Connecting the future: How the (International) Career Service brings international talent and the region together

The transition from a degree programme to the world of work is considered the most critical factor for the long-term integration of international students. At TH Wildau, this process is now being taken to a new level by the International Career Service (ICS). The project, which runs from 2026 to the end of 2028, acts as a strategic link between the university and the Brandenburg labour market, with the aim of specifically counteracting the shortage of skilled workers in the region.

A powerhouse for international careers

With around 675 international students, this group represents a central pillar of the university. The ICS is not an isolated unit, but is firmly integrated into the existing structures of the Career Service. The aim: existing services such as application workshops or advisory sessions are not only being expanded, but specifically tailored to the needs of international talent.

Ray Trautwein, head of the Career Service, emphasises the relevance of this approach: “Securing skilled workers doesn’t start with recruitment – it starts with genuine connection. Those who invest in these talents today will gain valuable skilled workers for our region tomorrow.”

“Cool Work”: From drag workshops to career fairs

The fact that the work of the Career Service goes far beyond traditional career guidance is demonstrated by the variety of formats and this year’s co-organisation of German Diversity Day on 19 May at our university: from the ICS’s perspective, the English-language workshop “Empower Your Career: Bold Presence & Space-Taking for Every Body” with Marilyn Nova White will be a particular highlight of the programme.

Here, anyone interested can learn to boost their self-confidence and body language for everyday working life through creative practical classes drawn from performance and drag.

Other key components of the work include:

• Career.Application.Week. (13–17 July 2026): An intensive week full of hybrid workshops to prepare for entry into the German labour market
• THCONNECT (14 October 2026): The university’s own careers fair has been modernised and, under the motto “Charge Your Career… WITH POWERFUL CONNECTIONS”, is now even more strongly geared towards international target groups.
• Sprungbrett campus: An innovative pilot project that enables graduates from non-EU countries to take up fixed-term part-time positions directly at TH Wildau, allowing them to gain their first qualified professional experience in Germany.

Success through strong networking

The work of the Career Service thrives on cooperation. Internally, the team works closely with the Welcome Centre, the International Office and the central department for diversity, amongst others. Externally, partnerships such as those with the Brandenburg Economic Development Corporation (WFBB) and the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) ensure the quality and reach of the services offered.

A current example of this networking was the meeting of Brandenburg’s universities on 6 May, at which concepts for labour market integration were discussed. Ray Trautwein explains: “Our services are used extensively by international students. Internationalisation is a key cross-cutting issue that we bring to life every day at the Career Service.”

An appeal to the university: Working together for the next generation

Despite these successes, the team relies on support. To successfully continue programmes such as the Deutschlandstipendium or THCONNECT, the support of professors and the wider academic staff is needed. The academic expertise and close ties between teachers and industry partners are particularly crucial when it comes to attracting new sponsors and companies.

“We see ourselves as a bridge between business and academia,” says Ray Trautwein. “But this bridge is only stable if we build it together from both sides.”

Key dates at a glance:

12 May 2026: Digital information event on the Germany Scholarship for potential sponsors

13–17 July 2026: Career.Application.Week

14 October 2026: THCONNECT career fair (stand bookings now open).