FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - FIRST EDITION

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FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - FIRST EDITION
CAREER
  RESOURCE
    GUIDE
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

 FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

          FIRST EDITION
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - FIRST EDITION
Career Resource Guide for                        International
International Students                          Career Service

Table of Contents

Welcome                                                   3
To the University and City of Augsburg

Career Services and You                                  4
Our Support in Your Career Development

Steps to Improved Employability                           5
Learn German, gain experience, develop skills

The German Labor Market                                 13
For University Graduates

Applying in Germany                                     17
CVs and Cover Letters

Job Search Strategies                                   24
For the German Labor Market

Marketing Yourself                                      26
Use Your International Advantage

Legal and Visa Matters                                  27
During and after your studies

Further Academic Studies                                29
Graduate studies and dorctorial studies

Graduation and Departure                                30
Alumni opportunities
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - FIRST EDITION
Career Resource Guide for                                                  International
International Students                                                    Career Service

  Welcome to the
  University of
  Augsburg!
  We're glad you're here.

  We are delighted to welcome all               However, even with a strong economy
  international students to the                 and low unemployment rate, applying
  University of Augsburg and we are             for jobs in Germany is still a competitive
  happy that you have chosen to study           process. This guide is meant to provide
  here. We wish you much success as             you with information about the German
  you fulfill your academic goals and we        labor market, job application process,
  look forward to assisting you with your       and tips for maximizing your time at
  career development.                           the University of Augsburg to increase
                                                your chances of future employment in
  For many international students in            Germany.
  Germany, the ultimate goal is to stay
  in Germany after graduation and
  begin a career here. Working in
  Germany has many benefits for your
  career development, enabling you to
  gain overseas experience and cultural
  knowledge that will set you apart in
  the global job market.

                                            3
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - FIRST EDITION
Career Resource Guide for                                               International
International Students                                                 Career Service

  Career Services and You
  Our Support in Your Career Development

  The Career Service offers support to
  all students during and after their
  studies. However, it is important
  that your expectations of what we
  can offer match the reality of what
  we can deliver. Career Services exist
  in many countries around the world
  – and the extent of service can vary
  greatly. Students often carry
  expectations from one country to
  another, which can lead either to
  pleasant surprises or to
  disappointments. Therefore it is
  important that we are clear about
  what you can expect from us and
  what you cannot.

                                              For example, some students may
                                              think that the Career Service will act
                                              on their behalf with employers and
                                              organize jobs for them. But we are
                                              not an employment agency. What we
                                              do offer you is high quality
                                              individualized information, advice
                                              and support to help you figure out
                                              what you want to do, find it and
                                              apply for it.
                                              So, if you want to discuss your career
                                              plans or want us to check your
                                              application documents, please don’t
                                              hesitate to contact us!

                                                         International Career Service
                                                         ics@aaa.uni-augsburg.de
                                                         Tel.: 0821 598 5952

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FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - FIRST EDITION
Career Resource Guide for                                               International
International Students                                                 Career Service

 Steps to Improved
 Employability
 Your Career Development Begins Now

 Simply studying in Germany is often not enough to land a job in the country upon
 graduation. In addition to your degree program, you should also concentrate
 heavily on learning German, gaining relevant work experience, and building skills.

                                Relevant
                             Work Experience

                                 Improved
                                   Develop
                               Employability
                                     Skills
                                in Germany
                 German                           Hard and Soft
             language abilities                      Skills

Together, your academics, knowledge of German, relevant work experience, and skillset
will help you create a convincing application for German employers. In the following
sections we will explain how you can work on each area during your studies so that you
are well prepared for the German labor market upon graduation.

                                           5
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - FIRST EDITION
Career Resource Guide for                                              International
International Students                                                Career Service

 Learn German
 Your key to the German labor market

 Learning German should be your             In order to do this, we highly
 number one priority! It will be so         recommend taking advantage of the
 much easier to find a job in               German courses offered by the
 Germany if you can speak the               language center (Sprachenzentrum) at
 language. In most cases, German            the University of Augsburg. The
 companies and organizations                University of Augsburg offers German
 require a strong command of the            as a Foreign Language courses to all
 German language. Furthermore,              enrolled students, from beginner
 you want to be able to                     courses to academic German courses
 communicate with co-workers,               for writing scientific papers.
 office staff, people on the street
 etc. Although there are a few                Link to the University Language Center
 hundred companies in Germany
 that utilize English as their              In addition to enrolling in a university
 company work language, this is             German course, you also have the
 much more of an exception that             opportunity to participate in the language
 the rule. Even if the position is          tandem program organized by the
 advertised in English, employers           International Office. Apart from German
 often still expect a good                  classes, improve and practice your
 command of the German                      German language and communication
 language for communication on a            skills as much as you can. Use self-
 daily basis. This is not to say that       learning resources, start reading the news
 English-only positions don’t exist         in German, go to the movies, but most of
 in Germany—they do—but they are            all: talk to Germans!
 highly coveted and few and far
                                              Link to the Language Tandem Program
 between. Therefore, increase your
 chances by becoming at least
 conversational in the German
 language.

