How Steinbeis University Helps You Find Internships and Jobs in Germany: Complete Career Support Guide

The Steinbeis Approach: Career Support from Day One

Unlike universities that offer career services as an optional resource that students may or may not utilize, Steinbeis integrates career development directly into your educational journey. This approach recognizes a fundamental truth: in today's competitive global economy, academic credentials alone aren't enough. You need practical experience, professional networks, cultural competency, and strategic career management skills to succeed.

Why Career Support Matters for International Students

International students face unique challenges in German job markets:

• Cultural differences in application processes, interview styles, and workplace norms

• Language barriers, even in English-speaking roles where German gives competitive advantages

• Limited networks without family or community connections in Germany

• Visa considerations that add complexity to employment

• Unfamiliarity with German industries, companies, and career paths

• Different professional conventions in CV formatting, application documents, and communication styles

Steinbeis's Career Advisory Team and comprehensive support programs specifically address these challenges, leveling the playing field and empowering international students to compete successfully for opportunities in Germany.

The Career Advisory Team: Your Professional Development Partners

At the heart of Steinbeis's career support is the dedicated Career Advisory Team—professional career counselors and industry experts whose sole focus is helping students achieve their career goals.

Who Makes Up the Career Advisory Team? 

The team consists of professionals with: 

• Extensive experience in German corporate environments 

• Deep understanding of international student challenges 

• Expertise in various fields (tech, marketing, consulting, HR, business, etc.) 

• Cultural competency to advise students from diverse backgrounds 

These aren't academic advisors moonlighting as career counselors—they're dedicated professionals whose full-time role is supporting your career development. 

Comprehensive CV and Application Document Reviews 

One of the most valuable services the Career Advisory Team provides is detailed review and feedback on your application materials. This isn't a quick glance and generic advice—it's comprehensive, personalized guidance. 

What makes German CVs different? 

German application conventions differ significantly from other countries: 

1. Photograph Inclusion 
German CVs typically include a professional photo (though it's becoming less mandatory). The Career Advisory Team can: 

• Advise whether your specific field expects photos 

• Guide you on appropriate professional photos 

• Help you decide when to include or exclude photos based on the position 

  
  

2. Extensive Detail 
German CVs are often 2-3 pages and include much more detail than American-style one-page resumes: 

• Detailed descriptions of roles and achievements 

• Complete employment history without gaps 

• Full educational background including grades 

• Sometimes additional information like hobbies or volunteer work 

3. Formal Structure 
German CVs follow specific formatting conventions:

• Clear section headings in specific order 

• Dates formatted in German style 

• Formal, professional language

• Consistent formatting and attention to visual presentation 

The Career Advisory Team helps you: 

• Transform your international CV into German format 

• Highlight experiences most relevant to German employers 

• Use appropriate language and tone for German business culture 

• Structure information logically according to German conventions 

• Identify and address any gaps or weaknesses in your employment history 

Beyond CVs: Complete Application Packages 

German job applications often require: 

• Anschreiben (Cover Letter): Formal letter explaining your motivation and qualifications 

• Lebenslauf (CV): Comprehensive résumé 

• Zeugnisse (Certificates): Copies of degrees, transcripts, and professional certifications 

• Arbeitszeugnisse (References/Work References): Letters from previous employers 

The Career Advisory Team helps you prepare complete, professional application packages that meet German employer expectations. 

Interview Preparation: From Practice to Perfection 

Securing an interview is only half the battle—performing well requires preparation, especially when navigating cultural differences and potentially interviewing in a second language. 

Mock Interview Sessions 

The Career Advisory Team offers mock interviews that simulate real interview conditions: 

• Practice answering common German interview questions 

• Receive immediate feedback on your responses 

• Improve body language and presentation 

• Build confidence in articulating your value 

• Practice in both English and German (depending on your language level and the role) 

Common German Interview Questions You'll Practice: 

German interviews tend to be more formal and structured than in some other cultures. Common questions include:

• "Erzählen Sie uns etwas über sich" (Tell us about yourself) 

• "Warum möchten Sie für unser Unternehmen arbeiten?" (Why do you want to work for our company?) 

• "Was sind Ihre Stärken und Schwächen?" (What are your strengths and weaknesses?) 

• "Wo sehen Sie sich in fünf Jahren?" (Where do you see yourself in five years?) 

