On 9 June 2026, the University of Klagenfurt welcomed students, graduates, and interested guests to the latest edition of the KARRIEREWEGE panel discussion series: From Abroad to a Career in Carinthia. Held in the Omansaal, the event focused on the experiences of international students and graduates who chose not only to study in Austria but also to build their professional futures in Carinthia.
Moderated by Ngoc Linh Dao, student of Management, Economics, and Data Science, the discussion brought together four international alumni and professionals who shared their personal journeys from arriving in Austria to establishing successful careers in the region. Through honest and inspiring conversations, they reflected on the opportunities, challenges, and key decisions that shaped their academic and professional paths.
The panel highlighted the diverse experiences of international students and graduates, while also demonstrating the important role universities, employers, and local networks play in attracting and retaining international talent in Carinthia. The speakers openly discussed cultural adaptation, entering the Austrian labour market, building professional networks, and finding a sense of belonging in a new environment.
Key takeaways from the discussion:
- Stay open to opportunities: Career paths rarely follow a straight line. What may begin as a short stay, an exchange semester, or a temporary opportunity can develop into a long-term career and life in Carinthia.
- You do not need to have everything figured out: It is perfectly fine not to have a detailed career plan from the beginning. Exploring different opportunities, asking questions, and discovering personal interests are important parts of the journey.
- Build and nurture your network: In a region where “everybody knows everybody”, personal connections can open doors to internships, jobs, and new opportunities. Networking remains one of the most valuable career skills.
- German is a major advantage: While English is sufficient in international companies, German language skills significantly broaden career opportunities and make everyday life easier. For those planning to build a long-term future in Carinthia, learning German is an important step towards professional and social integration.
- Step outside your comfort zone and embrace challenges: Moving to a new country, adapting to a different culture, and overcoming setbacks require resilience and courage. Growth often happens when we are willing to leave familiar paths behind.
- Be good, do well, be kind: Especially in a smaller city like Klagenfurt, professional success is closely linked to authenticity, kindness, and the way we treat others. Reputation and relationships matter.
Following the panel discussion, participants continued the conversation during an informal get-together. The networking session provided an opportunity to exchange experiences, ask further questions, and connect with fellow students, alumni, and professionals from a variety of backgrounds.
The event once again demonstrated the value of sharing personal career stories and highlighted the many opportunities available to international graduates in Carinthia. At the same time, it showcased how international talent enriches the region’s economy, innovation landscape, and society as a whole.
We would like to sincerely thank all panelists for sharing their experiences and insights:
Lisa Kopper | Kärnten Netz
Media and Convergence Management
Daniele Lorenzi | Bitmovin
Informatics
Naga Pranusha Munjuluru | Lam Research
Informatics
Zulaicha Parastuty | Infineon Technologies
Business Administration
A special thank you also goes to moderator Ngoc Linh Dao for guiding the discussion and to all participants for contributing to an engaging and inspiring evening.
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Der Beitrag From Abroad to Belonging: Why Internationals Chose Carinthia erschien zuerst auf University of Klagenfurt.