                                            You can take German classes at
                                            the Uni for free, and you should!

                                        6
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - FIRST EDITION
Career Resource Guide for                                                      International
International Students                                                        Career Service

 Learn German
 Your key to the German labor market

 Sometimes the university’s language courses just do not fit into your semester
 plan or you simply do not get into them. In this case, there are several private
 language learning options available. These two are the most commonly used:

 Goethe Institut                                   Adult Education Center (VHS)
 The Goethe Institute is a cultural                Adult Education Centers are located
 institute with locations all                      all throughout Germany and focus
 around the world, serving as the                  on lifelong learning for the young
 premier, government-sponsored                     and the old. They always offer
 German language learning                          German as a Foreign Language
 institute. The nearest one is                     courses as well as many others for
 located in Munich.                                affordable prices.

 Other private language schools in Augsburg:
  Augsburger Deutschkurse
  Berlitz Sprachschule Augsburg
                                                               Practice Your German!
  Inlingua Sprachschule Augsburg
  Sprachforum Augsburg                                         The International Office hosts
                                                               country evenings throughout
                                                               the semester in which
 There are also a few ways to learn                            students have the
 German online from the comfort of your                        opportunity to present their
 student dorm. Here are several free and                       home country’s culture,
 paid options. Please note that this list is                   politics, and society. It is a
 not comphrehensive.                                           great opportunity to meet
                                                               other German students who
                                                               are interested in international
 Free Options             Paid Options                         topics.
   IWDL                     Babbel
   Duolingo                 Busuu                                 Link to the events calendar

   Deutsche Welle           German Lessons Online
   Memrise                  Goethe Institut Online
   Hinative
   Mondly

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FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - FIRST EDITION
Career Resource Guide for                                                   International
International Students                                                     Career Service

  Gain Related
  Experience
  Get comfortable with German
  work culture and expectations

  Work experience is highly valued by          However, to start, any type of work
  German graduate employers.                   experience in Germany will still be
  Although your degree and your extra-         useful in developing transferrable skills,
  curricular activities give you lots of       getting acquainted to German work
  skills, it is very important to German       culture and for obtaining a reference or
  employers that you have proven               recommendation from a German
  ability in the workplace. Graduates          employer. Many employers recruit
  with no work experience have little or       graduates into permanent roles who
  no chance of receiving a job offer.          have already worked for them as
  Relevant work experience can come            students on summer internships or
  in many forms, such as part-time jobs,       other periods of work experience. In
  volunteer work, summer internships,          fact, completing an internship is
  or one-year practical placements.            integral to career start success in
  Ideally try to find work experience          Germany – make it a priority! The next
  relevant to your career goals.               section will help you get started with
                                               the internship search process.

                                                    To get started, check out the internship
                                                    search engine listing on the International
                                                    Career Service homepage.

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FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - FIRST EDITION
Career Resource Guide for                                                     International
International Students                                                       Career Service

Spotlight On
Internships in Germany
Get comfortable with German work culture and expectations

 In Germany, students complete on                Next, explore different methods for
 average two to three internships                finding a suitable internship:
 during their course of study.                      Company websites (Guide available
 Internships, which are offered in some             from the ICS)
 occupational areas, are periods of                 Online employment sites (Guide
 work, typically undertaken during                  available from the ICS)
 summer vacation. Internships                       Print Media (Newspapers, Magazines)
 normally last between six weeks and                Social Media (LinkedIn, Xing)
 six months.                                        Job boards at the university
                                                    Expat portals
 Some degree programs include                       Career Events (Job fairs, Job Talks)
 obligatory internships, but even if it is          Professional associations and
 not compulsory for your degree, it still           foundations
 makes sense to do a few, because
 without previous job experience it is           Lastly, apply!
 difficult to get your foot in the door at       Once you have found a few internship
 German organizations and companies.             offerings that you are interested in, it is
                                                 time to get your application portfolio
 Obtaining an internship does not                prepared to be mailed. Applying to
 happen overnight. Therefore, doing              internships is basically the same as
 your research, planning in advance              applying to jobs in Germany. Turn to
 and always having perfect, up-to-date           page 17 for detailed information about
 application materials ready is crucial!         preparing a German job application.
                                                 Additionally, more information on this
 To start, you should think about and            topic can be found on the Career
 research the following questions:               Service website.
 • What sectors or professional fields do
 you want to get to know?
 • Which companies operate in these
 areas?
 • What skills, knowledge and abilities do
 you wish to acquire or improve?
 • How long should the internship be?

