
Career Fair UniMA 2023 – Finally back on campus!
Welcome!
We are celebrating 20 years of Career Fair UniMA – come and celebrate with us!
The Career Fair UniMA is the annual career networking fair of the University of Mannheim. It offers a possibility for students and graduates of all Bachelor and Master programmes to establish first contacts for the start of their career. A wide range of German and international companies and organizations from different fields will present themselves together with their entry-level opportunities and career paths.
The Career Fair UniMA will take place from 25 – 27 April 2023, daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in the fair tent in the “Ehrenhof”, the forecourt of the University.
Participating employers are looking forward to your visit and are happy to answer your questions regarding your career. Beyond that, there is an exceptionally interesting programme waiting for you.
The 20th Career Fair UniMA 2023 is something to look forward to!
Here is an overview of all important facts






Details about the Career Fair UniMA 2023



Company presentations and [expert] talks
One part of the programme is company presentations and [expert] talks, which are open for everyone and generally go for about 30 minutes. Here, the companies present themselves and offer exciting insights into their everyday work as well as detailed information about the company as such.
Individual conversations and interviews
On-site fair booths
At the Career Fair UniMA you have the chance to personally contact the company of your dreams and to do some networking. At the on-site fair booths, company representatives will be there for spontaneous conversations to answer your questions as to entry-level career opportunities, internships, and individual career paths. You can visit the fair booths any time without an appointment.
Everything of importance regarding the programme
At the Career Fair UniMA you have the chance to personally contact the company of your dreams and to do some networking. At the on-site fair booths, company representatives will be there for spontaneous conversations to answer your questions as to entry-level career opportunities, internships, and individual career paths. You can visit the fair booths any time without an appointment.

On site in the interview area in the exhibition tent
You have the chance to talk to the companies directly on site in the interview area of the exhibition tent and to make valuable contacts. Here you have the opportunity to ask individual, personalized questions, introduce yourself to a company and leave your own impression.
Registration for online and on-site interviews
You can already register for your interview in advance. Companies can also contact you and invite you to an interview. The earlier you register for an appointment, the better, because then we have a broader range of interview partners and time slots available.
Online interviews via Talentspace
It is also possible to conduct private online interviews with employees of a company.
How do the online interviews work?
Further information and insights into the digital part of the Career Fair UniMA can be found in the Help-Center.

Talentspace – How can I register?
- Set up a profile
Take a couple of minutes and set up a profile – easy, quick, optimized for mobile users, no downloads. - Matching
Find companies – already before the event – that fit perfectly to you. This works best when you create an informative profile. - Chat
Chat with personnel managers, clarify questions in advance, and increase the number of successful online or on-site interviews. - Dates and Appointments
Coordinate your appointments and keep track of the event. You can conduct your conversations directly on-site or via video. - JobWall
With the JobWall, you can see all relevant job ads regarding the event at a glance.
JobWall – What is it good for?
The Digital JobWall contains all current job ads of the participating companies. It gives you the possibility to apply directly for an advertised job. You can save jobs that you are interested in and set up your personal favourites-list.
Talentspace – Why should I register?
You can arrange interviews (online or on-site) with the companies and actively contact companies in advance. You can register in the database so that the companies can also contact you. Set up an applicant profile and upload your CV/résumé. Regardless of which phase of your career plan you are currently at, it definitely pays off. The participating companies are looking for students and graduates for:
- entry-level jobs
- internships
- trainee positions
- Bachelor and Master theses


Fair Warm-up? What’s that?
How do I prepare for an on-site career fair?
How do I approach companies?
Which documents do I need?
In the Fair Warm-up from 17 to 20 April 2023, these questions will be clarified, and many other issues regarding your visit to the Career Fair UniMA will be dealt with.
Exciting activities are waiting for you
The 20th Career Fair UniMA not only offers you lots of promising opportunities to contact the company of your dreams and to secure your dream job, but also the possibility to take part in exciting activities on campus. You don’t need to register beforehand – just pop by the relevant booths. We are looking forward to your visit!
Individual conversations and interviews
Our cooperation partner Techniker Krankenkasse (a German health insurance provider) offers a CV/résumé check free of charge as well as a short talk on job applications for students of all study programmes. On all three days of the fair, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., you can have your CVs/résumés checked by recruiting experts, free of charge. They will tell you what is important when applying and what you can do to improve your CV/résumé. You can then approach your company of choice well-prepared. CV/résumé checks can be conducted without a pre-arranged appointment.

TK Info Booth
At the Info Booth of our cooperation partner TK, you can get information on everything to do with health and nutrition and get valuable tips.

