CEMS Career Connect 2025: Bridging Talent and Opportunity

Student Perspective: Max’s Transformative Experience

Austrian CEMS student Max from CEMS Member Business School WU / USYD outlined the ways Career Connect assisted him with making significant moves on his professional path. "I participated because I needed to find an internship and wanted to explore full-time opportunities or graduate programs," he said. Max particularly appreciated the ease of the site: "You uploaded your CV once and could apply for interviews or chats with just a few clicks."

Max was most impressed by the event's dynamic nature. "It wasn’t only you applying to companies but also them asking to chat with you," he said. This approach shifted the traditional job market dynamic and made the process more engaging. An interaction that left a strong impression on Max was with one of the CEMS alumni from the previous session. "We had a great conversation about shared experiences, and it even made me consider applying to their company," he said.

He encouraged future participants to not be shy: "You only miss the chances that you don't take." His experience demonstrates that Career Connect is not just a careers fair—it’s an opportunity to discover new possibilities and expand one’s professional network.

Corporate Partners: Gartner’s Strategic Takeaways

Career Connect is a critical part of the recruitment process for Corporate Partners like Gartner. In describing the event, a representative for Gartner referred to it as "a crucial component of our engagement strategy with CEMS students." They were particularly struck with the outstanding caliber of the candidates and the high level of engagement throughout the interactions.

"The online format enables global-scale connections," they said, with the added feature of enabling recruiters to access top-quality candidates from across the world with no logistical issues. Gartner also appreciated the hybrid model of CEMS—combining face-to-face Career Forums, online events like Career Connect, and the potential of continuous interaction with students during their studies. These interactions enable the building of a strong talent pool aligned with organizational needs and enhances employer branding on a global scale.

Academic Perspective: Nova School of Business and Economics

CEMS Member Business School, Nova School of Business and Economics acknowledged that Career Connect offers students direct exposure to international employers and opportunities. "Students gain practical insights into hiring processes, discover skills in demand across various sectors, and explore company cultures that align with their aspirations," The Careers Team from Nova elaborated. They also highlighted that such events offer customized advice on the development of CV, application, and interviewing skills—necessary skills for entry into the current competitive recruitment market.

The Nova Careers Team also stated that these events prepared students for a smooth transition into the labor market by aligning their future careers with the requirements of the sector. The result is that the graduates not only become ready for their initial employment but also for long-term success within the evolving global economy.

The Growing Importance of Online Interaction

Virtual recruitment isn’t just a trend—it’s a vital tool that complements in-person events like the CEMS Career Forum, creating a holistic approach to talent engagement. Events such as Career Connect bring unmatched flexibility and accessibility, allowing students and employers to connect across time zones and borders. For students, this means more opportunities to discover industries, develop key skills, and explore career paths without logistical constraints.

Career Connect 2025 isn’t about replacing in-person events—it’s about creating more opportunities. While in-person career forums allow for deeper connections through face-to-face interactions, online events break geographical barriers and expand access to global opportunities. Career Connect bridges both worlds, letting students explore roles globally while preparing for deeper conversations at future in-person forums. As Nova School of Business and Economics notes, "These events empower students to cast a wider net, then focus on targeted opportunities".

To corporate partners like Gartner and business schools like the Nova School of Business and Economics, the events represent investment for the future generation of leaders—a generation whose dividend will be not only for organizations but for society. As Max wisely put it, "Career Connect is not just about finding a job—it’s about discovering possibilities."

With its pragmatic approach and unwavering commitment to student success, CEMS continues to empower its graduates to take on challenges confidently and lead with purpose in an ever-evolving world.