From student to young talent: How the University of Liechtenstein changed my life

Already during their studies, many students ask themselves the question - What will happen after graduation?

Do I want to stay in Liechtenstein? To which company? In which direction do I want to go?

Some students have already had answers to these questions for a long time. You can search for suitable job offers on the university's job platform, or talk directly to their possible future employer. For example, at the University of Liechtenstein's Career Day, which will take place on 22 November on our campus.

For many others, there are still a few question marks floating around. The University's Career Service offers support here with workshops, corporate events and information events.

Career Coaching

We help students on the path to their future careers. To ensure that this career path runs smoothly, we rely on our partners. Because all you have to do is look around and you will find well-known companies and the largest financial institutions in Liechtenstein right under your nose.

One of the partners of Career Services is the Liechtensteinische Landesbank. The LLB is a valuable and constant partner of the University. It regularly visits us on campus for events such as the Winter Apéro with the Bankers Association on 2 December 2021, runs workshops such as the LLB Brownbag Lunch on 22 February 2022 and joins us every year as part of our Careers Day, which this year is on 22 November.

At LLB we work closely with Kristina Nitzlnader. She is LLB's Young Talent Recruiter and tells us in this blog post how students make the leap to become LLB Young Talent.

Interview with Kristina Nitzlnader, Young Talent Recruiter LLB

Kristina, What kind of entry-level opportunities do you offer graduates of Uni.li?

At the LLB, we offer graduates and students three different entry-level opportunities, so-called young talent programmes: The bachelor-graduate programme after the bachelor's degree as a direct entry. After completing the one-year programme, Bachelor Graduates are optimally prepared for a target position.

The working student programme during the second half of the Master's programme. We offer the opportunity to gain valuable work experience during a 30 to 50 percent workload. We also offer coaching for the Master's thesis.

The trainee programme after the Master's degree for 18 months. Trainees can opt for General or Relationship Management.

In addition to on-the-job training, we also offer additional, comprehensive off-the-job competence building with the accompanying programme. Various workshops (e.g. design thinking workshops) and trainings (e.g. etiquette course) take place with the young talents.

What does your cooperation with Uni.li look like?

We enjoy working with Uni.li and the Career Service. The Career Service supports us in establishing contacts with students and giving them an insight into the banking world in general and the LLB Group in particular in various formats. In addition, various LLB departments work together with Uni.li students in practical projects. They appreciate the innovative and forward-looking input from research and teaching.

Is it really possible to get a suitable job in a financial institution in Liechtenstein directly from your studies?

Absolutely! With our Young Talents programmes, we offer precisely this entry opportunity. If you make a direct jump into one of our teams for the first time, you can expect a steep learning curve. The job content then naturally develops over time. We expect our young talents to be committed to providing impulses and helping to shape the company in the long term. You can find out more about how this works in practice in our interview with Tobias Wund. He made the leap to the LLB's product management department via his Master's degree at Uni.li and our working student programme.

What do you look for in applicants for the Young Talents Programme?

In addition to professional qualifications and a high level of interest in banking, the young talents share our visions and values and show a high level of commitment to our corporate culture. They also convince us with their commitment and responsible behaviour. As we all know, the banking industry is still in a state of upheaval and offers great scope for development. It is important to take advantage of this!

What qualities / skills should a young talent have?

In addition to the points just mentioned, we expect a high willingness to develop and proven ability to work in a team.

How do students or graduates find a job? What are your tips?

Tip #1: I recommend that students and graduates take advantage of the career service offers, be it workshops to prepare for job interviews or workshops by companies, for example as part of career days directly at the university.
Tip #2: Approach companies openly! Ask lots of questions and don't be afraid of contact. Show your curiosity.
Tip #3: A good network can increase your success. Use networking events and also network digitally, for example via LinkedIn. A good network is professionally and personally beneficial.
Tip #4: Show self-reflection and create clarity about the direction you want to take after graduation. Accordingly, you can also build your application documents authentically.

The three ultimate tips for standing out among other applicants are?

That depends on where we are in the application process. In general, it is important to be yourself and appear authentic. Don't try to be someone you are not. You won't be able to maintain this in the long run later on in your everyday working life. Also, avoid typical standard phrases during the application process.

I wish you every success in your studies and in your subsequent job search and look forward to hearing from you or linking to you on LinkedIn.

"Show motivation and commitment, accept challenges and have fun at work!"

It is clear that the company representative and the Career Service unanimously assure you that you will find a job after graduation. But someone can testify from his own experience that there is truth behind this statement: Tobias Wund.

Tobias studied Entrepreneurship in the Master's programme at the University of Liechtenstein from September 2019 to September 2021 and has been working at the LLB since September 2020. First as a working student in business and sales management for private and corporate clients and from September 2021 in a permanent position in the "Product Management" area.

Tobias, how did you hear about the LLB position?

I became aware of the working student position through a presentation by an HR manager at LLB. I approached her directly after her presentation and my open questions were clarified. A few days later I applied for the working student programme in business and sales management for private and corporate clients.

What tips can you give to students who don't know ...

... what to do after graduation?

It's always good to talk to graduates and other students. They know the situation well and can tell you about their experiences. There are also organisations that provide career information.

... how to apply?

If you don't know exactly in which area, in which department you would like to work, speculative applications are a good option. Otherwise, many companies have programmes that are attractive to current students and graduates. I have already attended several programmes and had the best experience with the LLB. I can therefore only recommend the LLB programme.

... what is the best way to find a job?

Jobs are advertised on company websites and career portals. In addition, friends, acquaintances and relatives who are already working often know if there are vacancies in their company.

What excites you about banking?

Banking is omnipresent. In everyday life, people often use a debit card to pay for groceries. Sooner or later, you also deal with financing and pensions. Moreover, banking doesn't stand still, but is constantly developing, and is currently developing particularly strongly and rapidly.

How did the university prepare you for the application process? What was helpful?

Through the exchange with students, you get insights into how application procedures and interviews work. Everyone has their own individual experiences that you can learn from.

What are the advantages of the LLB's Young Talents Programme?

The flexibility of the working student programme makes it possible both to continue studying successfully and to gain essential work experience during your studies. The stages also give you an insight into other departments. In addition, the managers attach great importance to the young talents learning as much as possible. Moreover, you don't do this programme alone, but you are your own team of young talents who work together on projects in the course of the Young Talent Programme.

What lessons would you like to pass on to the other FL students about entering professional life after graduation?

You need to be open to experiences. If something is unclear, it's best to ask immediately. You should not wait for more tasks, but proactively approach your superiors. If you enjoy working for the company, you have found the right job.

Your three ultimate tips for starting a career after graduation:

Show motivation and commitment, accept challenges and have fun at work!

Thank you Tobias!

Yes then, take the next step into your future!

Author: Samantha Zogg, Communication and Marketing, University of Liechtenstein