A career on your doorstep

On 17 June 2026, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg will once again be hosting the JOBS HERE Festival on the university campus. The format is evolving in a targeted way: more than just a traditional careers fair, JOBS HERE sees itself as an open festival for the future, careers and life in the region, set against a backdrop of live music, street food and meeting spaces that facilitate conversations on equal terms.

In 2026, the focus will be even more strongly on guidance, exchange and lasting connections. All visitors are participants, invited to join in the discussion, ask questions and contribute their own perspectives.

The backdrop is a changing labour market: students and graduates are seeking guidance at an early stage, but are not looking solely at specific job offers. Meaning, personal development and quality of life in the region are playing an increasingly central role in career decisions. At the same time, companies are focusing their recruitment efforts more on fit, efficiency and long-term retention. This is precisely where JOBS HERE comes in, acting as an interface between initial career ideas and real opportunities in the local area.

“JOBS HERE aims to ease the transition from university to work, without barriers, through direct contact with companies,” explains Nance Kaemmerer from the University of Magdeburg’s Career Service. “It is important to us that all participants feel welcome and that the event speaks to them, regardless of their background, their degree programme or their prior knowledge of the application process.”

Alongside companies offering insights into career paths and entry-level opportunities, the 2026 event will place greater emphasis on topics that go beyond the world of work itself: Why is it worth starting a career in Saxony-Anhalt? How do young managers take on responsibility early on? Which skills will be in particular demand in the future?

Life in the region will also be explored: living in Magdeburg, opportunities for community involvement, leisure and personal development. Initiatives, associations and regional stakeholders will demonstrate the diverse range of local opportunities. The programme will be complemented by masterclasses, workshops and talks.

New for 2026: Students are not only targeted as a group but actively involved. They can suggest their own topics and help shape the discussions. A free ticketing system for students ensures binding interactions and high-quality interactions for both sides.

“Face-to-face conversations with potential employers are particularly valuable right now,” says Nance Kaemmerer. “JOBS HERE provides a setting for this without formal pressure, but with genuine connections. Direct dialogue can help to clarify open questions, align expectations and take the first steps towards starting a career."