IKaruS Newsletter, Issue 3/2026

Dear members of the University of Koblenz,

The winter semester is approaching fast, and we would like to make the most of the calm before the storm to present you with a selection of what has been important at the Interdisciplinary Career and Study Centre over the past few months.

For the past two terms, the IKarus team has been involved in the interdisciplinary Master’s programme, organising the modules within the ‘Profile Building for Academia and Practice’ module. Read more here about this module and the associated events. In future, the ‘Connect & Create’ event – which kicked off in June – will form part of this module every term.

In response to frequent requests, the range of languages on offer has been expanded to include another language: Turkish! Alongside the ‘classic’ options such as English, French and Spanish, the Interdisciplinary Career and Study Centre’s wide range of language courses also includes, for example, the rarely offered Basque language and a self-study course on the Ukrainian written language.

For the second time, the Career Service organised a prize draw for several places at a job application photo shoot on campus. The lucky winners were able to work with a photographer in a relaxed atmosphere.

Best regards,
The Interdisciplinary Career and Study Centre team

IKaruS and the Interdisciplinary Master’s Programme

The Interdisciplinary Career and Study Centre’s mission to support students from the moment they decide to study to the moment they obtain their degree has been expanded to include a further aspect with the new Interdisciplinary Master’s Programme: the module ‘Education Profile Development for Academia and Practice’. Students who opt for this Master’s programme undertake this module alongside various possible combinations of different subject disciplines. They are supported by staff from the Interdisciplinary Career and Study Centre (IKaruS), in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Centre for Research, Graduate Support and Human Resource Development (IFGPZ), in exploring their career aspirations and shaping their own profile for their future professional life – whether in the academic realm, business or society.

In the Competence Module (Module 1), for example, the team organises an introductory event on the module as a whole and, through a profile workshop, offers students the opportunity to engage with topics relevant to their careers outside their own subjects and disciplines. This module also includes language courses and the Skills Academy module ‘New Work’.

In the practical module (Module 2), the focus is on a research or work placement, depending on whether students are aiming for a career in academia or in business and society. In addition, attendance at networking events is planned, and both forms of practical contact – and the opportunities they offer – are reflected upon collectively. With ‘Connect & Create – Alumni Edition’, the team organised the launch this term of its own networking events within this component, in which, from now on, students will present their practical experiences every term, allowing their fellow students to benefit from them.

Staying in touch with alumni – Connect & Create kick-off event a resounding success

On 23 June 2026, the Career Services’ “Connect & Create” event celebrated its premiere in the alumni edition. Amidst hot weather and vegetarian sushi, students had the opportunity to chat with alumni from all faculties about their academic and career paths in a relaxed atmosphere. The networking opportunity was eagerly taken up by students from a range of study programmes. Among those present were alumni from the programmes in Education, the Two-Subject Bachelor's, BioGeosciences, E-Government and Web and Data Science.

The students praised the direct link to alumni from their own university and the chance to ask questions about starting a career and master's programmes. One student also highlighted the event’s format: “The profiles were great – they meant you could look up what career paths the attendees had taken without having to ask them in detail in person.” Many international students also attended the event. “It was a very different experience to normal workshops; I felt more open and connected – there was plenty of space and the guest speakers were very approachable,” emphasised one student.

For the alumni, too, the event was a special experience as they returned to their alma mater: “I had the opportunity to talk to students about my career path and, at the same time, make new contacts whilst chatting with other graduates. The event provided a space for guidance, inspiration and networking,” summarised one alumna.

“Connect & Create” is designed as a networking event and is offered every term with a different thematic focus. It is also a compulsory component of the Interdisciplinary Master’s programme, where students are available to answer questions based on their practical experience.

The event took place in cooperation with the “FIT4SukCESS” project. 

Further information on the Career Service and its services can be found here: 
https://www.uni-koblenz.de/de/ikarus/karriere

New addition to our language programme: Turkish

Many people have been asking for Turkish, and now the time has finally come: from the 2026/27 winter semester, Turkish will be added to our programme! Japanese, one of the most popular languages on our programme, will be supplemented by a second course for students with advanced language skills.

We also offer Irish Gaelic and Basque. Basque, also known as Euskara, is considered the oldest surviving language in Europe that is not related to any other language. This unique language is spoken both in northern Spain and in southern France (more specifically, in the Basque Country) and is an important part of the local culture.

Are you planning a stay abroad, would you like to improve your existing language skills, or simply learn a new language out of interest? Then do take a look at what we have to offer! Our language courses are open to students from all disciplines.

We are offering the following courses in the winter semester 2026/27:

Campus Photo Shoot: Professional Photos for Your Next Career Move

Once again this year, students at the university of Koblenz were able to win professional headshot photos—the spots were raffled off as part of a “Wheel of Fortune” promotion organized by the university’s Career Service.

On the day of the photo shoot in July, authentic photos for job applications or LinkedIn were taken at two locations on campus. Photographer Daniel Kondratiuk created a relaxed atmosphere and provided clear guidance, allowing participants to present themselves with confidence—whether for their first job, an internship, or their own online presence.

The Career Service is once again creating concrete opportunities to make yourself stand out—from the first interview to the photo that can make all the difference.