                Attention Science Students!
                Introduction to Internship Programs for English-speaking
                Material Science and other Science Students
                Every semester this informative presentation is offered by the International
                Office for science students, especially those studying material science, who
                are interested in doing an internship outside of Germany. Check the IO
                website for specific time and location information.

                                             9
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - FIRST EDITION
Tips for finding an
Internship in Germany
Utilize Your Network!                             Start with smaller
Don’t forget to utilize the social capital        companies
that you already have: personal                   Smaller companies often get less
contacts, professors and lecturers,               applications than large, often
fellow students. Which personal                   international, companies. For this
contacts within companies have you                reason you may have higher chances
made during your studies? For                     to get the internship when you first
example, did anyone from a company                start applying for interships at smaller
do a speech during your lectures that             companies. Often you also get more
you could reach out to? Reach out to              responsibilites at these companies.
your professors and lecturers. They
may also have contacts in companies
                                                  Ask directly
which offer internships. Lastly, fellow
students can also be a wealth of                  Another opportunity to find an
information—perhaps they have                     internship in Germany is to ask
already done an internship, or are in             directly. You can either find out who is
the same boat as you and searching                responsible for internships in a certain
for one. Pool your resources, and help            company and call this person or you
each other.                                       can ask at special career events or
                                                  career fairs if a company offers
                                                  internships and where you have to
                                                  apply.
Use internship search
engines                                           Go to career fairs
Besides classic job search engines                Career fairs are a vital resource for
there are special search engines for              meeting recruiting representatives
internships where you can find                    from companies that are looking for
internships in different companies in             interns and young professionals. The
Germany. Often, you can also filter for           key is to prepare well for the career
special companies or industry sectors.            fair: practice your elevator pitch, make
The International Career Service can              several copies of your resume and
provide a list of all common internship           plan out your business attire for the
search engines. Please contact the                day. Don’t forget to follow up with
International Career Service to get the           contacts as well.
list.

                Are internships paid in Germany?
                Since 2015, there is a law regulating minimum wages – and this law is also
                valid for internships. For voluntary internships that last longer than three
                months, companies have to pay the minimum wage. If the internship is
                voluntary and lasts less than three months or is mandatory, companies are
                not obliged to pay minimum wage.

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Career Resource Guide for                                                      International
International Students                                                        Career Service

Skills Development
Going beyond academics

  During your time as a student you have
  great opportunities to gain new skills

                                                          Hard Skills
  and competencies that you can use in
  your career after graduation. Make the
  most of your time at the University of
  Augsburg by taking advantage of these                  Concrete abilities that can
  offerings.                                             be proven with certificates,
                                                         excellent grades, or even a
  Regardless of your desired career path,                reference letter from your
  it is advisable to gain additional skills                  previous supervisor
  and competencies beyond the
  academic material covered in a degree
  program.

  Researching employers is a good way to
  discover which qualifications are in
  demand in your desired field. What
  types of job openings do they advertise,
                                                           Soft Skills
  and what skillset is expected? What is
                                                         Abilities that are not always
  the minimum education and
                                                         tangible, such as creativity,
  knowledge base for entry-level
                                                         clear communication skills,
  employees? This will give you a decent
                                                           empathy, team work, or
  idea of the skills that you should be
                                                          intercultural competence
  honing in on aside your studies so that
  you leave the university not only with a
  degree but also with the skills and
  experience employers are expecting in
  your field.

                    Skill building opportunities outside of the university:
           Adult Education Centers (VHS)                Federal Employment Agency
           Coursera                                     iversity
           edX                                          Further education counseling

                                              11
Career Resource Guide for                                                      International
International Students                                                        Career Service

 Skills Development
 Opportunities at the University of Augsburg

                   Soft Skills Courses

The Career Service offers many soft skills courses every semester, which they advertise on their
website. If you are studying in the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, then there are
special soft skill courses in subjects such as CATIA and project management available to you.

                                          Technology Trainings

The computer center offers technology courses for students both during the semester and
breaks. Topics include everything from Excel VBA to scientific writing programs such as LaTeX.

            Faculty-specific Offerings

Check with the advisors of your particular program. Oftentimes, there are extra workshops,
seminars, or lecturers provided that relate specifically to your degree program.

                                           Do-It Program

Through the Do-It Program offered by the Career Service of the University of Augsburg you
spend 40 hours in one semester working on a project for a community organization. Projects
range from designing a facebook campaign to working with senior citizens. It's a great way to
gain related experience.

                          ZIS Certificate

The ZIS Program is a certificate for intercultural qualifications which you can acquire from the
International Office if you achieve at least 20 points in each of the four modules: language &
communication, experience abroad, university engagement and international continuing
education.
                                               12
Career Resource Guide for                                               International
International Students                                                 Career Service

The German
Labor Market
A diverse landscape

As the fourth-largest economy in the world and the largest in Europe, the German
labor market is diverse both in employer types and employment opportunities
provided. Due to changing demography and an overall stable economic situation,
Germany currently has low unemployment and excellent job prospects. Here is a rough
overview of the sectors in the German labor market.