TK Beverage Bike
The Beverage Bike of the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) will take you along on a journey to the world of “brain foods”. No clue what that is? Brain foods not only boost your immune system, they also support your concentration and your productivity immensely. The TK offers you an insight into brain foods that you should by all means be familiar with in order to bring your cognitive and physical productivity to top level. You will not only get individual consulting as to a healthy nutrition, but can also look forward to healthy – and in particular tasty – snacks!

Fair catalogue of last year’s Career Fair UniMA 2022
Here you can find the fair catalogue of last year’s Career Fair UniMA 2022 as an e-book, with the company profiles of all participating companies and detailed information about the fair.

Exhibitors 2023
This year, you can look forward to seeing the following companies at the Career Fair UniMA 2023!

Fair Tips
Here you will find advice and tips on all aspects of your personal preparations for and after your visit to the trade fair.
What can I expect at the digital Career Fair?
- over 200 current job offers from various industriesBewerbung mit einem Klick
- pre-scheduled 1-1 Chats & Interviews
- over 30 Sessions & Speeches
- Live Booth – Spontaneous video calls with around 70 companies
- Online CV-Checks
Why should I create a candidate profile and upload my CV?
- your applicant profile allows you a perfect match with your dream employer
- based on the information, both interview partners can make the application interview as effective as possible
- you get individual info & tips matching your profile
Before the fair
What are my goals?
Do you have a special interest in a particular professional field?
Are you interested in a specific job offer, internship or a topic for your thesis?
Do you want to get an overview and make first contacts?
You should ask yourself these questions before your visit to the trade fair and base your preparations on what you have set as your goal.
You can use the trade fair in many ways:
- As a first contact with your desired employer, if you are looking for an internship, job or a topic for your thesis. You should be well prepared, because you can talk directly to the company representative and submit your application right away.
- The fair is also an information platform. You can find out about industries, company structures and cultures. You don’t have to spend too much time preparing for this. You just need to know which industries you are interested in, as the days of the fair are divided by industry.
- The company presentations also offer you a good opportunity to find out more about the company of your choice and entry-level opportunities. Here you should keep yourself informed about the program in advance. The presentation program will be published here on the site before the fair.
How do I prepare myself?
The amount of preparation depends on what you expect from the fair and what goals you have set for yourself.
Depending on this, you should:
- Update your resume
- Be clear about which companies are interested in you
- Think about what the companies want to know from you
- Carry out a mental interview process
- Allow enough time for the trade fair visit and interviews
- Formulate questions that show that you have informed yourself about the company.
- Possibly prepare an application portfolio
- Take a look at the supporting program and the interdisciplinary series of the faculties and attend interesting lectures.
- Possibly apply for an individual interview with a company, if this is offered by the company of your choice.
What and where can I research?
In the run-up to the event, it is not only important to be clear about your goals, but also to find out more about the participating companies. With the information you have gained, you can prepare questions for the company representatives – this not only underlines your personal interest, but also makes a good impression on the company representatives. You should also have an idea of what you would like to do professionally in the future and what your personal, professional and technical qualifications are.
In addition:
- Get an overview of the participating exhibitors. You will find an overview at the top of this page.
- Get information about the company you are interested in.
Visit the company’s website and find out about its business areas, philosophy and vacancies. - Visit the company presentations during the Career Fair UniMA
Use the presentations as an incentive for a later conversation with the company representatives.
What are absolute no-go's?
Vague questions such as “So, what can I do with my business degree at your company?” show little professionalism and, above all, lead to an equally vague answer. At the same time, it is also important not to come to the trade fair with blinders on. Alternatives should be kept in mind, because this opens up new opportunities. In addition, applications should not be distributed on an assembly line, but should be individually tailored to the companies.
In the interview itself, one must not forget to let the other person have his or her say. Although it is also a matter of presenting oneself and being remembered, at the same time an incessant flow of words makes a bad impression. It is also not very advantageous to approach the recruiter in groups. After all, you should take advantage of the opportunity to get information across that is relevant to you.
Other no-go’s are:
- Appearing at the trade fair poorly prepared
- Handing out business cards yourself
- Handing out applications with low-quality photos
- Allocating too little time for the interviews and the day of the trade fair
- Appear unkempt
At the fair
What do I wear?
Choose your outfit as if you were going to a job interview. It is important that you feel comfortable in your own skin. Do not dress up, because inside and outside should match and show your individual style.
For him
A well-groomed appearance is out of the question. When it comes to clothing, casual to business applies. Depending on the intention and company, this can vary. Generally, a dark, good trousers in combination with a shirt is considered sufficient. A tie and/or jacket is particularly recommended for companies in the IT, banking and insurance sectors.
