Kristina Spoljaric, Career Advisor at Lancaster University Leipzig, recently delivered a highly practical session for students, covering key strategies for career development, from planning a job search to building relevant skills and networks. She also highlighted exclusive tools and resources available to Lancaster University Leipzig students to strengthen their profiles and improve their prospects. We have provided what she explained here:
What are the key areas students should focus on when starting their career journey?
Kristina Spoljaric:
When starting your career journey, there are five key areas you should focus on: how to plan your job search, how to explore opportunities and where to find them, how to apply effectively, how to actively build opportunities, and what to consider if you are planning to stay in Germany or elsewhere in Europe.
Before applying, what should students be thinking about?
Kristina Spoljaric:
Before you even start applying, it’s important to approach your job search as a structured project. Many people think it’s a straightforward process: just going onto a job platform and applying. But it’s much more effective if you plan it carefully.
Start by thinking about where you are right now, the types of companies you want to apply to, and the roles that genuinely interest you—rather than simply going to platforms like LinkedIn and searching by job title.
How can students prepare themselves for the roles they are interested in?
Kristina Spoljaric:
One of the first things you can do is research. Explore different jobs you’re interested in, look at the skills being advertised, the tools and software required, and then assess whether you already have some of those skills.
It’s also important to be clear about your goals. Are you looking for internships, full-time entry-level roles, or perhaps trainee programmes?
You should also consider whether you want to work in an English-speaking environment or in a company that operates in German, depending on your language level.
What other factors should students take into account?
Kristina Spoljaric:
You should think about the type of company you want to work for: a large corporation, a start-up, or a small or medium-sized enterprise.
Another important factor is the sector. You might be interested in the private sector, which focuses on profit, the public sector, which is government-controlled, or the third sector, which is more value-driven or non-profit.
How can students strengthen their profiles while still studying?
Kristina Spoljaric:
It’s important not only to identify the skills required but also to prove that you have them. As Lancaster students, you have access to the SAP Learning Hub, where you can build practical skills and earn recognised SAP certifications. These certifications are typically quite costly, but as a Lancaster student, you can access them free of charge, with two exam attempts per year.
You also have access to LinkedIn Learning, which offers many short courses. Some take just four or five hours, and you can add them to your LinkedIn profile.
You can also create personal projects to demonstrate your skills—for example, a GitHub profile or case study portfolio for Computer Science students. There are many options and it really depends on the individual interests!
Where should students look for job opportunities?
Kristina Spoljaric:
Most students are familiar with LinkedIn, which is the largest platform, but it is also the most competitive. You’ll often see over 100 applicants for a single role.
So it’s important to diversify your strategy. Combine large job platforms with more specialised ones, including platforms focused on start-ups or English-speaking roles.
Also, don’t underestimate company websites career page. Many organisations advertise roles on their own websites, and checking these pages regularly can give you access to opportunities before they appear on large job platforms.
You mentioned trainee programmes—could you explain those?
Kristina Spoljaric:
Yes, trainee or graduate programmes are a great way to enter the labour market. They are entry-level programmes where you rotate through different departments and usually have a mentor guiding you.
Many large companies offer them, such as DHL, Amazon, and SAP. They often lead to long-term employment because companies invest in you and want to retain you.
They are also useful because they help you understand which department suits you best—you might start within one department and then realise another area fits you better.
What advice do you have for the application process itself?
Kristina Spoljaric:
First of all, avoid sending generic applications. Always read job descriptions carefully and tailor your CV and cover letter. It takes more time, but it makes your application much more effective.
You can also send speculative applications. If you are interested in a particular company, you can approach them directly, explain your motivation, and present your skills.
Networking can be intimidating. How important is it?
Kristina Spoljaric:
Networking is extremely important. According to the report of NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers), around 70% of jobs are not publicly advertised.
You can start by connecting with alumni or professionals on LinkedIn. If you’re interested in a specific company, reach out to people who work there—especially those who recently joined, as they can share insights into the process.
You could also attend career fairs and networking events. Platforms like Meetup can help you find events happening locally.
What should students consider if they want to stay in Germany?
Kristina Spoljaric:
There are also practical and administrative factors to consider, such as registration requirements and health insurance, especially if you are relocating.
Location plays an important part as well. Larger cities like Frankfurt or Hamburg offer more opportunities but are more expensive and competitive. Smaller cities may have fewer roles but also less competition.
Language is another important factor. While English‑speaking roles do exist, many employers require at least B1 or B2 German. Learning German can be challenging, but it will help you in many aspects of life, not just professionally.
What are the most common mistakes students make?
Kristina Spoljaric:
One common mistake is waiting until after graduation to start applying. Many companies hire students before they graduate, so it’s important to start early.
Another is ignoring networking or underestimating transferable skills. Even if you don’t have direct experience, you may have skills that apply to other roles.
And finally, not tailoring applications or failing to keep developing skills.
To conclude, what are your key takeaways?
Kristina Spoljaric:
Start early, plan your search carefully, work on your skills, focus on networking, and apply strategically.
And of course, if you need additional support, you can book a one-to-one career consultation via JobTeaser or contact me directly by email.
