What is the Future Skills Lab project?
The Future Skills Lab is a project designed to support students in navigating the rapidly evolving film and creative industries. It is particularly aimed at international students as well as those from non-academic backgrounds (i.e., first-generation university students), who often face additional challenges such as limited professional networks, financial pressure, or bureaucratic hurdles.
Through mentoring, workshops, meetups, and hands-on learning opportunities, the project helps participants develop the skills they need for a successful academic journey and a smooth transition into their professional careers.
“Future skills” are abilities that prepare individuals for the demands of tomorrow’s working world, combining practical knowledge with adaptability, collaboration, and critical thinking. The lab approach places special emphasis on hands-on learning, collaborative exchange, and real-world application. In this sense, the Future Skills Lab is not just a program, but a supportive environment that empowers students to confidently shape their own career paths.
What to expect at the kick-off:
- Introduction to the Future Skills Lab project
- Insights from academia and industry
- Exchange & networking
- Interactive workshop sessions (“Future Workshop”)
Program (preliminary):
- 13:30 – 14:00 Arrival at Film University Atrium
- 14:00 – 14:10 Welcome (Prof. Dr. Susanne Stürmer)
- 14:10 – 14:30 Insights from academia with Prof. Dr. Lena Gieseke (Creative Technologies Department)
- 14:20 – 14:30 Insights from Industry with Simon Sturzenegger (Media Tech Hub Potsdam, Post-Production, AI & Workflow Specialist)
- 14:30 – 15:00 Intro: Future Skills Lab
- 15:00 – 15:30 Break & networking
- 15:30 – 17:00 Future Workshop & group work
- 17:00 – 17:30 Results & discussion
- from 17:30 Closing / informal get-together
What exactly are “future skills”?
Skills that are especially important in the future world of work, such as:
- Adaptability
- Digital skills (AI, IT)
- Critical thinking
- Communication skills
- Intercultural competence
- Dealing with uncertainty
Join us at the Future Skills Lab Kick-off on April 16, 2026!
Whether you have just started your studies or are about to graduate—we look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your journey.
The Future Skills Lab project is also aimed at industry professionals and educators!
The Future Skills Lab project is a collaboration between the Film University Summer School, the Film University International Office, and the Film University Startup Center. The Future Skills Lab is funded by the European Union and the State of Brandenburg.