Bridging University and Career: How Alumni Day 2024 Opened the Door to Professional World

On Tuesday, March 19, 2024 the University of Economics in Bratislava held the 10^th edition of the job fair for students and graduates Alumni Day 2024 - Kickstart Your Career. This exceptional event provided students and graduates with a unique opportunity to start their professional path in a dynamic environment of today's labour market.

The fair joined together more than 5,000 students and graduates who attended the event, and prominent employers from a range of industries, including finance, auditing, commerce, marketing, IT and many more. The students and graduates had an opportunity to meet face-to-face with representatives of more than 40 major companies and organisations operating not only in Slovakia but in the world at large.

"We are proud of the fact that we can serve as a bridge between theory and practice. The Alumni Day 2024 is a clear proof of this concept. Close cooperation with companies and organisations makes the University a key player in preparing its students for challenges and opportunities posed by the modern labour market. The fair accentuates the importance of practical training of the University's students. Attending such fair allows students not only to gather an overview of job opportunities but also to take an active part in building their own professional network of contacts that is invaluable in today's competitive environment," said University Rector Ferdinand Daňo.

The students left the fair not only carrying bagfuls of promotional materials and business cards but also imbued with fresh energy and inspiration to kickstart their careers. In this era filled with challenges and opportunities, the fair served as a connecting link between ambitious young people and their future career achievements.

"Student and corporate feedback was positive. Many stressed practical importance of the fair and professional approach it offered. Students pointed out that the Alumni Day 2024 provided them with invaluable information and motivation for their career development. The success of the venture has proved that connecting the academia with the industry is not only possible but also highly beneficial to both parties. We are determined to continue this tradition and to hold the Graduates' Day also in the years to come, wishing to raise its bar with each passing year. Our aim is to constantly innovate and adapt the event to best reflect students' needs and labour market challenges," said Miroslav Horňák, Head of the Centre of Communication and Public Relations and event organiser.

What did students have to say about the event?

Lucia, second-year student at the Faculty of Economics and Finance

"I am glad that such labour fairs are held at the University for us, students - not only the Alumni Day but also the Career Journey, that allow us to find a job, internship position or various training courses and projects. I think that combining my studies with business practice is the best way and best choice for my future professional career and for me to succeed in life. Today I've gathered some interesting information about job offers and summer internship positions."

Marek, fifth-year student at the Faculty of Economic Informatics

"Attending the Alumni Day gave me something useful, something I’d needed in the past few months - confidence that my knowledge and skills are valuable and in demand on the labour market. Meeting with various companies and acquiring information on real projects that I could be involved in gave me fresh energy and motivation to continue my personal as well as professional growth. What appealed to me most was how companies were open to innovative ideas and how they valued creative thinking - values that I’d always appreciated myself."

The University of Economics in Bratislava is proud to be part of an exciting career path for students and graduates, and is looking forward to continuing its support of students on their way to success.

Thanks are also due to all exhibitors who prepared an interesting programme for job fair visitors and presented their companies and corporate cultures, job offers, internship jobs and various training courses.