Open Day and Career Fair – Successful Joint Event | Faculty of Chemistry at the Gdańsk University of Technology

On 15 April 2025, the Faculty of Chemistry at Gdańsk University of Technology became a hub of inspiration, knowledge, and professional opportunity for students, pupils, and all those interested in the chemical industry. For the first time, the Faculty hosted both its Open Day and Career Fair as a joint event, thereby inaugurating a new initiative that integrates academic exploration with career development. In collaboration with the Career and Alumni Office of Gdańsk Tech, we created a comprehensive event that bridged theoretical education with practical applications.

Ceremonial Opening

The event was formally inaugurated by Justyna Płotka-Wasylka, PhD, DSc, Eng., Professor of Gdańsk Tech and Vice-Dean for Research, who welcomed the audience that included university authorities, academic staff, secondary school representatives, students, and institutional and business partners. In her address, she emphasized the importance of cooperation between the spheres of education, the labor market, and regional development. She also expressed gratitude to the Gdańsk City Council, Gdańsk Real Estate, Gdańsk Labour Office, Gdańsk Entrepreneurship Foundation, and the Department of Regional Development of the Pomeranian Voivodeship Marshal's Office for their active engagement.

Inspiring Lectures and Discussions

The program featured a range of compelling presentations and panel discussions. The opening interview, entitled "Gamification – Motivation and Engagement at a New Level," was delivered by Justyna Mytnik, PhD, DSc, Eng. She presented contemporary methods of engaging students through the application of game-based elements in educational processes. During the discussion, she explored the mechanisms of gamification in both education and business, highlighting its potential to enhance motivation and learning outcomes. She also provided successful examples from various industries that employ game elements such as point systems, badges, and rankings.

Another noteworthy interview featured Professor Piotr Konieczka, PhD, DSc, Eng.,  (Department of Analytical Chemistry). In the session entitled "From Student to Professor – Forty Years of Investing in Education," he reflected on his academic journey and the importance of lifelong learning. He examined the impact of new technologies on teaching practices and wondered whether traditional educational method still make sense. He underscored the necessity of continuous knowledge-seeking and the ability to adapt to evolving educational environments.

Women in Debates

As part of the event, three inspiring panel discussions were held, featuring distinguished female experts from diverse fields who shared their experiences and reflections on the role of women in business and science.

The panel entitled “Women in Business” brought together: Anna Sowa-Trzebińska, MSc – co-owner and master confectioner at Cukiernia Sowa, Anna Kneba, MSc – CEO and co-founder of VERDEGREE, Natalia Czaplińska, PhD, Eng. – Head of the Technology Department at ZUT, and Liliana Chołuj, MSc – Director of Technical Support at Nexler Sp. z o.o. The discussion addressed topics such as the challenges and stereotypes women face in the business world, as well as the importance of personal and corporate branding. The panelists offered valuable advice to young individuals seeking their place in the professional world. In response to a question posed by Bartłomiej Cieślik, PhD, Eng., regarding guidance for the younger generation, the participants shared motivational insights such as: “Build a staircase to success from the logs thrown at your feet” and “Don’t just wave at the ship called opportunity—jump aboard swiftly.”

The second panel, “Business Has Mora Than One Name: Youth and Growth,” featured: Hanna Kąkol, MSc - business coach and Managing Director at Perfect Consulting, Weronika Wawrzyńska, Eng. - Orlen Group, and Anna Bartosiewicz, MSc, Eng. - Eko-Elita. The discussion focused on key decisions, values, and challenges that shaped the speakers’ career paths. They spoke about how adversity fosters resilience, and how transforming difficulties into achievements provides lasting value.

The final discussion, entitled “Women in Science,” was moderated by Justyna Płotka-Wasylka, PhD, DSc, Eng., and featured: Professor Agata Kot-Wasik, PhD, DSc, Eng. (Department of Analytical Chemistry), Justyna Kucińska-Lipka, PhD, DSc, Eng. Professor at Gdańsk Tech (Department of Polymer Technology), and Olga Zawadzka, MSc, Eng. (doctoral student at the Doctoral School, Department of Polymer Technology).

The panelists discussed their motivations for pursuing academic careers, the evolving role of women in science, and offered advice to young women planning scientific careers. When asked about the challenges of balancing motherhood with academic responsibilities, all panelists emphasized the importance of effective time management, while acknowledging that such balance would be impossible without support from family and colleagues. In response to questions about recommendations for early-career researchers, Prof. Kucińska-Lipka encouraged boldness in seizing opportunities, while Prof. Kot-Wasik emphasized the need for intentional decision-making in professional life. The moderator added that embracing life’s uncertainties often leads to personal growth and remarkable achievements, even if the path initially appears difficult.

All discussions provided attendees with valuable insights and motivation, highlighting the importance of courage, perseverance, and support systems in the pursuit of both professional and personal success.

Two additional academic lectures were held as part of the Open Day program. Bartłomiej Cieślik, PhD, Eng., in his lecture “Academic Neuroeducation – How to Teach More Effectively?”, explored how the brain functions during learning and how this knowledge can be leveraged to enhance the educational process. He presented contemporary techniques that support knowledge acquisition and discussed the application of neuroeducation in higher education institutions.

Meanwhile, in a lecture “From Creation to Commercialization: Scientists in the World of Chemical Synthesis and Sales,” Adam Taszner, MSc, Eng.,  from the company Chemat presented the transition from scientific research to commercial activity in the chemical industry, outlining the process of bringing chemical compounds from the lab to the market.

Job Fair – Building a Bridge Between Education and the Labor Market

Running in parallel with the Open Day, the Job Fair provided students with the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from companies operating within the chemical and related industries. The following organizations presented their employment and development offers:

1. Chemat Adam Taszner
2. Cukiernia Sowa
3. Iglotex S.A.
4. Izopanel Sp. z o.o.
5. J.S. Hamilton Poland
6. Kingfa Science & Technology Poland Sp. z o.o.
7. Mondi Świecie Sp. z o.o.
8. Mostostal Chojnice Sp. z o.o.
9. Nexler Sp. z o.o.
10. Orlen Projekt Sp. z o.o.
11. Orlen S.A.
12. Port Czystej Energii Sp. z o.o.
13. Rafineria Gdańska Sp. z o.o.
14. Unimot Bitumen Sp. z o.o.
15. Zakłady Farmaceutyczne Polpharma S.A.
16. Gdańsk City Council
17. Excento Sp. z o.o.

The companies offered a range of internships, apprenticeships, and job opportunities. Students had the chance to gain insights into recruitment criteria, organizational culture, and pathways for professional development.

Additional Attractions

The event also featured exhibitions from student research circles, showcasing innovative projects and achievements. The Gdańsk University of Technology Library promoted academic resources aimed at supporting research and intellectual growth, while the Erasmus+ team provided information on international learning and training opportunities.

Moreover, representatives from the Hydrogen Academy introduced students to the various prospects available through participation in this pioneering initiative. Local government entities, including municipal companies and the Marshal's Office of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, outlined a variety of programs designed for young individuals looking to begin summer internships or employment in the region.

Additionally, a professional photographer was on site offering students the opportunity to have high-quality CV photos taken—a service that drew considerable interest from those preparing to enter the job market.

The Open Day and Job Fair at the Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, turned out to be a success, effectively integrating education, science, and career development. The event fostered an environment conducive to the exchange of ideas, the establishment of professional networks, and the planning of future career paths.

See you next year!