Private Sector
The private sector is vibrant and expansive. It is comprised of international
corporations, small to large companies, family businesses and start-ups. Over 90% of all
German companies make up the ‘Mittelstand’, or small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs), and therefore not only account for two-thirds of all jobs but also produce more
than half of Germany’s economic output. The Mittelstand is the backbone of the
German economy, so make sure not to overlook the ‘hidden champions’ by only
concentrating on big name companies.

International Corporations and Large Companies (10,000+ employees)
Offer lucrative positions in an international environment. Positions in such companies
are highly coveted and therefore highly competitive. Among the main industries
represented are automobile companies, pharmaceutical companies and chemical
companies. Examples include Audi, BASF, Bayer, BMW, Daimler, SAP, Siemens, and VW.

Large medium-sized companies (100-10,000 employees)
Example industries include: Engineering, Technology, Chemistry, Automotive, Fashion
They are often less well-known, but often just as professioal and internationally-
situated as large companies.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs, 1-250 employees)
Since the majority of companies in Germany are SMEs, depending on your career goals
and qualifications, it may make sense to focus on this sub-sector than on the large
companies.

Family Businesses (100-1000 employees)
Most family businesses are SMEs or large medium-sized companies and tend to have a
tight-knit company culture and a high degree of loyalty between employees and the
managers/owners.
Start-Ups
Startups provide a highly flexible environment in which employees are able to
integrate new ideas but at the same time are expected to wear multiples hats and take
risks.

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Career Resource Guide for                                                International
International Students                                                  Career Service

The German
Labor Market
A diverse landscape

Public Service Sector
In Germany, public employees, civil servants, judges, and teachers, for example, are
employed to perform state tasks. Some positions in public service are limited to
German nationals, but many positions are open to all nationalities assuming that the
set requirements are met. The public sector is lacking in immigrants and campaigning
to employ more workers with a migration background particularly in schools, law
enforcement and municipal government.
Examples include:
   German Public Service
   International Organizations
   The European Union
   The United Nations
   Academia and Research

Non-Profit Sector
There is a wide range of career paths available within the non-profit sector, with non-
profit organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), for example. Non-
profit organizations provide public, community and social services to promote a wide
range of causes. NGOs are normally private international aid organizations that raise
money and provide assistance for a particular cause.

                                                    Spend some time researching SMEs in
                                                    your desired branch.

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Career Resource Guide for                                                       International
International Students                                                         Career Service

The German
Labor Market
Avenues for entry
Depending on degree program and career goals, there are several points of entry
into the German labor market for university graduates. Here are some of the main
avenues, which demonstrate both pre- and post-graduation opportunities.

Direct entry position (Einstiegstelle)
These are jobs that can be offered by any type of employer and are advertised at any
time of the year, whenever a position becomes available. You may be offered training
towards a professional qualification, depending on the type of work you are doing.
Some of these jobs may require prior experience. Direct entry positions include a
small introductory phase to the tasks and require a strong sense of responsibility.
Such a position is limited to certain duties and projects.

Internship (Praktikum)
It is very difficult to find a entry-level job if you do not have any or very little relevant
work experience. Due to the tight job market in certain fields for university graduates
it is becoming more common that graduates complete internships even after their
studies are finished. Oftentimes, these internships last longer, sometimes up to a year.
An internship is highly valued in Germany and oftentimes companies hire their
interns on full-time. View an internship as a chance to get to know the ins and outs of
a German company, gain work experience, and build your network. As discussed, its
best to do a few internships while you are studying.

Part-time job (Teilzeitstelle)
Sometimes the best career start opportunity is a part-time job. It gives you the
opportunity to master your tasks and get used to your responsibilities. Especially since
working in a foreign language is mentally taxing, a part-time job can help ease the
college to career transition.

Working Student (Werkstudent)
Being a Werkstudent provides you with the opportunity to gain work experience in
your field, learn about a company you are interested in working for, and build your
industry network. Consider applying for such positions before you graduate.
Oftentimes companies hire working students to write their thesis about certain
company-relevant topics and provide compensation for their actual work at the
company and for their time spent working on the masters thesis.

                                                     The International Career Service has a list
                                                     of company databases in which you can
                                                     search for interesting firms.

                                               15
Career Resource Guide for                                                     International
International Students                                                       Career Service

The German
Labor Market
Avenues for entry, continued

Graduate training programs (Traineeprogramme)
These are usually offered by larger employers and provide highly qualified university
graduates with structured training over one to two years. You may work towards
relevant professional qualifications (for example, in accounting, surveying, marketing,
or human resources). Normally trainees spend a few months in each of the
departments so that they receive a well-rounded view of the company. Sometimes
trainees are offered a position after they have successfully completed the program.

