CAREERS IN GERMANY

Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland generally have the same access to the German labour market as German students. For students from third countries with a residence permit for study purposes, current German regulations generally allow employment for up to 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency.

Alternatively, students may generally work for up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period under the applicable student-employment provisions. 

Different rules can apply to student-assistant positions, internships and other forms of employment. Always check the conditions stated on your residence permit and the current official requirements before starting work.

Working-student positions are common in Germany and can be a valuable way to:

• gain professional experience
• understand how German companies work
• apply what you learn during your studies
• develop industry knowledge
• improve your professional German
• build contacts with potential future employers.

These positions are available across many industries and business functions and can range from a few hours per week to the maximum permitted under the applicable student-employment rules.

For international students, a working-student position can provide both professional experience and exposure to the German workplace before graduation.

Mandatory internships are generally treated differently from voluntary internships for the employment-day allowance, while voluntary internships normally count towards the applicable allowance for third-country students. 

Rules can depend on your individual circumstances and residence status, so check what applies before accepting an internship.

If an internship is part of your academic programme, also check the applicable programme requirements with your Study Advisor.

You can also find opportunities through:

• company career websites
• LinkedIn
• career and recruiting events
• professional networking
• alumni contacts
• student initiatives
• direct applications to employers.

Do not limit your search to positions explicitly labelled "international". Search by your skills, industry interests and type of role as well.

Start by thinking about:

What industries interest me?
What skills do I already have?
What experience do I want to gain?
Which skills or language abilities should I develop?

Recruitment timelines differ considerably between employers and industries, so research target organisations early rather than relying on one standard German application timeline.

German language skills can significantly expand the range of opportunities available to you.

Even if your studies are entirely in English, learning German during your degree can therefore be an important investment in your career.

Rather than sending the same application everywhere, research:

• industries relevant to your skills and programme
• companies recruiting international graduates
• typical roles and entry routes in your field
• language requirements
• recruitment timelines
• visa or residence requirements for employment

the skills employers are looking for.

Frankfurt's position as an international business and financial centre gives FS students access to employers across finance, consulting, technology and other sectors, while opportunities beyond Frankfurt extend across Germany.

Your Career Counsellor can help you develop a career strategy based on your own interests, strengths and goals. Frankfurt School's Career Services specifically offers career-strategy advice regardless of industry. 

CV

Your CV should present your education, experience and relevant skills clearly and professionally.

Cover letter

Where requested, use the cover letter to explain why you are interested in the particular position and how your experience connects to what the employer is looking for.

Supporting documents

Some employers may request academic records, references or other documentation.

Frankfurt School's Career Counsellors provide support with CVs, cover letters, application documents and interview preparation, including personalised coaching and mock interviews.

Professional networking can help you:

• learn about industries and employers
• understand different career paths
• discover opportunities
• meet professionals working in roles that interest you
• become more visible within your professional community.

Build your LinkedIn profile, connect thoughtfully with people you meet and attend employer, alumni and industry events.

Frankfurt School Career Services specifically supports students in building professional networks and connecting with decision-makers in specialist departments and HR through a range of events, workshops, and executive talks.

German can also help you:

• communicate with colleagues and clients
• participate more easily in workplace conversations
• understand local business culture
• build professional relationships
• navigate everyday life and administration
• integrate more easily into life in Germany.

Think of German not simply as an academic subject, but as an additional professional skill.

Even if you start as a beginner, studying consistently throughout your degree can make a meaningful difference by the time you begin applying for internships and graduate positions.

If you are considering a career in Germany, combining your academic programme with German-language development can strengthen your ability to operate in both international and German-speaking environments.

Support includes:

• individual career counselling
• career-strategy development
• CV and application support
• interview preparation and mock interviews
• networking support
• training and workshops
• employer connections
• recruiting and career events
• access to the FS Job Board.

Career Services also provides interview preparation, including mock interviews and feedback on presentation style, communication and confidence. 

For international students, counselling can also help you understand how to present your previous academic and professional experience effectively when applying in Germany.

Frankfurt School Career Days, company events, workshops, case studies and other recruiting formats provide opportunities to meet employers and learn about organisations and career paths.

The 2026 Career Days, for example, include on-campus and virtual formats, workshops and targeted recruiting sessions. 

Don't approach these events only as places to ask for a job. Use them to learn about employers, understand recruitment processes, ask informed questions and start building professional relationships.

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you generally have unrestricted access to the German labour market.

If you are a third-country national who has successfully completed a degree in Germany, you can generally apply for a residence permit that allows you to remain in Germany for up to 18 months to seek skilled employment. During this period, you may work in any occupation while searching for qualified employment. 

You should apply for the appropriate residence status before your current student residence permit expires.

Depending on your qualifications, position, salary and individual circumstances, this could include:

• a residence permit for skilled workers
• an EU Blue Card
• another appropriate employment residence title.

The requirements differ between residence titles and can change, so always check the current official criteria rather than relying on information from previous graduates. 

Use your studies to gradually build:

• relevant professional experience
• knowledge of the German job market
• German language skills
• a strong CV and LinkedIn profile
• employer and alumni connections
• an understanding of the residence requirements that apply to you.

Your final semester should not be the first time you begin thinking about the German labour market.

Career Services can support you with your career strategy, applications, interviews and employer connections throughout this process.