Your first employment contract is a milestone – but how do you make the most of it? Many students shy away from the topic of salary negotiation due to uncertainty or a lack of preparation. In this talk, we’ll dispel the myths and give you the tools you need to secure fair pay. We’ll highlight the challenges and show you how to approach your first interview with the right strategy and a dose of self-confidence. You’ll learn more about the following points:

• Understanding structural pay inequality (Gender Pay Gap)
• Market value analysis & AI tools for a realistic salary target
• Preparing for a salary negotiation, including targets and negotiation anchors
• Defining alternative negotiation variables as a strategy
• Responding confidently to objections and killer arguments
• Psychological principles of negotiation and managing your own emotions   

After the presentation, you will understand why it is so important to negotiate your salary and how to determine your market value in a well-founded manner and back it up with figures. You will understand the role AI tools play in gender bias and know which negotiation strategies you can use to negotiate fair terms and link them to additional benefits. You will also be trained in how to overcome your fears and concerns ahead of your first salary negotiations and gain greater inner confidence.

When: Monday, 4 May 2026, 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm
Where: Zoom meeting
https://europa-uni-de.zoom-x.de/j/68947645397?pwd=ERSNSo9swLhHAXMhwdre1BwfQ0x9wM.1 Zoom
login details:

         Meeting ID: 689 4764 5397 
Passcode: 784180

Language: German

We look forward to seeing you there.

The Viadrina Career Center Team

Are you looking to apply for a job, an internship or a volunteer role? This mini-workshop covers the basics of writing compelling application documents.

What we will cover: 

• Where to start: How and where to find suitable job vacancies
• Crafting a strong CV: Key elements and formatting tips
• Writing an effective motivation/cover letter: How to demonstrate your suitability and enthusiasm
• Dos and Don’ts: Common mistakes to avoid and best practices

Date: 7 May 2026
Time: 9.00am – 12.00pm
Location: Online
Language: English

To register, click here.

Career Snacks is an online Q&A session for all students on topics related to jobs and careers. Ask your questions and receive practical tips on job applications, interviews and your overall career journey.

On 12 May, join us for another Q&A session focused on job interviews. This is your chance to ask any questions about preparing for and succeeding in job interviews.

When: 12 May 2026
Time: 12.15–13.00
Where: Online
Language: English

To register, click here.

This full-day workshop focuses on developing essential self-management skills for long-term career success. Learn how to effectively organise your goals, manage your time, and maintain productivity in your personal and professional life. The following topics will be covered:

• Time and Priority Management
• Focus, Discipline and Work Organisation
• Energy and Stress Management
• Productivity tools and systems for effective self-organisation

Date: 13 May 2026
Time: 9:00 – 17:15
Venue: Online
Language: English

For more information about registration, click here.

Matching Day is BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg’s digital recruitment event, bringing students, graduates and employers together in a straightforward way – online, in person and with a clear focus.

>> More info

This workshop is designed to equip you with practical tools and effective strategies for preparing strong unsolicited applications. It will guide you in identifying suitable companies, understanding the job market, and tailoring your application materials to make them stand out – even when there is no official job vacancy.

What we will cover: 

• The concept of unsolicited applications
• How to create a structured and compelling CV
• Researching potential employers and relevant industries
• Writing a tailored cover letter for a specific company
• Cultural aspects of job applications in Germany
• Tracking applications and handling feedback

When: 4 June 2026
Time: 9.00am – 5.15pm
Where: Online
Language: English

To register, click here. (Registration opens 18 May.)

This interactive intensive course guides international students through the entire application process on the German job market – from researching and analysing job advertisements to creating professional application documents. By the end of this seminar, you will be able to:

• Understand and analyse the key elements of German job advertisements•
Highlight your skills, experience and achievements•
Create or revise your own CV and cover letter•
Adapt your application documents to the requirements of a specific role and company

⚠️ The workshop is split into two days, and attendance on both days is mandatory in order to achieve the best possible learning outcomes.

Part One: Job Search & Analysis
When: Thursday 25 June
Time: 9.00–13.15
Where: Online
Language: English

Part Two: CV and Cover Letter, and sending your job application
When: Friday 26 June
Time: 9.00–13.00
Where: Online
Language: English

To register, click here. (Registration opens 8 June.)

What career paths are open to students of architecture and heritage studies? This event offers a comprehensive overview of career prospects and fields of practice for students and graduates in these disciplines.

It is aimed in particular at international students of architecture and heritage studies at BTU who wish to find out about potential career paths at an early stage. Participants will learn what knowledge, experience and steps are important for successfully entering the German job market.

When: Tuesday, 7 July 2026, 4.00–6.00 pm
Where: TBA
Language: English

This event is part of the “FIT@BTU” project. 

registration

This interactive workshop is designed to help students prepare effectively for job interviews, manage their nerves, and present themselves with confidence—whilst remaining true to themselves.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of interview structures and objectives, and learn practical strategies to answer common interview questions effectively.

What you’ll learn:

• Interview preparation and the German interview process
• Effective self-presentation (strengths, motivations, and professional profile)
• Excelling in online versus face-to-face interviews
• Strategies for answering interview questions effectively
• Salary negotiation and post-interview communication
• Mock interview practice

When: 9 July 2026
Time: 9.00 am – 5.15 pm
Where: Online
Language: English

For more information about registration, click here (Registration opens: 22 June 2026)