Volunteer Program (Volontariat)
In Germany, special volunteer programs for graduates offer a route into highly
competitive branches such as public relations, journalism, human resources, TV, print,
radio, online media or non-profit work. Volunteer programs function similar to trainee
programs. A volunteer program provides you with on the job training and you hold a
specific position with certain responsibilities for on average one full year. However,
contrary to the name, you are paid, albeit normally not enough to support a more
than modest lifestyle, if that at all. Volunteer programs are especially lucrative for
humanities and social sciences graduates.

Professional Training Program (Referendariat)
A referendariat or “ref” for short is a preparation program for jobs in public service. The
most common examples are education (student teaching) and law (clerkship). A
referendariat normally lasts two years and has to be successfully completed in order
to teach at government-funded schools or to be eligible for positions within the legal
system. In order to qualify for a referendariat, certain subject-specific requirements
and exams have to be completed.

Self-Employment
Another route into the German labor market is to pave your way by setting up your
own business. This process is quite intricate, requiring specific plans for the business
structure, financing, and legal set-up. However, there is increasing support for
international students interested in establishing a start-up or company in Germany. In
addition, the University of Augsburg recently established the Center for
Entrepreneurship which provides students with support in starting businesses.

     Link to the Augsburg Center for
     Entrepreneurship (ACE)                        PLAN AHEAD!
                                                   Application deadlines may be some
                                                   time in advance, usually opening in
                                                   August or September of the year
                                                   before you would start the program.

                                              16
Career Resource Guide for                                                 International
International Students                                                   Career Service

Applying in Germany
Preparing Your Application Materials for German
Employers

Application Requirements in Germany
Writing and putting together job applications for the German labor market can
sometimes be very different from the experience you had in your home country. It is
important that you become familiar with the German style of writing CVs and
applications, as you will face the same criteria as German graduates when applying
for jobs. Additionally, there are certain submission standards that you will need to
keep in mind. But first, let’s take a look at what a German application includes.

        Application Portfolio (die Bewerbungsmappe)
        An application portfolio is a special folder in which you organize your
        application documents in a neat and orderly fashion. This is a very
        common practice in Germany. There are many different styles, formats,
        and colors that can be purchased at paper goods stores or even at drug
        stores. It is important to use a portfolio if you are handing in your
        application in person or sending it in the mail.

        Professional Application Photo (das Bewerbungsfoto)
        Although many countries have laws or regulations regarding application
        pictures due to discrimination issues, it is still relatively common in
        Germany to include a professional picture of oneself in an application
        portfolio. You are not required by law to include it, but many employers
        and human resources managers will expect it. To obtain a professional
        picture for your application, the best option is to go to a professional
        photographer, the majority of which offer photo packages just for this
        purpose. Depending on where you go and how many different poses you
        want, it costs between 20-100€. Please make sure not to use passport
        pictures for your application photo and dress accordingly (business
        attire, no revealing clothing, etc.). Smiling is very important as it helps
        you come across much friendlier and more sympathetic than if you were
        to not smile. The photo is to be adhered to the right-hand side of your
        resume.
           Must-Haves                     Application Photo Example
            Portrait-style (not full
            body!)
            Clothing should be
            consistent with your field
            of work
            Neutral background
            Smile
            Format 6x4 or 9x6

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Career Resource Guide for                                                 International
International Students                                                   Career Service

Applying in Germany
Preparing Your Application Materials for German
Employers, continued

       Cover Page (das Deckblatt)
       A cover page includes a professional picture of yourself, your name, your
       contact information, the name of the position and company you are
       applying at, and perhaps even a bullet-point list of the attachments in
       your application portfolio. It is not a must-have, but does increase the
       professionalism of your entire application portfolio. If you choose to use a
       cover page, then leave the professional picture of yourself off of your
       resume. Alternatively, you can also have a cover page without a picture of
       yourself.

       Cover Letter (das Anschreiben)
       Your cover letter should be no longer than one page and should
       demonstrate how your previous experience and skills transfer to the
       position you are applying for. It is the most difficult part of the
       application portfolio in Germany but arguably the most important! It is
       absolutely necessary that you indicate to the reader (potentially your
       future boss!) why you are the best fit for the position. It is NOT a
       reverberation of your resume and therefore shouldn’t just list what you
       have done. Moreover, it is not an opportunity to explain why you will
       benefit from a certain position or company.

       Resume/CV (der Lebenslauf)
       Resumes are used to concisely market your experiences and education
       in relation to the requirements of a specific position. It’s important to be
       selective about what is included and not just list everything you have
       ever done. It is a strategically condensed version of the CV, normally no
       more than two pages, listing your relevant work experiences,
       qualifications, skills, and knowledge tailored to a certain position. An
       example can be found on page 22.

       Curriculum Vitaes or CVs for short, on the other hand, are used primarily
       in academic environments where it is appropriate to list everything that
       you have ever done professionally in your life, what you have published,
       schools attended, presentations given, etc. It basically leaves out no
       details. Depending on where you are from, you may be used to one
       format or the other. Unless stated otherwise, a resume will suffice when
       applying for a job or internship in Germany.

