Finding an Internship in Germany · CBYX Edition

Every lesson in three forms: the takeaways you can read in a minute, the full summary, and the timestamped transcript of what was actually said. Every [MM:SS] link in a summary or transcript opens the lesson video at that exact moment.

9 modules 46 lessons 54 videos 54 transcribed 541 min of audio 165 digest notes 13 templates

Course Digest

165 notes pulled together from across the whole course, in one place.

Cross-course digest of the most actionable, non-obvious takeaways, distilled from the 42 lesson summaries. Sources cited as lesson name + [MM:SS] where present.

1) Free Resources & Tools

Internship tracking spreadsheet (ICMS) - course Excel tracker for applications, networking, keywords; multiple alumni call it their sanity tool (Bonus Interview #1 Olivia [09:47]; Dan [09:15]; Tom [06:09]).
German resume template + motivation letter template (course-provided, incl. Google Docs + Word Lebenslauf) - get them reviewed by others before applying (Bonus Interview #5 Tom [06:26]).
Internships in Germany Roadmap - course Google Doc carrying section-heading EN/DE translation tables, PPP description advice, checklists (How to Navigate the Course Platform [05:21]).
Resume.io (Berlin startup) - German-format modern resume templates, imports LinkedIn data, pre-checked ATS/AMS-compatible (Resumes & Lebenslauf [02:06]).
Anabin - official database to translate foreign grades/degrees into the German system; print and include in attachments (Resumes & Lebenslauf [27:47]).
Voyant Tools - free text-analysis tool: paste 10-15 job descriptions, read word bubbles for common/unique keywords (Planning Your Search [07:49, 09:11]).
Jobbörse der Bundesagentur für Arbeit - Germany's main job search engine (aggregator, filters by type/location/field) (Planning Your Search [14:25]; Dan [26:02]).
Berufenet - Federal Employment Agency database of official German job titles; use for keywords in German AND English (Planning Your Search [14:47]; Building a Network [16:42]).
Glassdoor + Kununu - employer-review research; Kununu is the German-native one (Planning Your Search [18:32, 19:42]).
Linguee - best German-English translator; DeepL for bulk text; LanguageTool catches wrong grammatical cases (German for Work: On the Job [00:05-00:52]).
Subject dictionaries / bilingual field glossaries - free online per field (IT, engineering, medicine); instructor worked one A→Z over 2 years to full professional German (On the Job [00:52-01:59]; How to Use Subject Dictionaries [00:02]).
Google recipe for glossaries: search your field + "Vocabulary"/"Glossary" in German; industry professional-association glossaries are often free (Subject Dictionaries [00:02-00:54]).
GermanPod101 - audio-based course; has dedicated work-situation lessons (resume vocab, workplace culture); opt out of marketing emails (Foundational Tool #1 [00:29, 02:15]).
Babbel - best single tool from zero German (CEFR-structured to B2, work-situation and email-writing add-ons) (Foundational Tool #2 [00:48]).
DeutschPerfekt - leveled German magazine (A2+); monthly "Deutsch für den Beruf" section; free via most German libraries with a library card; free interactive articles on the website (Foundational Tool #3 [01:34, 03:35]; Why I love DP [02:51]).
LiveLingua - 1-on-1 vetted tutors for speaking practice; use surgically (5-hour interview-prep block, 2-week intensive) (Foundation Tool #4 [00:55-01:13]).
Deutsch Uni Online (DUO) / "Fach Deutsch" - C1-level subject-specific German courses (law, medicine, economics) - rare, very specific (Special Resource for Students [00:34]).
Büro Kommunikation Deutsch - email/business-correspondence templates (German & English in the Search [09:29]).
Bewerbungstraining & Deutsch für den Berufseinstieg - courses teaching German application writing through the language itself (German & English in the Search [09:53-10:03]).
Zeit Germany - free online/PDF magazine on studying/working in Germany for internationals; past editions include internship vocabulary (Building a Network [09:19]).
Facts about Germany - government facts/statistics site (Building a Network [09:42]).
EY report on diversity in Germany + free DEI videos by Ola Jungenria (Berlin DE&I expert) + Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency resources (Building a Network [11:05-11:28]).
"How to be German in 50 Steps" (bilingual cultural guide - Hausschuhe, Lüften), Culture-Smart Germany, More Than Manners (work do's/don'ts; pre-COVID caveat), Why the Germans Do It Better (Building a Network [07:43-09:57]).
DIY Arbeitszeugnis template - fill it in, have a US employer print on letterhead + sign → German-style work certificate (Attachments, Certificates & References [04:02]).
Sample Praktikumszeugnis (2-month internship) provided below the video (Preparing for Your First and Last Day [Resources]).
Application photo service - ~€50, 30 min, 2-11 pictures; 2 is enough; reuse across socials (Resumes & Lebenslauf [20:47]).
t-online.de - for opening a German-looking email address (Resumes & Lebenslauf [22:43]).
PowerPoint background-removal trick - create a reusable scanned signature image (Resumes & Lebenslauf [39:53]).
DAAD summer scholarships - combine internship + language course = "mega accelerator" (Bonus Interview #3 Julia [04:27]).
VHS courses (community adult education) - cheap classes that double as organic networking (Building a Network [03:05]).

