„Employability (Made) In Germany“ at Wichita State University

The UAS7 alliance – a network of seven German universities of Applied Sciences – took its most recent Employability (made) in Germany event to Wichita State University (WSU) in Wichita, Kansas, on September 11, 2019. The event is part of a larger project aiming to showcase Germany’s strength in applied education, university-industry collaborations, dual-study programs, and apprenticeships, and to strengthen transatlantic connections with interested partners.

In Wichita, we brought together important actors in applied science education around the theme of German career steps. They emphasized specific opportunities for students in the region, such as internships, exchanges and other career opportunities, as well as the future of university-industry collaboration.

Andy Tompkins, WSU Interim President, introduced the event. UAS7 members Berlin School of Economics and Law and Hamburg University of Applied Sciences co-hosted and sent speakers. Prof. Dr. Andreas Zaby, President of the Berlin School of Economics and Law and also Chair of UAS7 network, served as a moderator. Mathias Haake, Lecturer at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences and Mass Properties Engineer at Airbus Operations GmbH also came from Hamburg to share his career path at a university of applied sciences. Mario Kratsch, Vice President of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Inc. outlined the German industry and investment landscape in Kansas and the region.

David Gartner, Head of Engineering Projects at Airbus Americas, Inc and Gerald Deren from Siemens joined us and presented ways of university collaboration and opportunities for students at their companies. Suzy Finn and Joshua Richardson, who participated in UAS7 study abroad programs, talked about their experience. Finally, Ann Burger, Associate Director for Study Abroad & Exchange Programs at Wichita State University rounded up all speakers and spoke about internationalization programs.

The event is part of a series of five events throughout 2019. Our first event took place at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama on January 30, 2019. Despite the uncharacteristically cold temperatures, more than 70 students and administrators from the University of Alabama in Huntsville as well as business representatives attended the panel, on which both industry and university speakers introduced and highlighted study exchange, internship and employment options in their respective organizations. The second panel took place at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville on April 17, 2019, and was very well attended also. The next events will take us to Clemson University (October 9) and the University of Pittsburgh (October 18).

As usual, we could not have done this event without the help and support of a variety of friends, sponsors and co-sponsors such as the German Center for Research and Innovation, the German American Chamber of Commerce, Midwest, and of course by regional supporters wherever we go. We particularly want to thank Wichita State University, the many people we met there and everybody who supported us, particularly Ann Burger, Associate Director for Study Abroad and Exchange Programs.