Gisma’s Skills Sprint Week 8th Edition: A Week of Learning, Networking & Innovation!
Last week, Gisma University of Applied Sciences successfully hosted the highly anticipated 8th edition of Skills Sprint Week, an immersive experience designed to equip students with industry insights, hands-on challenges, and invaluable networking opportunities. Over the course of five days, participants engaged with leading experts, explored innovative topics, and connected with some of the most influential companies in the world.
Key Highlights from the Event
Exclusive Industry Visits – Students had the unique opportunity to visit SAP’s Berlin office, gaining behind-the-scenes insights into the company’s operations and career pathways. Another highlight was the exclusive visit to Liebherr Aerospace, where participants explored the intersection of data science and aerospace technology.
Entrepreneurship & Business Strategy – Sessions such as the introduction to Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs Programme, led by Giovanni Crisona, provided insights into how students could gain international startup experience. The Female Founders Academy, with Munay Zamorano, inspired aspiring entrepreneurs by guiding them through the initial steps of starting a business, including funding strategies. Meanwhile, the Deloitte x Capiton Hackathon challenged students to dive deep into private equity trends and propose innovative strategies for the future of investment.
AI, Sustainability & Data – Telus delivered a compelling session on AI-driven careers and skill assessments, offering participants a real-world evaluation of their abilities in machine learning and annotation. At Fraunhofer, Henry Buxbaum introduced students to cutting-edge sustainability and data research projects, igniting ideas for future initiatives. Additionally, Rodrigo Iglesias from the Brazil Amazing Foods Association provided fascinating insights into global market expansion and branding strategies in the competitive food industry.
Career Development & Leadership – Throughout the week, career-focused sessions helped students build essential job-seeking skills. The Handshake Career Session with Antoine equipped attendees with practical knowledge on connecting with employers and exploring career events. Meanwhile, the Gisma Townhall served as an interactive platform where students engaged with university leadership, received the latest updates, and discussed future initiatives.
Pitch Competitions & Case Studies – The week featured several high-stakes competitions, including the L’Oréal BrandStorm Challenge, facilitated by industry experts Anna Mazin (Agorise) and Leo Kesseler (L’Oréal). They succeeded inpushing students to develop innovative branding and marketing strategies. The event week culminated with the HelloFresh Digital Transformation Case Study, where students presented their strategies to a senior manager at HelloFresh and received expert feedback.
Exclusive Talks & Thought Leadership – A particularly insightful session was hosted by the German Foreign Ministry, focusing on disinformation and fake news, a critical topic in today’s digital landscape. Students gained a deeper understanding of media manipulation, espionage tactics, and strategies to combat misinformation. Additionally, Ibtehal Hussein, Global Talent Acquisition Team Lead at HelloFresh, shared her personal journey and provided invaluable guidance on building a successful career as a migrant in Germany, addressing both the challenges and opportunities in the job market.
A Week to Remember!
From thought-provoking discussions to hands-on business challenges, the 8th edition of Skills Sprint Week was a resounding success. Attendees left with enhanced skills, valuable industry connections, and newfound inspiration to pursue their professional aspirations. Gisma University of Applied Sciences is immensely proud of the students who actively participated, demonstrating exceptional enthusiasm, creativity, and ambition throughout the event.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the success of this edition, we are already looking forward to the next Skills Sprint Week, which promises to bring even more innovative experiences and opportunities for growth. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and be ready to take your skills and career to the next level!
A huge thank you to all the participants, speakers, and partners who contributed to making this event an unforgettable and impactful learning journey!