Future Day at the University of Magdeburg: Discover your career options!

Future Day at the University of Magdeburg: Discover your career options!

On April 3, 2025, the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is hosting a future day as part of the nationwide Girls' Day and Boys' Day. This event invites more than 100 students in grades 5 to 13 to learn about different career paths, study options and career options. The aim is to open up new perspectives for young people and encourage them to plan their professional future independently of traditional ideas. A particular focus is on MINT subjects, which can offer promising careers for many young people.

Girls' Day, which has been running since 2001, enables girls to discover careers in the areas of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology (MINT) as well as skilled trades. Boys' Day, introduced in 2011, offers boys the opportunity to gain experience in social, educational and nursing professions. These action days have proven successful over two decades and aim to break down gender stereotypes in career choice and show broader professional opportunities.

Diverse offers and free of charge

The events at the university will include workshops, lectures and experiments. Examples of this include experiments on how the human body works or insights into work in a clean room. Scientists and students are available to participants for personal discussions to clarify individual questions and provide insights into their professions. The information offer is free of charge and registration is possible until March 28, 2025.

The day of action is held not only in Germany, but also internationally. Similar initiatives exist in over 30 countries, including the USA with “Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day”, which promote exchange between young people and different professional fields. A large number of companies, including the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), take part in Girls' and Boys' Day and offer practical insights into various fields of activity.

Positive effects and challenges

Studies show that Girls' Day has a positive impact on career choice: around 40% of participants discover new careers, and there is an increase in applications from young women in technical professions. Likewise, boys who take part in Boys’ Day show an increased interest in social professions. The challenge, however, is to anchor the experiences sustainably in everyday school life, to involve parents and teachers and to expand the offering to rural regions. Future developments could include digital formats to reach an even broader target group.

Overall, Girls' and Boys' Day is a significant step towards gender equality and diversity in the world of work. It creates opportunities for self-reflection about strengths and interests and promotes dialogue about equality in job advertisements and training guidelines. With its Future Day, the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is helping to significantly advance this discourse and support young people on their professional journey.

Colors, sounds, innovation and MINT—the future is waiting for you!