The latest edition of the Job Fair at the University of Zielona Góra (UZ) has successfully concluded. On Tuesday, May 12, our university's students had the opportunity to network with nearly sixty exhibitors representing diverse industries, including measuring equipment manufacturing, high-pressure die casting, uniformed services, transportation services, and the food industry.
The UZ Job Fair is widely recognized as one of the most significant events of its kind in the region. The event is tailored for all students actively seeking employment, internships, or practical training placements.
"This type of job fair is crucial for both sides. As we can see, young people turn up in large numbers and ask questions that are important to them. It is a fantastic opportunity for them to secure internships and various training programs. This is their first step. We have exhibitors who have been coming to us for many years. Today, our students and alumni are their employees, and they are highly satisfied with this cooperation. It is also incredibly convenient for the students. They can gather all the necessary information during a single event. They don’t have to visit companies individually; everything is within arms' reach in one single day," emphasizes Dr. Hab. Barbara Literska, Prof. UZ, the UZ Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Quality of Education.
In total, 59 exhibitors awaited the UZ students. The participating companies and enterprises operate primarily within the Lubusz Voivodeship, though representatives from the Lower Silesia and Greater Poland regions were also present.
"We rescheduled the fair from March to May. This gives exhibitors more time to prepare their job offers, while students are more conscious of what they are looking for. With summer internships ahead, it is high time to find a placement. Modern employers are looking for employees who genuinely want to work. The generation currently entering the labor market has a different mindset. There is a lot of work to be done on both sides—by the youth and the employers. This is a valuable generation, but they view the world differently. We need to create space for them and their perspective," explains Monika Politańska, Head of the UZ Careers Office.
Diverse Expectations and Goals
Students' inquiries varied widely. For some, salary was the key factor, while for others, the priority was gaining valuable professional experience.
"I'm wondering if companies accept students from all academic years. I'm a first-year student, so the question is whether we are already being considered, or if they are primarily looking for upper-year students who already possess more specialized knowledge," says Michał Michalski, a Computer Science student.
"I'm curious whether there is a possibility to stay with the company long-term after finishing an internship, either on a mandate contract or a permanent employment contract. In our industry—especially in the era of Artificial Intelligence—we are mostly focused on gaining experience. Earnings are important too, but we definitely appreciate the opportunity for professional growth and staying with a company for a longer period," adds Jakub Kruk, also a Computer Science student.
One of the companies present at the UZ Job Fair was a confectionery manufacturer producing sweets for Western markets.
"Young people fresh out of university undoubtedly expect opportunities for growth. Sometimes these are their very first steps on their career path, so they need a bit more time to onboard. As an employer, we are highly open to solutions like internships and placements. We focus primarily on openness. Education is important, but a willingness to work and internal motivation are also vital. We also offer internal promotions within the plant. Sometimes someone starting out in production can be promoted to administration. We also allow transfers between departments. We don't stick to rigid frameworks; we provide opportunities for development and retraining," comments Paulina Bereś, Junior HR Specialist at TOMS Polska Sp. z o.o.
Uniformed Services and Innovative Industries
This year's exhibitors also included the uniformed services, which attract candidates with benefits like stable employment.
"We are offering careers in the police force. This option is available for individuals over 18 who hold Polish citizenship, have at least a secondary education, and have a clean criminal record. Recently, we have noticed an increased interest in working with us. Young people are submitting job applications to the Municipal Police Headquarters (KMP) in Zielona Góra in large numbers. Currently, all our vacancies are filled. Our offer is highly competitive. Regarding today's fair, students most frequently ask about salaries, recruitment procedures, and the criteria they need to meet," explains Junior Aspirant Kamil Sałek from the KMP in Zielona Góra.
Opportunities were also plentiful for those seeking internships or employment in innovative fields, such as the manufacturing of advanced glazing systems.
"We need people who want to develop, and we enable them to do just that. We offer a very rich array of development and training options for our employees. We are an employer that focuses on the individual—on developing their competencies, including soft skills. We want our employees to feel good at our company and do what they enjoy. Questions from students usually cover daily practicalities: what we manufacture, what our brand stands for, and what benefits we offer," lists Anna Fedurek, Communication Coordinator at Saint-Gobain Sekurit Transport Division in Żary Sp. z o.o.
The UZ Job Fair 2026 was organized by the Careers Office of the University of Zielona Góra (Biuro Karier Uniwersytetu Zielonogórskiego).
