Germany is considered to be one of the best countries to gain professional experience because of its strong economy, renowned companies, multicultural environment and emphasis on practical learning. Internship is the first step in your professional career and it helps you build contacts in professional life. This guide will walk you through the key steps to finding an internship in Germany.
Table of Contents
Advantages of Completing an Internship in Germany
Before diving into the world of finding internships, it is important to understand why doing an internship in Germany is important.
- Opportunities and Options: Germany has a great infrastructure which allows you to find an internship in any field and also provides countless opportunities.
- Economy and high employment rate: Germany ranks 4th in the global economy and 1st in Europe. Due to its heavy investment in R&D, Germany creates a lot of opportunities for working professionals. Therefore, doing an internship in Germany helps to gain knowledge and be a part of one of the world’s largest economies.
- Experience: Unlike many other countries, Germany provides hands-on experience to work in different industries and sectors. Germany provides an excellent opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge into the practical world and thus gain invaluable experience in your desired field.
Types of Internships in Germany
Germany offers various types of internships for international students. While some courses and universities keep an internship as part of their curriculum, some courses and universities allow students to have a voluntary internship. Let’s look at different types of internships available in Germany:
Mandatory Internship
As the name suggests, these internships are a part of the degree program and are a fixed component of the study programme. You need to complete an internship in order to fulfil all the requirements for graduation. Although companies are not liable to pay compensation for a mandatory internship, most of the companies offer good compensation for these internships. The duration varies depending on companies and your willingness.
Voluntary Internship
Most of the courses and universities do not have internships as mandatory, nevertheless it is always a good idea to do a voluntary internship during a degree program or after high school. It helps in enhancing your profile before a full time job and also gives you invaluable experience before stepping into the professional world. These internships offer you to negotiate the duration, content and compensation according to your requirements.
Internship Abroad
There are no legal constraints or requirements for doing an internship overseas or abroad. However, such internships are extremely difficult to find. Also, you need to take into consideration the visa requirements of the country you are willing to do an internship. However, there are some universities that provide enough support for these internships. The duration, content and compensation depends on the country and the company.
Time Duration and Compensation for an Internship
Mandatory internships are governed by the study regulations and university. It can last up to two months between the semesters or five to six months during a semester. It could be replaced for a complete semester. Voluntary internships do not have any fixed duration or timing. You are free to choose the time frame you want to have an internship. Duration must be agreed between a student and the company.
In case of a mandatory internship, companies are not liable to pay any salary because the internship is integrated and considered as a part of your studies. However, most companies nowadays provide a good compensation for the internship. Additionally, there are chances of converting this internship into your full-time job if you also opt to write your final thesis with the company. Good relationships go a long way in the professional field.
In the case of a voluntary internship, the situation is a little different. Minimum wage act takes place which guarantees minimum wage of €12.82 per hour (as of 01.01.2025). Health insurance and other expenses are also partially paid by the company in some cases depending on the decided working hours.
Steps to Find the Right Internship for you
1. Define your Goals
Before searching for an internship, it is important to conduct a short self-analysis. Decide your future path and direction you want to take and finalise your career goals. Everything else builds on this. Analyse your own skills and qualifications according to your defined goals. If you find any gap between your desired goal and skills try to bridge that gap. Here’s a short list of some questions that can help you decide goals and need for an internship:
- Which industry or department do I want to work in?
- What are my strengths and weaknesses?
- What are the qualifications and skills required?
- What are the missing skills?
- What do I expect from this internship?
2. Search for the Internship
Once you are clear with your goals, start searching for an internship actively. There are several ways to find internships. Let’s see some of them:
- Company Website
If you are particular about any specific company, then the best way to look for an internship is directly through their website. Most of the companies have a “Careers” page on their website where they post a list of jobs and internships they offer. In case, they do not have any vacancies at the time of searching, you can write them an email or send an unsolicited application clearly describing your motivation and nature of internship.
- Online Portals
There are a lot of online portals available that provide a list of openings. Additionally, they provide different filters that you can use to curate your search according to your interests. Here, you can get an idea of internships provided by big as well as small companies. Some of the well known online portals are Indeed and Stepstone.
- University Notice Boards/ Online Portals
Most universities have their own online portal where they publish the job openings and internships. Since the openings are posted on the university portal, you can be assured that they are interested in hiring students. Some universities post openings on the university notice board as well. Universities also have alumni groups, which could be a good option for looking for an internship.
- Networking
Xing and LinkedIn are very good networking sites. They not only post different job postings but also give you access to different people who can really help you in securing an internship. You can send cold messages to different HR’s and also get connected to a lot of professionals that can recommend you in securing internships.
- Career Fairs
The only difference between an online portal and career fair is, career fairs are held in person so that you can get advice and feedback straight away and face-to-face. You can submit your documents in hard copy and in person. Some of the well known career fairs are Akademika and Connecticum.