• Detailed technical questions about your field 

• Behavioral questions about past situations and how you handled them 

  
  

Cultural Coaching for German Interviews 

Beyond content, the Career Advisory Team helps you understand German interview culture: 

• Punctuality is sacred: Arriving even 5 minutes late is unacceptable 

• Formal greetings: Handshakes, formal address (Sie, not du), proper titles 

• Structured communication: Germans value organized, logical responses 

• Modesty balanced with confidence: Neither over-boastful nor excessively modest 

• Preparation expectations: Germans expect you to know the company thoroughly 

• Question-asking: Always have thoughtful questions prepared—it shows genuine interest 

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Salary Negotiation Guidance 

One of the most anxiety-inducing aspects of job seeking is salary negotiation, especially when you're unfamiliar with local market rates and cultural norms around money discussions. 

Understanding German Salary Structures 

The Career Advisory Team helps you understand:

• Typical salary ranges for your field, experience level, and location 

• How benefits (health insurance, vacation days, pension contributions) factor into total compensation 

• Difference between gross (brutto) and net (netto) salary in Germany 

• How taxes and social contributions affect take-home pay 

• Industry-specific compensation patterns 

Negotiation Strategies 

Armed with market knowledge, the team teaches you: 

• When and how to discuss salary (German etiquette around money conversations) 

• How to research appropriate salary expectations 

• Techniques for negotiating effectively without seeming unreasonable 

• What's negotiable beyond base salary (bonuses, benefits, vacation time, remote work) 

• How to respond to salary offers professionally 

Example scenario:
Sarah, a Digital Marketing Master's student, received a Werkstudent offer at €14/hour. Through Career Advisory guidance, she learned this was below market rate for her skills and location. She negotiated to €17/hour by professionally presenting her qualifications and market research, increasing her annual income by over €2,000.

Job Search Strategy and Personal Branding

Finding opportunities requires more than just applying to posted positions—it requires strategic approach and strong personal branding.

Strategic Job Search Planning

The Career Advisory Team helps you:

• Identify target companies and industries aligned with your goals

• Understand different company types (corporate, mittelstand, startup) and which suits you

• Map your skills to market demands

• Create timeline and goals for your job search

• Balance applying to posted positions with proactive networking

• Understand when to apply (German hiring cycles and timelines)

Personal Branding Development

In today's job market, your personal brand matters as much as your CV. The team assists with:

• LinkedIn optimization: Crafting profiles that attract German employers and recruiters

• XING setup: Germany's leading professional network (often more important than LinkedIn for certain industries)

• Online presence: Ensuring your digital footprint supports rather than hinders your job search

• Elevator pitch development: Articulating your value proposition concisely and compellingly

• Portfolio creation: For fields like design, marketing, data analytics where work samples matter

Networking Strategy

German business culture values relationships, but networking works differently than in some cultures. The Career Advisory Team teaches:

• How to network effectively at German professional events

• LinkedIn/XING networking etiquette

• Informational interview techniques

• Following up professionally without being pushy

• Building authentic professional relationships

The Joinnext Platform: Your Job Search Command Center

Beyond personalized advisory services, Steinbeis provides a powerful technological tool: the Joinnext job search platform—a curated job portal connecting Steinbeis students with employment opportunities specifically suited to their programs and career goals.

What Makes Joinnext Different from Generic Job Boards

While platforms like Indeed, StepStone, and LinkedIn exist, Joinnext offers unique advantages:

1. Steinbeis-Specific Opportunities
Many positions on Joinnext are posted specifically for Steinbeis students by partner companies who understand and value the practical, applied education that Steinbeis provides. These employers aren't just looking for generic candidates—they specifically want students from programs like yours.

2. Pre-Vetted Employers
Companies posting on Joinnext have relationships with Steinbeis, meaning:

• They're legitimate employers (no scams or exploitative positions)

• They understand student schedules and academic commitments

• They're genuinely interested in hiring students and recent graduates

• They often have experience working with international students

3. Relevant Opportunity Categories
Joinnext organizes opportunities specifically for student needs:

• Werkstudent positions: Professional part-time roles related to your field

• Internships: Short-term intensive experiences for skill development

• Part-time jobs: Flexible work to support living expenses

• Graduate opportunities: Full-time positions for recent graduates

4. Integration with Career Support
Joinnext isn't standalone—it connects with Career Advisory services:

• Team can help you craft applications for specific Joinnext postings

• Advisors can provide insights about companies posting opportunities

• Your profile connects to your student status and program

• Platform facilitates introductions and recommendations from faculty

Types of Opportunities Available Through Joinnext

Werkstudent (Working Student) Positions

These are the crown jewels for students—professional roles directly related to your field where you work 15-20 hours per week during semesters for companies seeking to build relationships with talented students.

