Building and expanding cooperation with graduates is one of the priorities for the Jagiellonian University Careers Service. An event took place in the lead-up to Jagiellonian University Celebration Day that we would like to give a permanent place in our calendar. 9 graduates came to attend a meeting with University representatives. The meeting marked the high point of our joint work on the Alumni Project. Financed by the National Agency for Academic Exchange, the programme aims to develop cooperation with Jagiellonian University’s international alumni.

Initially, the meeting was to take place in Kraków but was eventually hosted on-line due to the worldwide pandemic, as did the trainings provided by the graduates themselves. As part of a series of workshops for Jagiellonian University students, each graduate hosted a three-hour session to discuss issues related to the present-day job market, image creation and career building. In a word, the event centred on questions essential to those starting on their career path.

Dr Wojciech Bobela presented alternative career paths for students of natural science majors. Dr Ewa Burwicz – Galerne talked about brand-building in the world of science. Wojciech Bush explained who an international consultant is and how to become one. Thanks to dr Anna Dulska, we explored the Spanish job market. We also took a trip through the world of creativity with Iwona Fluda. Recognizability on the job marked formed the central theme of dr Katarzyna Kita – Tokarczyk’s speech. Professor Mariusz Kozik presented career possibilities for chemists in the USA. Dr hab. Adam Slabon taught those present how to plan a career in science. Patrycja Szadkowska took the audience through EU cooperation with developing countries.

In addition to our graduates, the event was attended by Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs prof. dr hab. Armen Edigarian, Director of the Centre for Academic Support Piotr Szumliński, Deputy Director of the Centre for Academic Support Tadeusz Dębowski, Careers Service Manager Agnieszka Dudziak and Project Managers Halina Czubała and Piotr Rapciak.

The event closed with a goodbye speech from Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs prof. dr hab. Armen Edigarian.

Later came time for sharing thoughts about the Project. The discussion featured numerous valuable comments which can be used as lessons for future projects. More projects are sure to come, as everyone felt the meeting was a valuable learning opportunity.

We would like to thank everyone who took part in the project and helped to make it a reality. We hope this marks another steps towards a lasting cooperation with our University’s alumni.

Piotr Rapciak