From the University to a Career

As an international student at the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, you may be considering your options after graduation: How can you stay and work in this region? What should you know about visas, residence regulations, and professional requirements? This session offers a clear overview of essential information and practical advice to help you explore your opportu-nities and prepare for living and working in the region. Key topics include visas, residence rules, and what it means to build a life and career here. Whether you’re approaching gradua-tion or planning ahead, this event will provide valuable guidance to support your next steps in Germany.

The talk will be given in English by the Head of the Welcome Center Südlicher Oberrhein, a joint project of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) Südlicher Oberrhein and the Chamber of Crafts (HWK) Freiburg, funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism Baden-Württemberg. The centre offers guidance on immigration formalities, integra-tion, and connects newcomers with the right contacts and authorities to ease their transition into working and living in the region.

Speaker: Dr. Sophie Figueredo-Hardy, Education and Further Training, IHK Südlicher Oberrhein,
Head of the Welcome Center

Date: Thursday, 20 Nov. 2025, 6:15–7:45 p.m.
Place: University of Freiburg, Peterhof, Room R4

In his lecture, Bernd Kramer, head of the business editorial department at the Badische Zeitung, provides an inside look at daily life as a journalist and presents different possibilities for entering the profession. He talks about why work as an editor can be highly fulfilling but also points out the risks and personal restrictions that come with the job. In addition, he provides information on earning potential.

The lecture will be held in German.

Speaker: Bernd Kramer M.A., head of the editorial department at the Badische Zeitung

Date: Thursday, 27 Nov. 2025, 6:15–7:45 p.m.
Place: University of Freiburg, Peterhof, Room R4

The transition from studies to a profession is a crucial step – and often raises a lot of questions: How can I make my CV convincing? What makes a cover letter effective? How can I communicate my individual strengths in a clear way? And what application strategy can help me to attract the attention of potential employers?

The recipe for success lies in a clever combination of well thought-out strategy and professionally prepared supporting documents. A key instrument is your personal competency profile. It illustrates what abilities and strengths you acquired in the course of studies, internships, or volunteering – thus providing the ideal basis for organizing your application in an individual and authentic way.

The lecture gives you practical insight into the creation of professional application documents, the development of a goal-oriented application strategy, and methods for creating your own personal competency profile. In this way, you’ll be well prepared to actively, confidently, and successfully manage your career entry.

Speaker: Karin Peterseil, Center for Key Qualifications of the University of Freiburg

Date: Thursday, 4 Dec. 25, 6:15–7:45 p.m.

Place: University of Freiburg, Peterhof, Room R4

Life/work planning (LWP) is an effective method for gaining clarity over a complex topic: What can I do professionally, what do I really want to do, and how can I get there?

LWP is addressed at students who want to plan their professional future systematically and are willing to put in the necessary effort. The method is as simple as it is successful: You start by discovering your own abilities and interests, and then you develop and implement appropriate perspectives.

The method opens up new pathways for your job search, because many people who are new to the labour market apply primarily for publicly advertised positions. That seems reasonable in principle, but it often doesn’t offer the best chances, because many positions are filled without an official advertisement in the newspaper or on the internet. LWP shows how you can find this ‘hidden’ labour market and provides you with a method for accessing it systematically – equipped with ‘completely normal’ qualifications.

The lecture will be held in German.

Speaker: Marc Buddensieg, personnel developer and qualified LWP trainer, LWP Institute Hannover

Date: Thursday, 15 Jan. 2026, 6:15–7:45 p.m.
Place: University of Freiburg, Peterhof, Room R4

Self-employment gives you the opportunity to realize your own ideas, act on your own authority, and achieve professional independence. But success rarely comes overnight: An aspiring entrepreneur needs to be well prepared. With a well thought-out plan and clear goals, you can lay the foundation for lasting and successful self-employment.

The lecture provides a practical overview of central questions on the path to self-employment: What professional and personal prerequisites should I meet – and how can I compensate for possible weaknesses? How can I find and refine my business idea? Who can give me advice, how do I analyse the market, and how do I develop a sound business plan?

The lecture will be held in German.

Speaker: Dr. Thomas Maier, startup advisor at the University of Freiburg Startup Office

Date: Thursday, 22 Jan,. 2026, 6:15–7:45 p.m.

Place: University of Freiburg, Peterhof, Room R4