                                                Make sure to visit the ICS for a resume/CV
                                                check before you submit your application!

                                           18
Career Resource Guide for                                                     International
International Students                                                       Career Service

Applying in Germany
Preparing Your Application Materials for German
Employers, continued

         Certificates and confirmation statements (die Zeugnisse)
         In Germany it is common practice – and in many cases required – to
         submit school diplomas, college degrees, work certificates, language test
         results, etc., with a job application. These documents are used to prove
         what you have written about in your resume and cover letter. Only ever
         include copies of your documents because application portfolios,
         including their contents, are often not returned. Lastly, please make sure
         that the copies are legible.

         Here is a list of the documents you should include if you have them,
         unless stated otherwise in the job advertisement:
            High School Diploma / A-Levels Certificate
            Transcript of Records from previous and current degrees
            Work and internship certificates
            Participation certificates, for example for events, volunteer activities, etc.
            Language tests or course certificates indicating level
            Confirmation of further education, for example for workshops, seminars,
            online courses
            Translation from documents, if available
            Work samples, if applicable
            Reference letters, if applicable (not necessary common practice in
            Germany)
            Confirmation statements for scholarships, awards, or other distinctions

Applying online
If you must submit your application online, it is common practice to comprise all of
your documents into one PDF (not all in separate documents!) in the same order as
you would your hard copy application (cover page, cover letter, CV/resume,
certificates).

Submitting the application online
If you are submitting the application online, all documents need to be in the order
listed above and in one single PDF document.

Submitting the application in-person or via mail
If you are submitting the application in the mail or in person, it is recommended to
put all of the documents into an application portfolio (Bewerbungsmappe).

Should I get creative with the application?
Application design is a matter of your personal taste and the way in which you want
to present yourself. However, it is not advisable to use bright colors, abstract fonts, or
graphics of any kind. It is best to stick to neutral colors and a clean, sleek document
design.                                        19
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Applying in Germany
Particularities of German job applications

                                 Germany                           Other countries
                     Chronological CV, max two pages,        No need to sign the CV (for
  CV                  date and signature at the end of          example, in France)
                              the document
                         one DIN A4 page; used to          Similar to the American cover
                          demonstrate motivation,                       letter
  Cover Letter
                     knowledge and skills in regards to
                                the position
                      Professional application photo is   Anonymous applications without
  Photo                placed in the upper right-hand     a picture (e.g. U.S.A.) or a normal
                      corner of the CV or on the cover      passport picture (e.g. France)
                                    sheet
                                                         References from former employers
  References                        unusual                are listed instead of including
                                                            work certificates (e.g. U.S.A.)
                        Includes copies of important     References are often used instead
  Attachments         certificates (high school diploma,    of attachments (e.g. France)
                      college degree, work certificates)
                          Either online or via E-Mail in   Send via the mail without an
  Dispatch             PDF-Format as one document, or application portfolio (e.g. France)
                        via mail in a DIN A4 application             or via E-Mail
                                     portfolio

The outward appearance of the application portfolio is very important in Germany.
Your application portfolio and documents should be put together in a consistent and
careful manner.

                                                   Take your time preparing your application
                                                   materials - details are key!

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Applying in Germany
Particularities of German job applications, continued

The most common way to obtain a position in Germany is to apply to advertised job
openings, which are listed online, in newspapers, or sometimes even on job boards. Of
course, you can also send a blind application (also referred to as an unsolicited or
self-initiative application) to the company or institution of your choice. For more
information about this type of application, please see page 25.

Tips:
   All application documents need to be typed up on DIN A4 paper with conventional
   font styles (Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, etc.) which should not ever be smaller
   than 10pt.
   There is special application paper that is a bit thicker and much sleeker looking
   than normal printer paper. It is called “Bewerbungspapier” in German and can be
   purchased at most paper goods stores. It is normally located right next to the
   application portfolios.
   If you use accent colors, for example on your cover page, make sure they coordinate
   with the color of your application portfolio.
   Regardless of whether you are writing your application in English or German, make
   sure to double for spelling and punctuation errors. In addition, have at least one
   other person read over your entire application before your submit it!
   Only write the application in German if you can interview in German
   Always write the job application in the language that was used in the job posting

Assessment Center
After your application for a job you may be invited to a job interview or Assessment Center.
Besides the typical job interview, Assessment Centers get more popular, especially among
large companies that have many applicants. Performing different tasks you have to show
your soft skills and how you react in different situations.