For her
Here, too, a well-groomed appearance is paramount. When it comes to make-up, perfume and jewelry, the following applies: less is sometimes more. Whether skirt or trousers: you are free to decide, but they should be classified as casual or business. Torn or washed-out jeans can sometimes be judged negatively.
Choose the clothes that support your project. In this way, you advertise yourself and remain in positive memory.
What do I bring?
Application documents
If you only want to get an overview of the different employers, you do not need to bring your application documents. However, if you are interested in joining the company or in a specific job offer, then take the opportunity to hand in your application directly at the trade fair stand. You should have several copies of your resume with you. An additional cover sheet with a photo and the applicant’s name is recommended for a better overview for the company representatives.
Notes
It is absolutely legitimate that you take notes during or after the interview – and this is highly recommended. You can refer back to your notes after the fair, for example, when applying for a job, and use them for this purpose. If you write something down during the interview, don’t do it on an advertising pad, but on neutral paper. This looks more professional.
How do I have a successful conversation?
Good preparation is a prerequisite for a successful interview. Find a successful way to start the interview, e.g. via the company presentation you attended beforehand. Introduce yourself in a friendly manner with your first and last name, mention your studies and present your interests and concerns. If you know the name of the person you are talking to, address them by name. If this is not the case, ask for his or her name. Show interest, curiosity and politeness. This behavior demonstrates social competence and sets you apart from others.
Do not ask standard questions
Avoid standard phrases and statements in your argumentation. Explain why you have chosen this company in particular and why you could be valuable by combining information and company interests in a skilful way. Strengths such as flexibility and resilience are hackneyed. What are you particularly good at? What are you enthusiastic about? What do you enjoy doing? What do you want to develop further?
Also stand out in your questions. Don’t use questions that can be answered with a few clicks on the company’s website. And if you are asked about your ideas and interests, be clear and convincing. Of course, you can take notes in this interview as well as in the job interview. This even underlines your structured approach. You may also take notes in preparation and bring them with you to the interview.
Conclusion
You are further interested towards the end of the interview, hand over your application documents. Make sure that you get the business card or contact details from your interviewer, so that you have all the important data available afterwards. Also ask about the progress. What is the further process in the company, are documents still needed, by when can a decision be expected. Thank the company representative for taking the time to meet with you. After the interview, take notes on the most important points.
What are absolute no-go's?
Vague questions such as “So, what can I do with my business degree at your company?” show little professionalism and, above all, lead to an equally vague answer. At the same time, it is also important not to come to the trade fair with blinders on. Alternatives should be kept in mind, because this opens up new opportunities. In addition, applications should not be distributed on an assembly line, but should be individually tailored to the companies.
In the interview itself, one must not forget to let the other person have his or her say. Although it is also a matter of presenting oneself and being remembered, at the same time an incessant flow of words makes a bad impression. It is also not very advantageous to approach the recruiter in groups. After all, you should take advantage of the opportunity to get information across that is relevant to you.
Other no-go’s are:
- Appearing at the trade fair poorly prepared
- Handing out business cards yourself
- Handing out applications with low-quality photos
- Allocating too little time for the interviews and the day of the trade fair
- Appear unkempt
After the fair
What do I do with my findings and results?
After the interviews and impressions, you have to decide for yourself which company suits you and whether you can identify with the products. Is the interpersonal atmosphere right? Does the company meet the criteria that are important to you? If the answer is “yes”, then use the time after the trade fair to apply to the company of your choice. Your visit to the trade fair is a good indication of how you became aware of the company and why you are applying to this company in particular. In the cover letter, you can refer to the joint interview at the Career Fair UniMA.
How do I stay in touch with the companies after the trade fair?
After the trade fair, it is advisable to stay in contact with your interviewer.
If you talked about general entry-level opportunities without going into detail about a specific job opening, keep the contact details of your interview partner in your documents. You can also send a short e-mail thanking them for the nice conversation at the booth and reminding them that you would like to be included in the company’s talent pool. If you discover an interesting position at a later date, you can get in touch with your contact directly and possibly gain an advantage over other “anonymous” applicants.
If you have talked about a specific job, thank your contact by e-mail for the pleasant and interesting conversation and underline your interest. Express why you would like to work for this company and what makes you stand out. If necessary, you can include documents such as references and certificates in this e-mail if you have already submitted application documents at the trade fair, for example. If you don’t hear back within two to three weeks, you can call us to find out more.
20 years Career Fair UniMA
Contact
Do you have any questions?
CareerNetwork – Career Services
Cornelia Mattern M.A.
career(at)service.uni-mannheim.de