Career carousel at DLR_School_Lab - Youth meets practice
The Rotary Club Dreiländereck Oberlausitz visited the DLR_School_Lab at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) to give high school students hands-on insights into career paths and academic programs.
The Rotary Club Dreiländereck Oberlausitz visited the DLR_School_Lab at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) to provide students with hands-on insights into career paths and academic programs.
This spring, the “Career Carousel” took place there for the second time. Eighteen students from the SCHKOLA school network took advantage of the opportunity to learn about different career fields and talk directly with experts.
The event was opened by Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil, Vice President for Research, Transfer, and International Affairs, and Ute Wunderlich, President of the Rotary Club Dreiländereck Oberlausitz and Executive Director of SCHKOLA.
Practical Insights into Academic Studies and Research
At the start, participants received an overview of the degree programs offered at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. Afterward, they were able to get hands-on experience in the DLR_School_Lab and experimentally explore various scientific and technical topics. The focus included heat pumps, microscopy, vacuum technology, infrared radiation, and thermal processes.
The content was deliberately presented in a practical and vivid manner to allow participants to experience scientific concepts firsthand.
In addition, Robert Viertel from the School Liaison Office provided information on career guidance options and assisted the students with questions regarding career decisions. Dr. Thomas Fester also presented the ZukLOS educational initiative and the work of the DLR_School_Lab.
A light meal afterward provided an opportunity for an informal exchange among students, teachers, and guests.
Career Carousel – Personal Insights into Various Career Fields
The second part of the event focused on direct dialogue with representatives from various professional fields. Through a series of rotating discussion groups, the young people gained practical insights—including into the fields of criminal investigation, the ministry, social and educational management, as well as architecture and construction planning.
The format allowed participants to ask individual questions and develop concrete ideas about potential career paths.
Very Positive Feedback
The event was very well received by the students. They particularly highlighted the practical insights, the open discussions in small groups, and the opportunity to interact directly with professionals. In some cases, internships have already been arranged.
The unique learning atmosphere at the DLR_School_Lab, along with the support provided by students and federal volunteers, contributed significantly to the event’s success.
Programs like the Career Carousel clearly demonstrate how career guidance can be successful: through genuine interactions, practical insights, and direct exchanges. As a university, we see it as our central mission to provide young people with guidance early on and to bring science and academic pathways to life. The DLR_School_Lab offers an ideal space for this, where curiosity is sparked and concrete future prospects can take shape.
”Positive feedback from the participants
The event was rated positively across the board by the students. They particularly appreciated the practical insights, the open discussions in small groups and the opportunity to ask specific questions and make initial contacts. In some cases, it was even possible to arrange internships. The special atmosphere in the DLR_School_Lab and the support provided by students and federal volunteers also contributed to the success of the event.
It is impressive to see how quickly the young people gain confidence through direct exchange and begin to develop their own career ideas.
”We would like to thank the Rotary Club Dreiländereck Oberlausitz—and Ute Wunderlich in particular—for the program concept and preparation. Finally, we would like to thank the Friends of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences for their financial support of the event.
Thank you to everyone who presented their professions at the event, as well as to the university staff who supervised the scientific experiments and organized the evening’s program.
2nd upper floor
2nd upper floor
