Reflecting its commitment to internationalization, the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration of the West University of Timișoara held, from September 1 to 7, the Future Business Leaders' Camp by FEAA Timișoara summer school, addressed to high school students speaking foreign languages (English, German, French). The project aimed to support students in grades 11 and 12 in choosing a career, by addressing topics less frequently discussed in the classical school setting: possibilities for internationalizing university studies, career opportunities in companies in Timișoara, personal branding in the relationship with future employers, but also the application of theoretical elements in the field of business administration in real contexts. Through this initiative, FEAA Timișoara aimed to form and develop a socially active youth community connected to economic reality, directly contributing to the educational and professional orientation of future generations, stimulating interest in foreign language studies and promoting the values of quality European education.
The call launched among high schools across the country generated an impressive response from students, of whom 29 creative young people were selected to take part in the program.
The week began with a career guidance workshop, whose digital support was the online platform Yes Timișoara (ytm.ro). Based on a complex testing, the platform offers support in choosing the right university program, by identifying the professions that best match the students' vocation and abilities.
Against the backdrop of the growing importance of the internationalization of university studies and the growing desire of high school students to continue their education abroad, the project included the presentation of the bachelor's degree programs taught in a foreign language, offered by FEAA Timișoara, namely Accounting and Management Informatics taught in German, Finance and Banking taught in English and Management taught in French. Of these, the specialization taught in German is organized as a double degree program, in partnership with Hochschule Karlsuhe, Germany, offering students the opportunity to complete their university studies as graduates of both partner universities. In addition, the students were informed about the available Erasmus scholarships, which allow students enrolled at a university in Romania to carry out part of their studies abroad.
The career guidance component of the Future Business Leaders' Camp was complemented by practical internships in renowned companies in Timisoara: Bosch, Atos, BCR, Iulius Town, The Access Group, Cowork, Deloitte, Everience, Timisoara International Airport. The students had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the activities of the partner companies and the types of jobs available to them, and to interact with employees from various hierarchical levels, from the youngest juniors to managers.
Active learning of basic economic concepts was facilitated by organizing a tourism entrepreneurship workshop, during which student teams had the mission of designing projects to capitalize on some of Timișoara's firsts: from the first city free from communism to the first city with three state theaters in three different languages, with a brewery, or with a coffee machine. In the business plans created, the participants described the operating cycle of the proposed business, forecasted the necessary resources and designed the investment budget, defined the target market and marketing strategy, carried out financial planning and determined the break-even point.
Given the major importance of personal presentation in the professional environment, the FEAA summer school also brought this aspect into discussion, through workshops on social media content creation, as well as personal branding, and understanding appropriate attire and behavior in the professional environment, with the help of representatives from Lost in Timisoara, Marmuse and Tudor Tailor.
FEAA's main partner in this project was Bosch Global Business Services.
In the context of the undeniable need for professional guidance of students and the dynamism of the constantly changing labor market, the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration of the West University of Timișoara aims to resume, on an annual basis, the Future Business Leaders' Camp.
