On October 23, 2024, ACCESS, together with the Career Service at Leipzig University, the African Studies Institute, and the Faculty of Anthropology organised an event titled “Creating Change: Career Options in Development Cooperation,” aimed at introducing Leipzig University students to opportunities in the development cooperation sector. The event aims to foster career growth initiatives at Leipzig University, focusing on German and international development cooperation. This event marked the beginning of what could become a series of career-enhancing activities for students.
The event attracted a diverse audience of around 50 participants. Attendees included German and international students from various Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes, such as Small Enterprises Promotion and Training, African Studies, European and Global Studies, Political Science, Ethnology, Biology, Talent Development, German Studies, Theatre Sciences, among others.
The session was opened by Susanne Benko (from the Career Service), whose welcome address set the stage for an engaging and interactive discussion. The panel featured three distinguished speakers: Dr Birgit Lampe from the Africa Department at Brot für die Welt, Askat Baktiyar (an alumnus of the SEPT MBA), Project Manager at GIZ – German Agency for International Development Cooperation, and Bismark Agyei Yeboah, Project Coordinator at ACCESS, SEPT – Leipzig University. Each shared their career journeys, roles in development cooperation, and insights gained from working in the field, with a special focus on Africa and Central Asia. The panellists emphasised the challenges and rewards of working in the sector, providing an authentic glimpse into their professional lives. The ACCESS project, including the ACCESS Wiki, was presented to the students.
Participants then actively engaged in the questions and answers in plenary, creating a vibrant, interactive atmosphere for the event. The event offered students a valuable opportunity to interact with the panellists, ask questions, and explore career paths in development cooperation.
Key discussion points included insights into working on the ground in development cooperation, roles and opportunities in development sectors such as project management, policy development, and humanitarian aid, essential skills and competencies such as cultural sensitivity, project management, communication, coordination, analytical and adaptability for success in the field.
The plenary session was followed by a small group session, which allowed for personalised advice and meaningful networking opportunities, with students connecting with panellists and peers interested in international development cooperation. One of the key takeaways from the event was the emphasis on internships as a crucial entry point into development cooperation organisations in Germany. Many attendees appreciated the practical guidance and the chance to hear first-hand accounts of professional experiences from the experts. Similar events are planned for the next semesters.
For more information about the ACCESS project, visit the ACCESS Centre. To stay updated on future events and career guidance opportunities, visit Leipzig University Career Service.