The VAA sets students, PhD candidates and graduates from all backgrounds on the right track when it comes to job applications, career planning and starting work in their first job. And it’s an incredibly good deal: because here at the VAA, student membership is free of charge. Furthermore, the option for dual membership of the VAA and the Association of German Chemists (Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker – GDCh), opens up a unique range of information and services relating to the chemical and pharmaceutical sector. VAA lawyers join experienced managers straight out of companies to attend university events and student regional group meet-ups, where they provide useful career tips that help to prepare young professionals for working life.

Student members looking for a job will find all the help they need in the VAA applications network. Here, students, PhD candidates and graduates have an opportunity to make direct contact with managerial staff from the industry. As part of the network, members are given tips on how to apply for jobs in a specific company along with other information such as opportunities for personal development. The applications network is all about giving applicants an edge and making sure they are more knowledgeable than their competitors.

Even before the job interview and in the early stages of the application for employment, legal questions can crop up: who should pay for the costs of travelling to a job interview? When the employer asks questions in an interview, which ones must be answered truthfully? What things do you need to look out for when entering into an employment contract? For all these questions and more, the VAA lawyers are on hand with

help and advice – completely free of charge!

The VAA student survey is carried out once every five years. It allows precise statements to be made regarding the social and studying conditions for students, particularly those studying chemical and technical disciplines. The findings from the student survey enable the VAA to provide even better support for its student members, as well as to raise awareness of their concerns and contribute to establishing the best possible job prospects.