Working in Germany

International students at Leuphana University who would like to work in Germany during their studies or after graduation will find helpful tips and further information on this website.

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.

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, there are also opportunities to practice your German and to get to know people from Lüneburg outside the university context. Many educational institutions and initiatives offer such opportunities, e.g. the intercultural meeting center "mosaique" in the heart of the city as well as the intergenerational Geschwister-Scholl-Haus near the campus.

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. And this is not just about global industry giants: Small and medium-sized companies provide more than half of the open jobs in Germany.

The following Career Service offers enable you to get in contact with different employers:

• Job Shadowing International is a format designed specifically for international students to allow you - with minimal time effort and maximum insight - to connect with regional employers.
• Every year in May, Career Services hosts the FOR YOUR CAREER job fair, where numerous employers present jobs for entry-level professionals as well as internships, part-time student jobs, etc.
• You can get to know various regional employers via the "Leuphana Forum for Students and Regional Employers" on LinkedIn. Please follow our advice to present yourself in the best possible way on these platforms.
• 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 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. A part-time job for up to 20 hours per week during your studies is permitted. 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.

Only a few companies in Germany communicate exclusively in English. These employers are mainly located in large cities.

• By using the search term "englischsprachige Jobs", you can find corresponding offers in the well-known job portals. Likewise, you can find job offers in English using the keyword "job seeking" at the Employment Agency's job board.
• Furthermore there is an advisory service offered by the Employment Agency.
• There are also a number of employers among the small and medium-sized companies in the region who are looking for international professionals. You will find a selection on our Job Shadowing Website. Feel free to contact the Career Service.

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

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.