The EBS Symposium is the biggest collegiate economic congress in Europe organized solely by students with over 1000 participants each year. The EBS Symposium takes place annually in September on the campus of the EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht in Oestrich-Winkel. With the exception of the 34. Symposium, taking place at the Wiesbaden Kurhaus for the first time in the history of the Event.
One of the main goals of the EBS Symposium is to generate open conservation to discuss current economic issues between students, young professionals, and well-known representatives from business and politics. At the recruiting fair, various companies have the opportunity to introduce themselves and to pass on information about their company to participants and potential applicants. The topical speeches, panel discussions, and workshops on current economic and socially relevant topics offer space for interaction and communication among the participants and promote the establishment of contacts.
Each year a great number of speakers are invited to join the EBS Symposium to contribute their experience and knowledge in favor of the current topic through presentations or key-note speeches. Every year the EBS Symposium welcomes renowned speakers for e.g. Alexander Dibelius (CEO Germany, Austria, Eastern Europe, Goldman Sachs) and Matthias Buck (COO Germany from the Deutsche Bank AG).
Career Opportunities
Career Fair
One of the most important experiences at the EBS Symposium is the Career fair. [1] The Career Fair offers unique networking opportunities, by facilitating conversations with representatives from some of the largest companies worldwide. The list of recruiting partners is long, including market leaders such as Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, BCG, BNP, P&C, Futury, EW Group, Horvarth & Partners and Accenture to name a few. This exceptional conversation opportunity allows for valuable exchanges between young professionals and potential employers. Additionally, distinguished participants receive the honor of joining the corporate partners on the ‘Corporate Cruise’ along the Rhine River, indulging in intimate conversations and receiving invaluable advice. [3]
Workshops and Interviews
Besides the topical speeches, the EBS Symposium offers interactive panels, workshops, and interviews, where participants have the opportunity to exhibit skills and qualities to potential employers. Companies have the chance to attract and win future applicants, by way of informative booths at the Recruiting Fair. Participants, arriving from universities across the globe, have the opportunity to ask questions to employees and experts about everyday work with regards to individual areas of interest such as consulting or financial advisory. Furthermore, at the recruiting fair, the exhibitors have the chance to introduce the structure and culture of the company to the interested students.
Innovation Fair
At the innovation Fair, participants of the EBS Symposium take part in innovative works and ideas as well as enter into a dialogue with the presenting company. The fair offers the companies the opportunity to exhibit their products, conduct market research, and find common grounds with other exhibitors. The spectrum ranges from companies in the automotive industry to manufacturers of TVs.
Start Up Pitches
Although the Symposium is a more traditional event, it has recognized a need for ‘adapting to change’. Entrepreneurship plays a significant role ate EBS University and should therefore also have its place at the Symposium. For this reason, the ‘Start-up Pitch Battle’ was introduced in 2021. The ‘Start-up Pitch Battle' gives 8 start-ups from different sectors a stage to pitch their business ideas to a jury and audience. They have 5 minutes to convince the jury, which consists of renowned Start Up founders and business angels, of their idea and get the chance to win the prize money and most important, receive constructive feedback from experienced founders.