Working in Germany

The sooner you start thinking about the direction you want to take in your career, the easier it is to gain purposeful professional experience during your studies. Practical work experience is very important to German employers when filling positions.

• On the portal "deutschland.de" you can find various kinds of information about career opportunities for international professionals and job seekers.
• In the "Intercultural Handbook" you will find information on the peculiarities of the German work culture.
• In order to find your footing and arrive in Germany beyond job-related issues, the International Center lists various support services related to studying and living in Lüneburg. The Studentenwerk offers social and financial counseling as well as psychotherapeutic counseling services so that you can find your footing and arrive in Germany beyond job-related issues.
• You can find an initial career orientation in our overview of career prospects.

Excellent knowledge of the German language is the key to convincing employers in Germany. If you want to work in Germany, in most cases you will have to be able to communicate in German with customers, colleagues and superiors.

• We therefore highly recommend the intensive German course offered by the International Office.
• The Leuphana Language Center offers German as a Foreign Language at all levels.
• Beyond pure language skills, at Leuphana you can also learn a lot about German culture in "Language Tandems".

In addition to the specialist and interdisciplinary knowledge acquired during your course of study, practical work experience plays a central role in your job search. Moreover, a professional network helps with career entry. Two good reasons for you to establish contacts with potential employers at an early stage. The following offers enable you to get in contact with different employers:

• Every year, the FOR YOUR CAREER job fair takes place, where numerous employers present jobs for entry-level professionals as well as internships, part-time student jobs, etc. on the Leuphana campus.
• The Leuphana job board "Jobs & Praktika aktuell" offers a direct way to the job market. New job offers, internships, student jobs, topics for theses, etc. are posted here daily. You can find further job search options here.
• By participating in the Career Service's Job Shadowing, students spend a day experiencing everyday life in their aspired job. Students can gain an impression of typical tasks and the workplace (available for enrolled students of Leuphana College and Graduate School).
• You are welcome to take a look at our more detailed information on "internships".
• You can also acquire practical work experience in one of the many "student initiatives“ at Leuphana. Employers in Germany appreciate voluntary commitment!
• You can earn money in student part-time jobs while studying, and at the same time gain experience on the German job market and make first contacts with future employers. Further information on your rights and obligations is provided by the German Studierendenwerk.
• You can find an overview with various information on the topic of "Job regulations for international students in Germany" in this flyer provided by the German Studierendenwerk.

When applying for a job or internship, the application process can sometimes differ significantly from the procedure in your country of origin. We therefore recommend that you prepare thoroughly for your application. The application process in Germany starts with a written application by e-mail or web form. The application documents submitted form the basis for employers to decide whether you will be invited for an interview. This interview can take place in person or by video call.

• General information from Career Service on written applications
• Information on how to prepare for an interview
• If you need feedback for your application documents in English, please contact Micha Edlich from Writing Center: micha.edlich@leuphana.de

Foreigners who wish to work in Germany generally require a residence title that permits them to pursue employment. Exceptions to this rule apply to nationals of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. After your Bachelor's or Master's degree or your PhD in Germany, your work permit can be extended by up to 18 months.

More detailed information is available at the following links:

• The International Office advises you on entry and residence regulations.
• You may read the "Law on Employment and Work of Foreigners" here.
• For voluntary internships, you need the approval of the Foreigners' Registration Office. This information sheet from the Employment Agency provides information on procedures and requirements.
• You can find more information about the right of residence here.
• With the Quick-Check from make-it-in-Germany you can check your options to work and live in Germany.
• In case you decide not to stay in Germany, the Studentenwerk has summarized important formalities in this regard.

Networking and interacting with other people can be very helpful in achieving your career goals. Below are some tips on how to build a network and ways to get in touch with other students or employers.

• Student initiatives offer the opportunity to get involved and meet other students. An overview of current initiatives can be found on the website of the Student Initiatives Organisation (DSi).
• The AStA's ‘International Society’ group also offers international students opportunities to network with other international students.
• The Psychotherapeutic Counselling Centre of the Studierendenwerk OstNiedersachsen regularly offers workshops in English on various topics related to mental health. Take advantage of this offer if, for example, you would like to learn how to deal with stress.
• In addition, there are also opportunities to get to know people from Lüneburg outside the university context, e.g. in the intercultural meeting center "mosaique" in the heart of the city.
• The DAAD's Alumniportal Deutschland offers a social network for knowledge exchange and cooperation for professional development and networking.
• You can also use career networks such as LinkedIn to network digitally. Tips for designing your profile can be found here.

Leuphana offers a wide range of advisory services on various topics. Here you can find more information.

• Advice for workers and professionals from abroad: International Placement Services (ZAV) of the Federal Employment Agency
• You can also find helpful information on the official website for qualified professionals.
• Advice on financial and legal issues as well as psychological support is available from the Studierendenwerk OstNiedersachsen.