Ready, Study, Go – Building a Skilled Workforce through Collaboration
Seize the opportunity to bridge the skills gap: With over 1,600 international students in more than 50 STEM programs, TH Köln is your ideal partner. The "Ready, Study, Go" project thoroughly prepares these talents for their career entry. Join our network and take advantage of a pool of highly skilled young professionals! Contact us today.
As a member of Ready, Study, Go, your company gains early access to these highly qualified international talents. The project fosters a cooperative network among companies and regional stakeholders, bringing together expertise, promoting synergies, and facilitating constructive dialogue to attract international talents to the German job market while actively tackling the skills shortage.
How can your company participate?
Cooperative Network for the Labor Market Integration of International Talents
Closing the skills gap can only be achieved through joint efforts. Establishing, maintaining, and sustainably reinforcing a cooperative network with companies and relevant institutions is therefore a central measure of the "Ready, Study, Go" project. This cooperative network facilitates access to qualified international talents and provides a platform where diverse perspectives come together to jointly tackle the skills shortage. The network is dynamic and open to additional stakeholders who wish to actively contribute to closing the skills gap.
Kooperatives Netzwerk
(Image: Adobe Stock / alotofpeople)
Round Table
- The Round Table is the operational core of the network. Twice a year, relevant stakeholders such as companies, umbrella organizations, participating institutions, and TH Köln meet to discuss challenges and solutions for the integration of international professionals. Here, you have the opportunity to share your experiences and best practices, make valuable connections, and benefit from the insights of other companies. International students regularly participate to bring in the student perspective.
Symposium
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Every year in early summer, a one-and-a-half-day symposium is held to discuss current developments, academic perspectives, and trends in the recruitment of international professionals. Keynote speeches and interactive formats, which also include participation from international students, invite active involvement. Members of the Round Table collaboratively develop the symposium's annual theme.
Always up to date: Website and Newsletter
- Through this website and a biannual newsletter, you will stay informed about current developments, dates, and events related to the project.
- Subscribe to our Newsletter: ready_study_go@th-koeln.de
Networking and Dialogue Formats with Students
This is where the connection between the qualification of international students and networking with regional companies comes full circle: Direct contact between students and companies is essential for successful labor market integration. Networking events provide regional companies with early access to a pool of international talent, making it easier to find the right candidates. For students, these connections offer invaluable insights into the industry and a head start in building their professional networks.
Vernetzung mit internationalen Talenten
(Image: Adobe Stock / Robert Kneschke)
Digital Networking: LinkedIn
- The "Ready, Study, Go" LinkedIn profile serves as a digital exchange platform both international students and companies. Here, you keep up with the latest events and initiatives. Private groups for project members allow you to explore profiles of study programs and graduate profiles, as well as post your own events and job offers to connect directly with students. Follow us on LinkedIn and send us a direct message to join the groups.
Career Fair
- Once a year, "Ready, Study, Go" hosts a bilingual career fair specifically designed for international students. Companies have the opportunity to showcase their profiles and engage directly with potential candidates. In addition to the companies, representatives from the immigration office and the employment agency are present to address any legal questions. The event is further enriched by workshops and panel discussions on best practices.
Company Visits
- The project regularly organizes company visits as "taster days", where students can get a firsthand look at what daily work life is like in regional companies. These visits help reduce barriers, foster networking, and give students improved access to the German job market. In turn, companies can get to know potential candidates early on.
- To arrange a company visit at your organization, please reach out to Yvonne Klein via email at yvonne.klein@th-koeln.de.
River Cruise on the Rhine
- Once a year, the project team invites students and company representatives who have previously participated in or hosted company visits to join a river cruise on the Rhine. This event is designed to create an informal atmosphere. The networking event encourages personal exchanges and can initiate concrete steps toward collaboration, such as internships or student jobs.
Employer Branding with International Alumni
- International alumni play a crucial role in the project, acting as role models and mentors for both international students and companies as they navigate the integration of international professionals into the job market. To showcase their success stories, we produce several short videos each year featuring personal interviews. Do you already employ international alumni from TH Köln? If so, we would love to capture and promote your success story together. Please feel free to reach out to us.
Your Benefits
Access to Highly Qualified International Professionals:
Gain early access to talented international students and graduates through out network.
Best Practices and Experience Sharing:
Join the Round Table and symposium to share and learn successful strategies for integrating international professionals with other companies.
Positioning as an Attractive Employer:
By participating in career fairs, company visits and other events, you can highlight your commitment as an employer and build lasting relationships with international talent.