The new workshops organized by ESN UWB help students prepare for their future careers and more

CVs, interviews, and not burning out too quickly. The transition from student to working life can be challenging. Firstly, a job seeker must catch an employer’s attention and then ensure their professional growth. The first ESN UWB workshop offered students practical tools and advice.

The Erasmus Student Network at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (ESN UWB) has launched a new series of workshops. The goal is to provide students with opportunities for personal development outside the classroom. The first workshop, held directly on the UWB campus, assisted participants with job hunting. It also provided guidance on how to thrive and grow in a job so that one doesn’t burn out after the first month. The program attracted more than thirty students.

What companies are really looking for, what they skip over in resumes, and what recurring patterns determine who gets an invitation to an interview. Workshop leader Dalibor Herbrich, founder of the QuickJOBS job app, provided all the information to participants. He meets with more than 300 HR managers and recruiters each year, so he is very familiar with their expectations, procedures, and requirements. “For students, this is exactly the kind of insight they rarely get in the classroom because it comes directly from real-world experience,” said Michal Ptáček, vice president of the association.

The series of workshops, supported by a university grant, will continue during the summer semester. Members of the ESN UWB association plan to expand it to include additional lectures, courses, and speakers. They are currently exploring additional funding opportunities to hold similar events for students regularly. According to Ptáček, the very first workshop demonstrated that such activities are worthwhile: “This event was a clear confirmation that this type of practical education is meaningful for students.”

The Erasmus Student Network is known for supporting mainly international students through buddy programs and community events. However, the workshops arose from the association’s internal needs. Many members do a tremendous amount of volunteer work. They organize events, lead teams, solve problems, communicate with partners, and bear responsibilities that are very close to actual project work. According to the association’s leadership, this growth must be supported in a targeted manner.