On 27th November, dozens of organisations will once again gather at Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution, eager to connect with students and offer a range of internship and job opportunities.
Aurimas Galkontas, Head of the Student Affairs and Careers Unit at Kauno kolegija, explains that this year the event has expanded from a one-day fair into a three-day series, featuring professional insights, international opportunities, and live meetings with employers.
The Contact Fair has evolved into a three-day event series
The event series will kick off on 25th November with the inaugural alumni forum ‘FutureConnect: Alumni, AI and Career’ (held in Lithuanian), aimed at the entire Kauno kolegija community, particularly students keen to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming careers, education, and the skills needed for the future.
‘Participants will hear alumni share their career stories, see examples of AI applications, and discuss how studies are evolving in the AI era,’ says A. Galkontas.
On 26th November, the event titled ‘(un)expected Stop: Erasmus+’ will offer an opportunity to learn more about international study and internship experiences abroad. Students will be able to engage directly with Erasmus+ programme coordinators and students who have participated in these opportunities.
‘The event series will conclude on 27th November with the main networking fair, which this year has expanded in size. For the first time, it will take place across four spaces: the Green Hall, the Assembly Hall and its lobby, and the sports hall. This will allow for more efficient stand placement and create better conditions for both company representatives and students,’ says A. Galkontas.
He also reveals that this year, nine organisations have become official partners of the event. According to him, this reflects the growing reputation of the event, its value to employers, and their interest not only in offering internships and jobs but also in actively contributing to the strengthening of the community.
‘The entire event series is united by the theme ‘(un)expected Contacts’, which highlights the fact that many significant career milestones often begin with an unexpected conversation or a new connection,’ A. Galkontas adds.
Meetings with employers provide insight into the job market
A. Galkontas notes that the Internship and Career Days are a unique opportunity for students to meet with nearly 60 organisations from various sectors in one place. He emphasises that face-to-face communication with employers allows students to learn about the skills and competencies different companies are seeking, the selection processes they use, and what they expect from young professionals.
‘The core of the event is encapsulated in this year’s theme ‘(un)expected Contacts’: many students find their first internship, job offer, or project opportunity here. Often, a brief conversation can unexpectedly spark the beginning of a longer professional journey. This experience not only provides insights into the labour market but also offers real opportunities to make connections, which can lead to internships, job offers, or mentoring relationships,’ says A. Galkontas, encouraging students to take full advantage of the opportunity.
Additionally, the event will feature voluntary organisations offering a wide range of activities, from social projects to event management and community initiatives.
‘Volunteering helps develop valuable leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills – qualities that are highly prized by employers,’ says A. Galkontas.
The Contact Fair serves as a mutually beneficial space for both students and employers: students can more quickly and effectively find suitable career opportunities, while organisations have the chance to meet and assess future talent.
‘Each participant comes with their own expectations, and our goal is to provide them with added value, help them build meaningful connections, and create an experience that will have a long-lasting impact on their professional future,’ concludes A. Galkontas.