2) Job Boards & Search Avenues

LinkedIn + Indeed - where most CBYXers actually found their internships; check daily (Bonus Interview #1 Olivia [09:23, 36:01]).
Agentur für Arbeit portal - landed Dan's translation-company internship; behaves like Indeed/Monster (Bonus Interview #2 Dan [26:02]).
Stepstone, Indeed, Monster - general boards (Bonus Interview #2 Dan [Resources]).
IHK (Industrie- und Handelskammer) - company databases/lists + international-talent events (Planning Your Search [04:23]).
Berufsverbände / Dachorganisationen - professional associations for niche postings (Planning Your Search [04:10]).
Company employment pages directly - often overlooked; not all jobs are posted to aggregators (Planning Your Search [03:58]).
Pitch an internship off an entry-level job listing - see a job you like? Pitch the internship version (Planning Your Search [03:46]).
"Fortlaufende" postings stay open continuously - even a dated ad means still recruiting; read Aufgaben / Voraussetzungen / Rahmenbedingungen (Planning Your Search [06:45]).
Initiativbewerbung boxes - many German company career pages have dedicated "unsolicited application (intern/working student)" boxes; search LinkedIn for "unsolicited application" + keyword (Getting Started: What Makes Applications Unique [02:31, 04:18]).
University career services, career fairs, Firmen-datenbanken, host-university research institutes, US-alumni in Germany (easy on LinkedIn), host family/personal connections (Planning Your Search [03:03]).
The "Sunday stroll" - walk your city reading building signs; has landed internships at brand-new agencies with no website (Planning Your Search [05:44]).
Google Maps searches as a digital version of the stroll (Planning Your Search [03:03]).
English-language internships: hot fields are IT and engineering; target companies where native English is a stated asset; consider an unpaid German-language internship for immersion (Do I Need German [01:46]; Olivia [07:04]; Jamari [06:45]).
Mini jobs - part-time (≤ threshold, ~10 hrs/wk) paid jobs with contract + vacation days; a viable paid path (Bonus Interview #4 Jamari [06:12]).
Mittelstand / hidden champions - 99.6% of German companies are SMEs, ~60% of jobs; skip DAX-fixation (Planning Your Search [17:33, 18:32]).
German-speaking church/community orgs - informal in-person asks yield internships with no interview (Bonus Interview #4 Jamari [06:45]).
Bound the search to your host city and list a German address - an address where you will actually be reads as an advantage, not a liability, since employers may wonder why you would move for an internship (What You Need to Know about Internships [15:41-16:05]).