Typical tasks at Assessment Centers could be:
  Group discussion
  Case studies
  Presentations
  Aptitude and psychometric tests
  Role play and simulation exercises
  Interview

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CV Example

                            22
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CV Example, continued

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 Job Search Strategies
 For the German Labor Market
 Searching for an internship or a job takes time, so be persistent and patient.
 Even though the German economy is strong and the unemployment rate
 low, applying for jobs is still a competitive process. Opportunities won’t just
 come to you; you have to actively seek them out, for example by attending
 networking events in addition to submitting applications.

 Using Print Media
 If you already have knowledge of German, make sure to include print job
 advertisements in your search. Most newspapers, even regional ones, include a job
 advertisement section in print and online. In addition to newspapers for the general
 public, it is worthwhile to look into industry-specific journals, publications and
 professional organization websites.

 Using Social Media
 Portals such as LinkedIn and Xing are not just electronic CV databases that provide an
 online network. Rather, they also host a variety of industry thought leaders, career
 information, and job advertisements. Additionally, these networks are used extensively
 by head hunters who contact desirable applicants directly through the portals.
 It is advisable to create profiles on both LinkedIn and Xing. Under the section “I am
 searching for/I offer” you can fill in which type of work or positions you are interested in,
 which is helpful to headhunters viewing your profile. Furthermore, you can follow
 interest groups, leaders in the field, and companies you are interested in working for.
 Lastly, don’t forget about the UoA Alumni LinkedIn page!

 University Career Events
 The University of Augsburg offers a variety of career events, seminars and workshops
 that aim to provide you with information about career routes in specific fields, sharpen
 your applicant profile through soft skills development, or get you in touch with alumni.

 Company Career Events
 Companies and organizations may host career events as well. Oftentimes they present
 their company profile and provide information about open positions at an information
 session, for example. To find out about such events, please visit company websites
 directly. Always take with a polished application portfolio, or at the very least, your CV, to
 company events.

                                                      If you need help setting up a LinkedIn or
                                                      Xing account, feel free to contact the ICS.

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 Job Search Strategies
 For the German Labor Market, continued

 Personal Websites
 It is becoming more common in the German-speaking world to have a personal
 website, which basically outlines your academic and professional experiences in a
 modern, effective format. This is a nice-to-have but not a must. There are many
 personal website builders that make putting together such a site easy. However,
 before you create the website, please do some research to figure out if it is necessary
 in your field of work. For many industries, LinkedIn or Xing will be enough.

 Unsolicited Application (Initiativbewerbung)
 Instead of waiting for a suitable job advertisement or for being found by employers
 on Social Media platforms you can also take the initiative and write an unsolicited
 application. With this special form of application you apply for a job without a certain
 job advert. Some companies even have special application websites for specualtive
 applications.

                    Who employs international students and is there a list of
                    international-friendly German employers in my field or
                    preferred location?
                    There is no definitive list of companies who recruit international
                    students, but with a little research you can start to identify likely
                    employers. We do not have a ready-made list of such employers, but
                    we can offer some advice on possible strategies and resources to
                    identify companies interested in employing international candidates.

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 Marketing Yourself
 Use Your International Advantage

 Consider the aspects that make you unique amongst other candidates while
 applying to positions and make those attributes shine in your application materials!
 As an international student, you have skills, qualities and experiences that not all
 students are able to offer, so it is enormously important that you “sell” these to
 employers. These include:
   Maturity and independence
   Comfortability with mobility and willingness to relocate
   Ability to work within two or multiple cultural environments
   Familiarity with your home country’s economy and business culture
   Specific country or regional knowledge
   Global perspective and cultural awareness
   Intercultural competence
   Multilingual and multicultural
   Connections to businesses and people abroad
   International work, volunteer, or other study experience
   Adaptability, openness

 Your language skills, previous work experience in your home country as well as your
 knowledge of a non-German market can prove very interesting to German
 employers. It is very important that you can talk about the skills you gained during
 your work experience, focusing on the needs of the company you are applying to.

               Networking in Germany -- Vitamin "B" is important!
 Germans refer to networking as ‘Vitamin B’, the ‘B’ standing for ‘Beziehungen’, in English
 ‘relationships.’ That is because networking, both in-person and online, are vital to equally
career entry and progression in the country. Use your personal network to identify contacts,
 but don’t forget about reaching out to university alumni in your field. Make sure your Xing
    and LinkedIn profiles are always up-to-date and presented in a professional matter.

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 Legal and Visa Matters
 During and After Your Studies

 Working in Germany while studying

 As already mentioned above, gaining work experience during your studies is very
 important to improve your chances for obtaining employment in Germany after
 graduation. On the other hand, you might have to earn money during your studies to
 cover your living expenses.

 Whatever your reasons for working are, it is vitally important that you look into your
 entitlement to work in Germany during your studies. Here are some general
 guidelines:

   International students from outside the European Economic Area are only
   permitted to work 120 full or 240 half days per year (voluntary internships
   included).
   Jobs as a student assistant or research assistant at the university normally don’t
   count for the 120-day limit. However, you are obliged to inform the Foreigners
   Registration Office if you have such a position.
   During term time, all students (both German and international students) are
   allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours a week.
   In addition, international students from outside the EU or EEA are not permitted
   to work in a self-employed or freelance capacity.

