Career week - a completely different career path

 Career information centers are still perceived by the general public in particular in the context of initial career choices and services for young people. In order to draw the attention of a wider audience to the services of the Career information centers for adults, and also to make the population in general aware of the importance of proactive career planning, the Career information centers Canton of Berne is organising a ‘Career Week’ for the first time.

 How it works?

During one week, special events were held, workshops and services offered, etc. in all eight Career information centers in the canton. A wide audience was reached with infotainment events at external locations, e.g. with a talk show called ‘Career-Canapé’ in a well-known Bernese cultural venue with people who are known to the public or a ‘Living Library’ in a city library. Other events took place in all Career information centers, e.g. a series of information events on the topic of ‘Careers & Diversity’ (55+, health, queer, etc.). Visitors were able to take advantage of services that are also part of the regular eight Career information centers programme, e.g. application checks, application workshops, job interview training, etc., without having to register. In addition, mobile information center ’BIZmobil’ was available at popular locations. The careers week was advertised intensively as part of a PR campaign, e.g. through advertising on public transport, flyers and postcards that were distributed widely and at previously unused locations, etc.

 What is new or what is the advantage?

The basic idea behind this concentrated action week is the fact that it is often much more difficult to draw the attention of the public, but also the media, to individual events and offers (which of course also take place on an ongoing basis outside the career week) than if they are publicised under a common label (‘career week’). This is intended to generate a high level of media interest, which in turn can increase public awareness. The aim is always to sensitise the public to the importance of proactive career planning.