Career and University Guidance
Choosing the right field of study or career path—this is the primary objective of our school’s career and university guidance program.
We support all our students in making a well-informed and deliberate decision about their professional future. To achieve this, we have established mandatory stages of information and counseling that are fully integrated into everyday school life. In addition, we offer specialized opportunities for particularly interested students or specific student groups.
Our guiding principle: Career and university guidance is a firmly embedded part of our school’s daily routine. It complements classroom instruction by purposefully fostering essential skills. Crucial abilities such as taking responsibility, working in teams, and learning independently are not taught through isolated events, but are developed within regular lessons.
The following activities and initiatives are core components of career and university orientation at the Vocational Gymnasium St. Pauli:
Individual Counseling
Our school provides two structured avenues for individual guidance. On the one hand, there is a dedicated team responsible for career and university orientation. On the other, students have the opportunity to attend scheduled one-on-one sessions with a representative from the Youth Employment Agency every six weeks, where they can discuss their specific concerns.
Company visits
Through on-site visits and direct interaction with businesses, students gain insights and inspiration for their career choices. Cooperation with local companies is a key aspect of this initiative. There is also close coordination with the training companies affiliated with BS 11.
Vocational and University Fairs
We ensure students are informed about a wide range of educational fairs. Attendance at two major events—the Einstieg fair and Vocatium—is mandatory. The Vocatium fair is particularly valuable because students can schedule tailored one-on-one appointments with exhibitors in advance, based on their interests.
Career Orientation Test
In Year 11, all students take part in a career and university aptitude test. The goal is to provide concrete guidance based on their individual interests, strengths, and areas for improvement.
External Assessment Center Training
In partnership with external organizations, we offer voluntary assessment center training for interested students. This preparation takes place shortly before students begin their first round of applications, ensuring they are well-equipped for recruitment processes.
Information Day at the University of Hamburg
All students are encouraged to make use of this day. They are granted leave from regular classes to attend. Prior to the visit, an on-campus information session including a guided tour of the University of Hamburg is held.
Interdisciplinary Seminar
In the second semester of upper school, the seminar course focuses on goal-setting, application training, assessment center preparation, and academic writing. These skills are directly applied in the students’ extended essay, which centers around the topic of career choice.
additional opportunities
Students are also provided with valuable information on scholarships, funding options for higher education, and the organization of observation days at vocational schools. These and many other resources are integral to our comprehensive approach to career and university guidance.