Job Buddy: Supporting Career Entry
What motivated you personally to get involved in the Job Buddy project?
Aylin: My own journey took me from an apprenticeship as a legal assistant to studying law. Along the way, I learned that career paths don’t always follow a straight line, that opportunities often arise along the way, and that professional interests can evolve over time. This experience has motivated me to support young people in their career planning and to encourage them to forge their own path.
Victoria: What motivated me was the opportunity to support a young person during an important phase of their life and provide them with guidance. The end of high school is fraught with uncertainty and major decisions. Through Job Buddy, I’ve become even more aware of how different the circumstances are for young people as they embark on this challenging phase of life. Not everyone receives the necessary support at school or in their personal lives. When mentoring works well, both sides can benefit from the experience, and the mentees feel that their abilities and aspirations are taken seriously.
Johannes: I realize that I have benefited greatly from the opportunities available to me in Germany. At the same time, I recognize that good educational and career prospects are not a given for all young people. Job Buddy gives me the chance to give something back and to provide concrete support to a young person on their path to apprenticeship. It is precisely this direct and practical contribution that motivated me to participate.
Job Buddy gives me the chance to give something back and to provide concrete support to a young person on their path to apprenticeship.
Attorney at Law
How did you find your first meeting with the students, and how has the mentoring relationship developed since then?
Johannes: Our first meeting was marked by mutual curiosity. It quickly became clear that trust is the most important foundation for successful mentoring. Through regular conversations, an open and honest relationship has developed, in which uncertainties and questions can also be addressed. This has made it possible for us to work together to develop concrete plans for the professional future.
Aylin: I have very positive memories of our first meeting. The students seemed open, curious, and interested. My mentee, in particular, impressed me: From the very beginning, she was open-minded and engaged, and already had a remarkably clear vision of what she wanted to achieve in the future. This quickly led to a trusting exchange, which over time evolved into an open and constructive mentoring relationship.
Victoria: In my interactions with my mentee, it was important to me to make it clear from the very beginning that she doesn’t have to prove anything to me. With every meeting, our collaboration becomes more trusting. It’s wonderful to see how she’s gaining more and more confidence in herself and recognizing her own strengths. I was on the edge of my seat during her exams and was especially happy when she successfully aced a job interview for an internship. It’s great to see how much potential young people have when they receive encouragement and support.
This quickly led to a trusting exchange, which over time evolved into an open and constructive mentoring relationship.
Attorney at Law
What advice would you like to give students as they make their way into the working world?
Victoria: Trust in your own strengths and pursue your interests. No one in ninth grade needs to know exactly where their path will lead or have the perfect career plan. Personal development and career exploration also mean trying new things and gaining experience. Self-confidence doesn’t come from never doubting yourself, but from being brave enough to keep going despite doubts and occasional setbacks. Your path is what you make of the opportunities that come your way.
Johannes: From my work as a consultant, I know how important it is to change your perspective: Try to see things from an employer’s point of view and understand what expectations exist within a company. The working world is not an extension of school. Rather, it brings with it different demands in terms of personal responsibility, reliability, and teamwork. At the same time, your apprenticeship should be viewed as a learning experience: No one expects perfection, but they do expect a willingness to grow and learn new things.
Aylin: Don’t let yourself be pressured if you’re not yet sure about your career path or if your plans change. Stay open to new experiences, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and take advantage of internships, interviews, and other opportunities to explore different career fields. Often, it’s only through new experiences that you discover strengths and interests you didn’t know you had. Have confidence in your abilities and see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. The important thing is to stay curious and seize the opportunities that come your way.
Dear Aylin, Johannes, and Victoria, thank you for the interview and for your dedication to the Job Buddy mentoring program.
Trust in your own strengths and pursue your interests. [...] Your path is what you make of the opportunities that come your way.
Attorney at Law
