Job and career: What do HSG students plan to do after graduation?

Damla decided to do a master's degree immediately after completing her bachelor's degree in law. "I chose HSG for several reasons. I like the international environment and the different course formats - from traditional weekly lectures to block courses in the mountains or abroad". As she was already working full-time during semester breaks and part-time during her studies, she saw no need for a gap year due to her work experience. In the coming years, she would like to become a lawyer and preferably work for an international commercial law firm. In her opinion, you should pursue your goals and avoid "overthinking", although it is important to weigh up the risks when taking the step towards self-employment.

Continuing student engagement

After completing her Bachelor's degree in Economics, Jasmin would like to pursue a Master's degree at HSG, as she feels socially integrated at the university through her numerous extracurricular activities and has enjoyed her time so far. She is involved in the Student Union's clubs and parliament, and would like to maintain her position and responsibility in the Master's programme. "I think it is nice to know the university system already. It makes it easier to enter the Master's programme". Jasmin does not want to take a break; she would rather work part-time while studying.

Contact with other students on exchange programmes or through the International Office (RI) has been particularly formative for Jasmin. RI is an initiative of the Students' Union that aims to create a platform for international encounters between students from all over the world. The aim is to help students build an international network, regardless of whether they are studying for a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Jasmin has no specific career plans, but she could see herself working in banking or consulting. The name or reputation of the company is less important to her; she values the international presence and the opportunity to travel for work much more. 

Gaining international experience

Joshua is nearing the end of his bachelor's degree in business administration and is still unsure whether he wants to pursue a master's degree. For him, it depends on how important a Master's degree is for his future career. If the future employer offers opportunities for advancement regardless of the university degree, or if the job already fulfils him at a lower hierarchical level and the cost of living does not increase any further, he would possibly forego a Master's degree.

Further studies at HSG are out of the question for Joshua at the moment. He would much rather gain new experience in another city in Switzerland or even abroad. Joshua does not yet have a specific dream job. In addition to a pleasant working atmosphere with collegial and goal-oriented cooperation with his colleagues, he is looking for a job with purpose and impact. He is particularly interested in analytical work with data, preferably in banking. Self-employment is also a realistic scenario for him. 

Working in the diplomatic service

Shkurte became interested in international relations at a very young age, mainly due to the political situation in her home country of North Macedonia. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in International Affairs, Shkurte plans to pursue a Master's degree in either International Affairs or International Law. It is not yet clear whether she will do this at HSG or at another university. However, she plans to take a break to gain practical experience and expand her network. Later she would like to work in the diplomatic service for Switzerland, Albania or North Macedonia. Apart from the embassy, Shkurte would also like to work for the European Union, the United Nations or the World Bank.

Fulya is currently doing her police internship. She will continue with her bachelor's degree in computer science in the autumn. She is still unsure whether she wants to do a Master's degree. If she does, she would like to do it at HSG, as she enjoyed the project-based teamwork during her studies. After her bachelor's degree, however, she would like to work full-time for a year in an IT service company. Fulya could imagine working for Swisscom, Abraxas, IBM, KPMG or Google. The size or reputation of the company is less important to her. What is important to her is that, as a software engineer, she will be able to write programmes that will later be sold to companies or government institutions. She is also considering working in cyber security, machine learning or artificial intelligence. Whatever field of computer science she chooses, she is looking for a harmonious working environment that is welcoming to newcomers and offers flexible working hours.

Career advice at the HSG: Career & Corporate Services (CSC)

The Career & Corporate Services (CSC) at the University of St.Gallen recommend that students deal with such questions as early as possible and support them in their search for a career path by offering advice and workshops. In the approximately 50 workshops held each year, students learn relevant and industry-specific skills and information. This is done in a protected environment where students can try out, practice and further develop their own skills. The services are primarily geared towards the DACH labour market and offer students personal advice on CVs, cover letters, references, self-assessment and career planning. The so-called "Career Profiler" is used in one-on-one counselling sessions to evaluate career-related interests, competences and values.

The CSC's recruitment events, such as HSG Talents, which attracts around 100 participating companies each year, help students to make contact with employers while they are still studying. This not only helps them to choose a career, but also when applying for placements, talent programmes or permanent positions. The service is free of charge and available in German and English. On their career platform my.hsgcareer.ch, HSG students can also access 400 monthly job postings from almost 1,000 companies.

Adria Pop will start her Master's in Computer Science in the autumn semester of 2024.