Vocational orientation is a lifelong process. Schools not only have the task of supporting pupils in choosing a post-school alternative. In an age of fragmented career biographies, it is also about empowering young people to manage later transitions and actively shape their own careers.

Due to this comprehensive requirement, vocational orientation is an interdisciplinary, cross-sectional task in general education schools. Economics lessons are of particular importance here due to the numerous topics relating to the world of work (e.g. collective bargaining system, regional economic and working environment, industrial relations). The IfÖB therefore organises numerous vocational orientation courses. This applies to the Economics Education and Political Economy degree programmes as well as the area of specialisation for all prospective teachers at secondary modern schools, secondary modern schools and grammar schools.

Research projects and further training for teachers are also realised in close co-operation with the affiliated Institute IÖB. Prof Dr Rudolf Schröder and Dr Tina Fletemeyer therefore head the Vocational Orientation department at IÖB.