3) LinkedIn / Xing Tactics

Xing = the DACH LinkedIn; LinkedIn = world's largest and used by German recruiters too - do both; do LinkedIn first, then copy-paste to Xing (Building a Network [12:53, 19:21]).
LinkedIn Quick Start routine: zero → optimized in ~30 min + 30 min implementation; LinkedIn "is a rabbit hole" - get in and out (Building a Network [18:30]).
LinkedIn connection culture is active (cold connects fine with a reason); Xing is sleepy - people connect only with people they know (German & English in the Search [07:07]).
Xing standard view → PORTFOLIO so visitors see your work, not default profile details (Xing in the Search [01:10]).
Build-then-quiet protocol: while building the profile, activity feed VISIBLE but network-news broadcasts ALL OFF (don't spam new contacts with every edit); after done, restrict activity to direct contacts (Xing [02:51-03:39]).
Set Xing profile publicly visible - occupies Google page one for your name and shapes what employers find (Xing [00:44-00:51]); German employers consistently look candidates up online (Building a Network [12:23]).
Messages open to ALL members; notifications all-on trial for 1-2 weeks then prune; kill job emails the day you're hired (Xing [04:24-06:13]).
Profile location → your placement city now; state in summary you're seeking an internship there; run profiles bilingually (German & English in the Search [07:41]).
Never inflate your German level on LinkedIn - the modesty rule applies to profiles (Building a Network [14:05]).
Ask for LinkedIn recommendations in person first - never blindside via LinkedIn message (Preparing for First and Last Day [07:49]).
Intentionally Professional Triad: Modesty (truthful skill levels, don't over-post about yourself), Authenticity (profile tone = your in-person self), Consistency (one story across profile/resume/posting) (Building a Network [13:39]).
The headline is the single most important keyword field - write out CBYX if you can and add at least two to three keywords for the internship you want (Leveraging LinkedIn [06:10-06:29]).
Trim the public profile URL down to first and last name - drop the trailing numbers; the clean URL helps SEO and looks more professional (Leveraging LinkedIn [02:14-02:54]).
Re-read your profile as a PDF before calling it done - the export under "more" shows errors the profile view hides; also open an interviewer's profile only once so you don't keep appearing in their notifications (Leveraging LinkedIn [08:09-08:45]).

4) Application Rules & Legal Quirks

Three-part German application: short email + resume/Lebenslauf + cover letter + Anlagen (attachments); ideally cover letter + resume in ONE PDF (Getting Started [03:34]; Attachments [05:47]).
Every resume claim needs a certificate - German applications are trust documents, not marketing documents (Attachments [00:34]).
Arbeitszeugnis replaces reference calls - a signed certificate stating what you did AND how well; comes in basic (einfaches) vs. qualified (qualifiziertes) forms; contains a coded "secret language" of performance phrases (Attachments [02:03-03:22]).
References historically not requested in Germany (work-certificate system instead) - but some companies now ask; don't list referee contact info on the resume (too private); academia is the exception (Getting Started [00:20]; Lebenslauf [40:12]).
Lebenslauf conventions: 1-2 pages max; dates left-aligned, month/year numeric; ≥10.5pt font; DIN A4 (not US Letter); reverse-chronological; education → experience → skills minimum; no "Lebenslauf" title; signature + location + date block matching the cover letter; black/white color base (Resumes & Lebenslauf [09:08-12:46, 39:08]).
Photo: not legally required (voluntary under the AGG, like age/birthplace/marital status) but expected - employers are unhappy without a professional one; no passport photos, no selfies (Resumes & Lebenslauf [20:13-21:57]).
Gaps (Lücken): ≥6 months unexplained is a red flag; natural transitions (bachelor's → CBYX) fine; NEVER extend dates to fill gaps - attachments will expose it (Resumes & Lebenslauf [11:03, 15:02]).
Two-column modern resumes break ATS/AMS scanning - use traditional single-column for large companies; skill bars are dead (unreadable by machines, ambiguous to humans) (Resumes & Lebenslauf [00:42-01:23]).
Don't over-quantify - reads as arrogant in Germany (except finance/sales); max 2 quantified bullets per entry (Resumes & Lebenslauf [31:34]).
Hobby perception traps: golfing carries class connotations; pole dance is read as erotic dance in Germany (Resumes & Lebenslauf [37:12]).
No US state abbreviations - Germans don't know them; city + country only (Resumes & Lebenslauf [32:06]).
Pflichtpraktikum vs. Freiwilliges Praktikum: mandatory (study-program-required) internships are exempt from minimum wage; voluntary internships must be paid minimum wage if longer than 3 months - clarify the type in writing before starting (Bonus Interview #2 Dan [17:31]; Realistic Goal-setting [04:11]).
Reference pay points: John Deere intern ~€2,000/month gross (Pflicht rates would be €900-1,000); Olivia: minimum wage, 38 h/wk ≈ €1,980 gross ≈ €1,400 net; intern pay is essentially non-negotiable - don't sweat it (Bonus Interview #5 Tom [18:20]; Olivia [12:12, 19:43]).
Illegal (no-go) interview questions: health, pregnancy, marital status, kids, criminal record (unless job-relevant), race/ethnicity/gender/religion/disability/age/orientation/politics - violates the Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (Interviews in Germany [25:15]).
Anlagen structure for CBYXers: resume, cover letter, Cultural Vistas certificate of participation, Praxisvordruck (internship form), Arbeitgeberprofil (employer info), plus recommendations/transcripts (Attachments [01:05]).
Bescheinigung: attach the sponsor's program-explanation letter (in German) to every application (Bonus Interview #2 Dan [10:32]).
Application documents always in German FORMAT even when in English - never a US resume template (German & English in the Search [03:30]).
Small German companies often have no ATS - humans read applications, so keyword stuffing backfires (Planning Your Search [09:56]).
Werkstudenten play by different rules than interns - up to 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time in lecture-free periods; the job pays at least minimum wage, needs a contract, and has social security contributions deducted automatically (What You Need to Know about Internships [06:22-06:33, 06:50-07:27]).
CBYXers are not technically eligible for a Pflichtpraktikum - say you want a voluntary internship; if a compulsory listing otherwise fits, ask before you rule it out (What You Need to Know about Internships [08:35-09:11, 10:21-10:43]).
An intern is not an employee - no employee status or the rights that come with it, no social security contributions, a contract simpler than a work contract, normally three to six months and never longer than 12 (What You Need to Know about Internships [01:46-02:03, 05:46-06:07]).

