DSBK – Lower Silesian Career Services Network

The Lower Silesian Career Services Network (DSBK) was established through an agreement between Career Services Offices operating at public and non-public universities in Lower Silesia.

Working within the DSBK framework enables Career Services Offices to operate more effectively in terms of information and knowledge exchange, as well as their own professional development. In addition, such cooperation allows for a high degree of innovation while operating in the broad field of social activity known as career counseling.

We Support Each Other in Our Activities

The Lower Silesian Career Services Network operates on the principles of voluntariness and equality – decisions regarding participation in specific activities and initiatives are made individually by each office, following approval from the appropriate authorities and after assessing the logistical and organizational resources available to the office.

History of Career Services in Poland

Career Services Offices have been operating in Poland since 1993. The initiative to establish them in our country came from John C. Franks, Director of the Career Services Office at the University of Hull in the United Kingdom, and the first Polish Career Services Office, at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, was created thanks to his efforts.

In Poland, Career Services Offices were organized with the support of international programs (Know How, PHARE, Expand), although this support was often limited to training provided by EU experts or sending office staff abroad for training. The main financial burden – including salaries, premises, and equipment – was borne by universities and, in the case of eight offices established in 1997, also by the National Labour Office and Regional Labour Offices.

In 2002, the Ministry of Economy and Labour announced a grant competition to provide funding for the establishment and development of Career Services Offices at Polish universities under the “First Job” program.