When launching a (space)ship from the ground (or sea), it often gets turbulent. On July 12, 2024, around 70 brave students defied rain, thunderstorms, and wind, gathering at the harbor in Hard. There, they were greeted by representatives from 12 companies from Vorarlberg and embarked on a galactic networking expedition aboard the MS Austria.

Once everyone was dry, DJ Munky Fike set the mood with music, while the Historic Shipping team provided delicious drinks and food by Heino Huber.

Sandra and Mathias from the CHANCENLAND VORARLBERG team moderated the expedition before the speed dating began. Every 10 minutes, the companies switched places to speak with as many students as possible. Participating companies included BHM INGENIEURE, Blum, Doppelmayr Gruppe, GANTNER electronic, Getzner Textil, GRASS, Gebrüder Weiss, illwerke vkw, Hirschmann Automotive, Fink Zeitsysteme und Fusonic.

This allowed participants to experience the full range of Vorarlberg’s economy: global corporations, young start-ups, and traditional family businesses from various industries. The career opportunities were equally diverse. Those seeking internships, jobs, theses, or project work found many options across different fields. Many students also took the opportunity to learn about the career possibilities within the companies, what the firms do in detail, and the projects they are working on. Personal contacts made during the event could prove valuable later on.

Students who filled their stamp cards and achieved their networking goals could enter a raffle. Prizes included vouchers for the Poolbar Festival and Conrad Sohm, generously sponsored by the organizers.

The QR codes (V-Cards) on their name tags allowed company representatives and students to network efficiently, which were used intensively to discuss future jobs, theses, and internships.

At 10 PM, all participants of the networking expedition landed back at Hard harbor with many new insights into Vorarlberg’s cosmos. Despite the initial weather chaos, it was a fantastic networking event with interesting conversations and a great atmosphere.

THANKS TO

We say THANK YOU for participating and contributing to our expedition:

• All participating students
• The company representatives
• The Poolbar and Conrad Sohm teams for providing the raffle prizes
• DJ Munky Fike
• The teams from Heino Huber and Historic Shipping

ABOUT THE EVENT

The Sunset Cruise was first organized by CHANCENLAND VORARLBERG in 2022 to meet the demand for a networking event during the summer holidays. Previous networking events take place during the semester or shortly before Christmas. As a shipping event, the Sunset Cruise offers another unconventional opportunity to expand networks, make exciting contacts, learn about the Vorarlberg economy, or take advantage of specific career opportunities.

STATEMENTS

CHANCENLAND VORARLBERG Ambassador Martin Caldonazzi on the Evening:

“Even with the unfortunate weather, the atmosphere on the MS Österreich was fantastic. The historic ship provided a relaxed environment, making it very easy and straightforward to engage with company representatives. This led to many inspiring conversations on equal footing and allowed us to discuss exciting topics while the crew on board pampered us with excellent culinary delights. I am already looking forward to future events and am happy to be involved again.”

CHANCENLAND VORARLBERG Team Member Sandra Kraxner-Holzer on the Evening:

“On July 12, 2024, the galactic networking event took place on the MS Austria. Due to the weather, the event began quite stormily, but there was still a great atmosphere, which was intensely used by leading STEM companies and professionals for exchange. Despite the adverse conditions on Lake Constance, numerous innovative discussions were held. The approximately 80 participating students and company representatives had a small adventure and a pleasant time together.”