Exploring Careers in Munich

Part of Ralf Saborrosch’s job with Lewis & Clark’s yearlong Munich program is helping students secure internships and work during their time in Germany.

Over the course of his many years as resident director, Saborrosch, a native of Germany, has noticed both American and German students expressing apprehension about choosing a career path.

To tackle this issue, he brought together a group of students from both countries, including Lewis & Clark’s Devon Streich CAS ’16, to create a unique event: Alternative Career Night. Turnout at the event, which was held at the University of Munich in June, greatly exceeded expectations. The night’s theme, “Do what you want and not what the market expects from you,” drew the interest of more than 1,000 students who registered for the event on Facebook.

Participants listened to speakers such as Germany’s most well-known career consultant, the “Crazy Ice Cream Maker,” the former vice president of Germany’s Technical University, and a Zen master. The event also caught the attention of German media, which reported it on television and in the newspaper.

“Working on our Alternative Career Night was an incredibly intense experience,” says Saborrosch.

“It showed me once more how amazing young people can be when they follow their passions.” The yearlong Munich program was established by Lewis & Clark in 1972 and is open to students from Lewis & Clark and other Northwest institutions.