BIS Careers Day: Inspiring future pathways

Real-world learning and career inspiration at Bavarian International School (BIS) in Munich and Haimhausen

Bavarian International School (BIS) continues to set the standard for holistic, future-focused education. Through real-world learning experiences and direct engagement with industry leaders, BIS prepares students for success in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

A highlight of this approach is the annual BIS Careers Day, an integral part of the school’s comprehensive University & Careers Counselling programme. The 2026 edition marked a milestone – its 15th anniversary – bringing together students, professionals, and thought leaders for a day of career inspiration and guidance.

Keynote by André Schwämmlein: Innovation, leadership and disruption

For the first time, BIS Careers Day opened with a keynote speech attended by more than 200 students from Grades 10 and 11. The keynote speaker, André Schwämmlein, CEO and Co-Founder of Flix SE (FlixBus and FlixTrain), delivered an inspiring talk titled “Bold Moves: How to Disrupt an Entire Industry.”

Drawing on his journey from Technical University of Munich (TUM) alumnus to global entrepreneur, he highlighted essential future skills such as:

• Resilience and ambition
• Embracing failure as a learning opportunity
• Believing in innovative ideas despite challenges
• The power of teamwork and collaboration

Since its founding in 2013, Flix has grown into a global mobility leader, serving over 500 million passengers across more than 40 countries and five continents. With expansion plans including high-speed trains, the company continues to shape the future of sustainable travel. The journey is far from over; the Munich-based company has ordered 65 high-speed trains, which will be ready in two years. “In 20 years’ time, there won’t be a single person who doesn’t know Flixtrain,” says André Schwämmlein.

Careers Day highlights: Exploring diverse career paths

Following the keynote, students engaged with 11 expert speakers representing a wide range of industries, including:

• Medicine and healthcare
• Finance and banking
• Artificial intelligence
• Engineering
• Technology 
• Real estate
• Media & marketing
• Diplomacy and international relations

The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, offering students valuable insights into career pathways, industry trends, and future-ready skills.

One Grade 10 student shared:

 “It was an exciting and insightful experience. It helped me better understand the skills needed for the future and was inspiring to hear how a global company can be built so quickly.”

Future Skills: Passion, purpose and lifelong learning

A central theme throughout BIS Careers Day 2026 was the importance of purpose-driven careers and personal passion.

Eren Ozduzen Dilmen from Bosch Siemens Home Appliances (BSH) emphasised:

 “Find your passion – both in your mind and in your heart. Passion is something you feel, and it develops differently for everyone.”

Similarly, Hans-Jürgen Penzkofer of BMW noted:

“The right profession is where interest, talent, and purpose come together.”

Students were encouraged to:

• Gain practical experience through internships
• Step outside their comfort zones
• Develop adaptability, empathy, and initiative

Michelle Mynhardt from Lufthansa highlighted:

“Stay curious, stay open, and keep learning. The most important skills for the future are adaptability, empathy, and the courage to take ownership early.”

Personalised education that inspires and empowers

BIS Careers Day also reinforced the school’s commitment to personalised education and student holistic development. Industry professionals praised the school’s supportive learning environment and dedicated teachers.

Aria Djamschidi of Apple shared:

“Through BIS Careers Day 2026 and my interactions with the students, my appreciation of the Bavarian International School was further deepened, highlighting that it is truly a place where dedicated educators don’t just teach, but truly inspire, guide, and care for each student’s journey."

Why BIS Careers Day matters

BIS Careers Day is more than an event - it is a powerful platform for:

• Career exploration and guidance
• Real-world learning experiences
• Networking with global professionals
• Building future-ready skills

By connecting education with real-life insights, Bavarian International School empowers students to discover their passions, define their purpose, and confidently shape their futures.

Thank you to our industry experts

Bavarian International School extends its sincere thanks to all participating speakers for sharing their expertise and inspiring the next generation of global citizens and future leaders.

• André Schwämmlein, CEO and Co-Founder of FLIX SE     
• Aria Djamschidi, Senior Distribution Manager of Apple
• Solmaz Altin, Managing Director of Actise GmbH (former Allianz)
• David Gallego Grau, Head of Manufacturing Engineering for Combat Aircrafts in Airbus Defence and Space
• Valerian Gerber, Head of Media & Marketing at Munich Ravens
• Eren Ozduzen Dilmen, Head of Global Brand Bosch Communication at BSH Home Appliances
• Niklas Mertens, Co-Founder and Chief Partnership Officer at oneBanking
• Michelle Mynhardt, Global Head of Brand, Marketing and Customer Relations Lufthansa Airlines
• James C. O’Shea, Consul General of Ireland to Munich
• Hans-Jürgen Penzkofer, Chief Engineer BMW “Neue Klasse”
• Dietrich E. Rogge, CEO and Founder of ROCKSTONE Real Estate 
• Dr. Philipp Tanner, Spine Surgeon and Medical Director at Wirbelsäulenzentrum München Dr. Tanner & Kollegen