. Philipp Wödl, a student in the BSc International Business programme, finds the networking concept particularly important: "Through the IBF, we students speak directly with the right contacts and don't have to ask around for a long time. I really appreciate this advantage."

The International Business Fair is organized by the ESB Business School Career Center and by dedicated students from the ESB Student Network.Bianca Fecker from the Career Center is pleased with the large number of visitors to the IBF: "The career fair is aimed at all ESB students, regardless of which phase of their studies they are in. This year, the career fair attracted around 800 students to the booths, both virtually and in person."