What began in 1996 with 22 exhibitors is now a fixture in the academic calendar: CONNECTA at OTH Regensburg celebrated its 30th anniversary. Under the slogan “Seize your career!”, the careers fair on 21 and 22 October offered an opportunity – particularly in these economically challenging times – to make contacts, discover new perspectives and explore career opportunities.
At the official opening on Wednesday, Anja Hartwig and Michael Öller, the project managers for CONNECTA 2026, welcomed guests in the foyer of the Mathematics and Computer Science building. In his welcoming address, Albert Füracker, Bavaria’s Minister of State for Finance and Home Affairs, emphasised the importance of the interplay between education, knowledge and the economy for the region’s future. Even though economic development repeatedly goes through difficult phases, well-trained skilled workers are indispensable in the face of demographic change, both for businesses and for the public sector. The fact that the younger generation is committed and wants to shape the future itself is demonstrated by CONNECTA, which is organised on a voluntary basis by students. In conclusion, he paid tribute to OTH Regensburg as a beacon of academic excellence in the region.
President of OTH Regensburg praises student engagement
For Prof. Dr Ralph Schneider, President of OTH Regensburg, the Minister’s visit was a sign of the importance CONNECTA holds for dialogue between the university, business and politics. “We are particularly proud that this fair is organised by students. What began 30 years ago as a student initiative is still driven and developed today by committed students. This is a key factor in its success,” said Prof. Dr Ralph Schneider. This year’s slogan, ‘Seize your career!’, is therefore particularly apt: ‘We want not only to provide young people with an excellent academic education, but also to empower them to recognise opportunities, take on responsibility and actively shape their own path.’
Speaking on behalf of the city, Alexander Irmisch, Chair of the SPD city council group in Regensburg, emphasised the importance of personal interaction. Students should make the most of the opportunity to speak directly with company representatives and ask questions.
From the construction sector to social employers
At the opening, Dominik Schlosser, Chair of CONNECTA e.V., recalled the event’s beginnings with 22 exhibitors and its development into an established corporate networking fair. New ideas, creativity and the commitment of each generation of students have shaped the event to this day. With the new ‘Companies in Focus’ format, CONNECTA is expanding its programme to include an additional offering.
The guests of honour and representatives of CONNECTA e.V. then officially opened the fair by symbolically cutting the ribbon. During a tour of the venue, the Minister, the university president, other university representatives and the organising team engaged in conversation with the exhibitors.
Hundreds of visitors then took the opportunity to find out about career prospects and make contacts with potential employers. A wide range of sectors was represented, from financial services and software companies to social services and the construction and automotive industries.