3. Prepare Documents
Once you start looking for an internship, you should also start preparing documents for application. Remember that different companies may ask for additional documents but here’s the list of some of the general documents that you will require for almost all the internship applications.
- CV or Resume
- Cover Letter
- Certificates
- Transcripts
- Language Certificate (if applicable)
- Experience Letter
While there is no specific format for CV or cover letter, try keeping it professional and minimalistic. Add only the relevant information and highlight your education and experience.
4. Check Visa and Work Permit Requirements
Generally, if you are a student in Germany itself, then you don’t require any additional visa or work permit. You can complete your internship with the student visa you have. However, you need to consider the working hours per week. Clearly inform the regulatory authorities about your internship and working hours so that there are no issues in future. There is no requirement for a separate visa or work permit. However, if you are planning to pursue an internship abroad then you may need to have an additional visa or work permit depending on your destination. Check all the requirements before applying to avoid unnecessary disputes and difficulties.
5. Apply and Follow Up
Searching for an internship can be a little tiring and time-consuming. Therefore, go through all the requirements carefully before applying. Prepare your documents according to the company’s requirements. Prepare a motivation or cover letter according to your needs and interests. If required, curate a cover letter according to the company’s specifications, thus ensuring you are highly motivated for working at that particular company.
In general, the application process can take up to several days to weeks before you get your working contract. Therefore, be patient before following up too soon. Go through the application process and company’s website to get an idea on how much time it will take before you hear back from the company. You can always follow up on your application status and show your motivation for the position.
Secret Tips to Ace Your Internship Experience
- Be Polite and Patient
Always use a friendly and formal tone during your application. Use words like “Please”, “Thank you”, etc. wherever necessary. Being punctual is another important thing that you should consider becoming a respected member among your peers. Small things can do wonders at the beginning of a professional career.
- Dress Properly
Read the room at the time of your interview. If necessary, clear your doubts about everyday dressing. You do not have to wear a suit every day if no one else is wearing, but it does not mean you can wear something extravagant and casual. Dress according to the industry and company you are working in.
- Be Punctual
It is good practice to know your working hours, and try to be punctual as much as possible. Inquire about the timings on the day of interview, which will not only help you to be punctual, but also will show your interest in working with the company. Always show up on time for work and meetings. Ask for the contact details of the person you need to inform in case you are late. Clarify your reasons for being late or not able to go to work.
- Be Enthusiastic
If something is unclear, make sure to ask and clear your doubts. Ask questions when in doubt to avoid any mistakes. You will be new and inexperienced, so no need to worry about asking questions. Your colleagues will be happy to help you. However, asking too many questions and the same question repeatedly can come out as your inability to learn and lack of concentration.
- Take Initiative
Your internship is your responsibility, and so you should shape this experience the way you want to. Don’t wait for others to give you tasks, rather take the initiative and contribute to the company wherever necessary. Try to help other colleagues. If you are interested in any particular area or on a specific project, talk to your supervisor or colleagues and show your interest and ask if you can contribute.
- Meet Deadlines
If there are deadlines for presentations or documents, be sure to make them. Do not underestimate your behaviour or dependency during the internship. If you are not sure about meeting deadlines, inform your supervisor in good time. You can also ask for help if you need.
Finding an Internship in English
There is a common misconception that most of the companies offer only internships in the German language. However, there are many companies that offer internships in English as well. While there are many online portals that help you find an English internship, I would recommend you to search for it by yourself first. One of the best ways is to apply with an unsolicited or initiative application to the companies you are interested in.
You need to have a strong reason and a proper resume or CV to apply for an internship in English. While applying unsolicited, curate the CV according to the company’s profile. Show clear motivation regarding your willingness to work with the company. Note that, while your primary language during internship may be English, there are chances that the primary language of the company can be German, so it is always good to have some knowledge of the German language. The best way to find an internship in English is to look for small start-ups as you will not only get an internship in English but also get to work with the founders directly. This will enhance your overall experience.
Dos and Don’ts During the Interview
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Be Patient | Don’t criticize others |
| Be Punctual | Don’t hide your achievements |
| Dress Appropriately | Don’t over-commit |
| Bring hard copies | Don’t be boring with long answers |
| Clearly convey your achievements | Don’t address interviewer with the first name |
| Ask Questions | Don’t ask too many unnecessary questions |
| Be interactive and enthusiastic | Don’t be shy |
| Make eye contact | |
| Greet properly |
Viel Erfolg!
Germany offers one of the best opportunities for gaining your first experience. There are some misconceptions about the application process, language barrier and many more. While some of them may be true, most of them are not. So, open your chances for being among the top and best candidates and work with the spearheads. This guide is all you need to be successful in your internship. So pump up and start applying. Viel Erfolg!
About the Author: Deep Parikh
