Universität zu Köln

Luckwald, Johanna von (2010). Career Service work in Germany during the Bologna Process. In: University Guidance versus Higher Education., Prag. Tschechien: Association of University Guidance Councellors..

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Abstract

The roots of today Career Service (CS) work can be traced back to the education policy of the 1960s and 1970s. The work then focused on the relation between universities, working environment and society. University graduates were increasingly seen as economical growth and innovation factors and education with a practical orientation became the main aspect. During the late 80s the first “job preparation initiatives” developed at German universities. These were the stepping stones for today CS work. One of the securely established institutions in this field in Germany is the Career Service “Studierende & Arbeitswelt (S&A)” founded in 1989 at the University of Cologne. Since 1999 there has been an increasing interest in CS work in the course of the Bologna reform. This growing interest is also a result of introducing a new degree system. The focus of CS is to improve the students' employability. Practical, vocational oriented qualification should be an integral part of occupational bachelor-degree programs as well as of scientifical master-degree programs. CS-centers function as gateways between university and work environment and have expertise and competence in the field of applied learning. As service and transfer units they form nodal points for students, teachers, administration and employers. With its segments of information, advising, qualification, and contact management, CS offers a wide range of services in order to provide links to the working world. The increasing formation and expansion of CS at German universities was promoted by academic political referral engines. At present, structural and contentual changes in CS areas are being carried out.