 Working in Germany upon graduation

Labor and migration laws for graduates of German higher education instiutions have
become very accommodating in recent years and allow international students a fair
chance at starting a career in Germany upon graduation.

International graduates from countries outside of the EU
                                                                The 18 months start as soon
can extend their residence permit for up to 18 months
                                                                as the final exam result has
after completing their studies for the purpose of looking
for employment. You have these 18 months to find a job         been issued in writing. Thus:
that matches your education and qualification. In order            If you want to work in
to extend your residence permit for the purpose of              Germany after completing
seeking a job you must prove that your livelihood is              your studies, you should
secured. During the job-seeking period, you are allowed        already start looking for a job
to work without restriction, including                             in your final semester!
positions unrelated to your degree that help you cover
your living costs.

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 Legal and Visa Matters
 During and After Your Studies, continued

Once a university graduate finds a suitable position, their previous residence permit can
be converted to a temporary residence permit for the purpose of employment. After
two years of continuous employment you can receive a permanent residence permit.

Additionally, university graduates from outside the EU working in specific fields and
with an employment contract with a certain salary may qualify for the EU Blue Card.
This pertains to engineers, qualified communications and technology experts, medical
doctors and other specific professions. For current information about requirements for
obtaining the Blue Card, please visit www.bamf.de/bluecard.

 For more general information about employment rules and regulations:

   Arbeitsagentur
   Auswärtiges Amt (information available in six languages)
   Make it in Germany
   Hotline Working and Living in Germany

 Please note that the Career Service is not authorized to give personal advice about
 work permits or your eligibility to stay in Germany. For information about your specific
 situation, please contact the Immigration Office and Service Centre for legal advice.

                     Foreigners’ Registration Office
                             Ramona Krünes
                    An der Blauen Kappe 18, Room 172
                             86152 Augsburg
                           Tel: +49 821 598 5448
                  ramona.kruenes@aaa.uni-augsburg.de
                        More information and current opening hours

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 Further Academic Studies
 Graduate and Doctorial Studies
If you are interested in continuing your education in Germany, there are several options
available depending on your most recently earned academic degree.

Graduate Studies
It is important that you take time to consider your decision to continue studying.
Depending on your field, another degree may not enhance your employment chances,
and in some cases, it may actually decrease your chances because you will be
over-qualified for your ideal position.
Types of master degrees:
   Consecutive master programs: build on the knowledge gained in the first academic
   degree.
   Non-consecutive master programs: do not assume knowledge in the field at hand
   and instead provide an in-depth overview.

              Database of all study programs in Germany
              Database of all study programs in English in Germany

Part-time master degrees
For those wanting to start their career in Germany but still interested in furthering their
knowledge and education, part-time master degrees may be a good option. These
programs are called “berufsbegleitend” in German and are mostly only offed in German,
although there are some exceptions. Of course, taking on a degree program while
starting a new job in a foreign country is nothing to take lightly and should be well
researched and planned.

Doctorial Studies
PhDs are necessary for an academic or research career in Germany. At the same time, a
doctorate degree does not guarantee employment in academia. If you want to become
a professor in Germany, you have to fulfill many requirements beyond a PhD including
a post-doctorate and Habilitation (second doctorate degree). If you are considering a
PhD, it is especially important that you seek advice and guidance from multiple sources
in order to make an informed decision: faculty advisors, study program managers,
academic advisors, and career counselors. Lastly, there are many international
differences in doctorate education. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you do
some research into program structure and PhD education in Germany before you jump
into a doctorate degree!

               Database of all PhD opportunities in Germany

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 Graduation and Departure
 Alumni Opportunities

                                                  Job Talks and
                                                  Alumni Events

 Job Talk is an event series of the University of Augsburg. In Job Talks alumni of
 different fields of study inform abour their job experiences and current job. You
 can also ask them questions if you would like to know more about their
 experiences finding a job and you can build an important network.
 Additionally, the University of Augsburg organizes different Alumni Events where
 you can participate after your graduation. You can find the dates in the event
 calender.

Augsburg Alumni
International
 The University of Augsburg has created a network of international alumni which
 includes more than 550 people from 85 countries. On the website of the
 international alumni network you can find more information about their services
 such as alumni profiles or the network magazine.

      Link to the website of Augsburg Alumni International

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         Further helpful links and information can be found by clicking here.

                     Looking for more individualized support?

         Feel free to set up an individual appointment or come to our open
                          office hours -- we are happy to help!

                             ics@aaa.uni-augsburg.de

                                 Jessica Schüller
                             Büro-Center-Messe (BCM)
                                   Room 7005
                                Alter Postweg 101
                                 86159 Augsburg
                                  0821/598 5952
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