Riga, Latvia – A new era of collaboration in higher education is underway in Latvia, as Riga Technical University (RTU), Riga Stradiņš University (RSU) and Riga Business School joined forces to host the Karjeras diena 2026 (Career Day 2026) on March 6th. This marked the first time these three institutions have combined their career fairs, creating a significantly expanded platform for students to connect with potential employers. The event, held at the Starptautiskais izstāžu centrs Ķīpsala BT1, aimed to broaden students’ access to the job market and foster valuable professional relationships.
Approximately 2,600 students attended the career fair, engaging with nearly 100 companies and organizations representing a diverse range of industries. The collaborative effort signals a commitment to better preparing Latvian students for the demands of the modern workforce. This year’s event placed a particular emphasis on well-being in the workplace, acknowledging the growing importance of emotional, social, and professional balance in career development.
The expanded scope of Karjeras diena 2026 included a notable increase in representation from the healthcare sector, with participation from Paula Stradiņa Klīniskā universitātes slimnīca (Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital), SIA Dziedniecība (MFD Veselības grupa), and AS Veselības centru apvienība (Healthcare Centre Association). The RSU Lifelong Learning Centre also had a presence, showcasing its diverse range of courses, seminars, and workshops in health care, sports, social sciences, and law. This broadened industry representation provided students with a wider array of career paths to explore.
Focus on Well-being in the Modern Workplace
Beyond simply connecting students with employers, Karjeras diena 2026 featured discussions centered around the concept of “well-being as the new currency” in today’s job market. A key takeaway from these discussions was the importance of prioritizing both physical and mental health for long-term career sustainability. Participants emphasized that well-being is a resource to be carefully managed and invested in throughout one’s professional life. The event highlighted that a career should be viewed as a marathon, not a sprint, requiring consistent attention to personal balance.
Students who attended expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to interact with potential employers in a less formal setting. “This represents a great opportunity to meet potential employers in a less formal environment,” one student noted. Another attendee added, “You can talk to people from companies about things you can only read about on their website.” These sentiments underscore the value of face-to-face interactions in building connections and gaining insights into different career paths.
A Collaborative Effort for Future Success
Organizers emphasized that the collaboration between the three universities – RTU, RSU, and Riga Business School – represents a significant step forward in supporting student success. The event was a joint effort involving the RSU Career Support and Well-being Centre, the RTU Well-being and Career Support Centre, and the faculties of each institution. This unified approach aims to create more opportunities for students to connect with employers, explore various industries, and build successful professional futures.
RTU actively encouraged companies to participate in the event, noting that This proves the largest career and internship event in Latvia, attracting thousands of potential employees, and interns. More information about the event and collaboration opportunities can be found on the RTU website.
The success of Karjeras diena 2026 sets the stage for continued collaboration and expansion in the years to come. Organizers hope to attract even more students and employers to future events, further strengthening the link between academia and the Latvian job market. The focus on well-being and the broadened industry representation are expected to remain key features of the career fair, providing students with the resources and connections they require to thrive in their chosen fields.
As the Latvian labor market continues to evolve, initiatives like Karjeras diena 2026 will be crucial in ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The collaborative spirit demonstrated by RTU, RSU, and Riga Business School serves as a model for fostering a more connected and supportive ecosystem for future generations of Latvian professionals.
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