Example opportunities for Steinbeis programs:

• Data Analytics & AI students: Working student positions in data analysis, machine learning, business intelligence, or data science at tech companies, startups, or corporate analytics departments

• Digital Marketing students: Social media management, content marketing, SEO/SEM, or digital campaign roles at agencies, e-commerce companies, or corporate marketing teams

• HR & Change Management students: HR assistant, talent acquisition, organizational development, or change management support at corporations or consulting firms

• Business & Organizational Psychology students: People analytics, employee wellbeing programs, organizational research, or HR psychology roles

• Digital Innovation & Business Transformation students: Innovation management, digital transformation projects, business analysis, or strategic initiatives at corporations or consultancies

• Management & Innovation students: Project management, strategy consulting, business development, or innovation lab roles

Typical Werkstudent characteristics:

• €15-25 per hour (sometimes higher in tech or consulting)

• Flexible scheduling around class schedules

• Meaningful work with real impact (not just coffee-fetching)

• Potential for full-time offers post-graduation

• Professional development and mentorship

• Relevant experience for CV and career progression

Internships (Praktikum)

Joinnext features internship opportunities ranging from:

• Part-time semester internships: 15-20 hours/week during studies

• Full-time summer/break internships: 8-12 weeks of intensive experience

• Mandatory program internships: Required practical components of certain programs

• Voluntary career-building internships: Additional experiences beyond requirements

Internships typically offer:

• Fixed duration (3-6 months most commonly)

• €800-1,500/month for full-time positions

• Project-based work with defined deliverables

• Supervision and structured learning

• Certificate/reference upon completion

• Strong potential for conversion to Werkstudent or full-time roles

Part-Time Jobs

While not all part-time jobs are career-related, Joinnext includes flexible positions that help students support themselves financially:

• Student assistant positions at companies

• Administrative roles

• Customer service positions

• Event staff for conferences or trade shows

• Research assistance

• Tutoring opportunities

Post-Graduation Opportunities

As you approach graduation, Joinnext becomes even more valuable, featuring:

• Graduate programs and traineeships: Structured entry-level programs at major corporations

• Junior professional positions: First full-time roles in your field

• Associate positions: At consulting firms, agencies, or professional services

• Specialist roles: Requiring your specific skills and education

How to Maximize Your Joinnext Experience

Complete Your Profile Thoroughly

• Professional photo

• Detailed information about skills, experience, and interests

• Updated CV uploaded to the system

• Specific preferences about role types, industries, and locations

• Language capabilities clearly indicated

Set Up Job Alerts

• Configure alerts for new postings matching your criteria

• Receive immediate notifications when relevant opportunities appear

• Don't miss time-sensitive opportunities due to infrequent checking

Apply Strategically and Promptly

German hiring moves quickly—apply within days of postings appearing

• Tailor applications to specific positions (no generic mass applications)

• Use Career Advisory Team to review applications before submitting

• Follow up professionally if you don't hear back within 2 weeks

Use Joinnext as Research Tool

• Even if you're not currently job searching, browse to understand market

• See what skills employers are seeking in your field

• Learn about companies that might be future targets

• Understand typical compensation ranges

Combine Joinnext with External Job Boards

• Joinnext is powerful but shouldn't be your only tool

• Also use LinkedIn, Indeed.de, StepStone, XING, Glassdoor

• Apply directly on company websites for organizations you're targeting

• Attend career fairs and networking events for additional channels

At Steinbeis University - Schools of Next Practices, helping you find internships, jobs, and build successful careers isn't a secondary priority—it's fundamental to our mission. From the Career Advisory Team's personalized support, to the Joinnext platform's curated opportunities, to the Steinbeis Purpose Path's structured development, to the extensive industry partner network, every element works together to ensure you graduate not just with academic credentials, but with the experience, skills, networks, and confidence to succeed professionally.

The question isn't whether Steinbeis helps students find jobs—the comprehensive support system makes that clear. The question is: are you ready to engage actively with these resources, take ownership of your career development, and build the professional future you envision?

With dedicated career professionals, technological tools, industry connections, and integrated development programs, Steinbeis provides everything you need. The rest is up to you—to show up, participate, apply yourself, and seize the opportunities available.

Ready to start building your career while earning your degree? Apply to Steinbeis University and gain access to comprehensive career support that begins on day one and continues throughout your professional journey.

Steinbeis University - Schools of Next Practices: Where career development isn't separate from education—it's the reason education exists.