From the lecture theatre to the workplace: Successful launch of the ‘Sprungbrett Campus’ programme

On 30 September 2026, our university officially launched the ‘Sprungbrett Campus’ initiative. The programme bridges the gap between graduation and the labour market, offering graduates from non-EU countries the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience directly on the campus and to support specialist teams. The interactive kick-off meeting focused on getting to know one another, setting clear expectations and fostering a palpable sense of optimism.

Internationality is a living reality at TH Wildau: around a quarter of the students come from abroad. However, it is precisely after graduation that graduates from third countries – that is, non-EU countries – face particular hurdles: residence regulations, a lack of professional networks and language requirements often make it difficult to make a seamless transition into the labour market commensurate with their qualifications.

The internal support programme “Sprungbrett Campus” addresses precisely this issue: with a total funding budget of 150,000 euros, the university is currently funding 11 tailor-made entry-level positions. Spread across faculties, research projects and support services, these roles offer an ideal springboard. The appointments are supported by the Career Service, the Staff Development and Recruitment Department (PEG) and the Language Centre – including targeted German language support up to B2 level, as well as career and networking workshops.

A clear signal for securing skilled workers and fostering a welcoming culture

During the welcome event in the Hofsaal in Building 13, President Prof. Ulrike Tippe emphasised the strategic importance of the programme:

“Our international students enrich our university both academically and personally. As a ‘space for innovation’, we have no intention of losing this potential once they have graduated. With ‘Sprungbrett Campus’, we are creating a reliable framework within which graduates from non-EU countries can seamlessly establish themselves professionally. This strengthens the regional pool of skilled workers and embodies diversity in everyday university life.”

Chancellor Thomas Lehne also emphasised the added value for the university at the launch event:
“For graduates from third countries, the transition from a degree programme to work is often a bureaucratic ordeal in terms of residence rights. As a university, we are taking the lead here: we offer these talented individuals reliable contracts and real-world projects. At the same time, our research groups and departments benefit enormously from their support and international perspectives.”

Live poll: High motivation and a palpable sense of optimism

Live polls revealed just how great the anticipation among the international talents is: at the top of their expectations were gaining practical work experience, new career opportunities and long-term employment prospects, as well as getting to know German working culture. A final word cloud aptly summarised the participants’ current state of mind: keywords such as ‘happy’, ‘grateful’, ‘confident’ and ‘on the move’ reflect the energy with which the colleagues are now embarking on their work in teaching, research and administration.
Regular networking meetings and feedback loops are designed to keep the exchange of experiences alive throughout the entire duration of the programme.

A major benefit for all involved

The fact that “Sprungbrett Campus” is not a one-way street was demonstrated by the live survey of the managers and project managers present. The project managers cited the following as the greatest added value for their own teams:

• New specialist skills
• Concrete support in projects
• International perspectives & relief from day-to-day workload
• Attracting future skilled staff
• Strengthening diversity & expanding networks

Christine Heinrich, head of the Staff Development and Recruitment (PEG) department, draws a thoroughly positive conclusion:

“I would like to thank all participants and the host teams for their openness and tremendous commitment. For Staff Development and the Career Service, ‘Sprungbrett Campus’ is a forward-looking model. Here, we are creating a structured framework that closely interlinks professional induction, individual continuing education and a genuine culture of welcome. Our aim is for both sides to learn from and benefit from one another in the long term.”