5) Named Frameworks

ICMS (International Career Management System) - course Excel system with tabs for search activity, networking, keywords, gap analysis; log everything to see progress (Platform Overview [05:21]; Building a Network [02:03]).
3-step search process (Dan): (1) resume/cover letter, English vs German per role; (2) one or two job sites, cap list at ~20, send, follow up after ~1 week; (3) leverage connections (professors, Betreuer/in) (Bonus Interview #2 Dan [04:26]).
Intelligent & Bounded search strategy (Jessica): intelligent = trusted known resources; bounded = designated endpoints - 2-3 engines checked once daily, not 20 sites endlessly (Planning Your Search [00:55]).
30-day language framework: (1) one foundational tool, (2) one work focus, (3) morning time slot, (4) 10-15 min, (5) 30 days tracked in calendar; change only ONE variable per cycle; 2 rest days/week (30-Day Framework [00:10-04:42]).
Red→green calendar tracking: specific repeating event, red; flip to green when done ("this event only"); monthly diagnosis in order: resource (give it a full 30 days) → duration → time of day (Google Calendar Setup [01:21, 02:15]).
STAR method: Situation → Task → Action → Result; structured answers alone put you ahead of most candidates (Interviews [19:34]; Tom prepped via John Deere's STAR template [12:48]).
Past-Present-Future-Pause self-presentation: degree/experience → why CBYX → why this company → stop talking; master the opener (Interviews [15:37]).
Five-stage one-hour German interview: arrival/greeting → self-presentation → company presentation → Q&A (5-10 questions) → conclusion (Interviews [11:05]).
Four-word internship design framework: Self-initiative → Support → Value → Stepping Stone (Realistic Goal-setting [00:31]).
Trust triad (networking): Ability → Integrity → Benevolence (Building a Network [00:21, 11:57]).
Niche discovery system + "niche three times down": research titles (Berufenet DE+EN) → association sites → ICMS gap analysis → Venn diagram → brand the niche; specialize 3 levels deep (career coach → for internationals → in Germany) (Building a Network [16:42, 17:38]).
ATARA bullet format: Action verb + Task + Result + Accomplishment; "less is more," 2-3 bullets per job (Resumes & Lebenslauf [17:28]).
Vier-Augen-Prinzip ("four-eyes principle") - 1-3 people (Mentor:in, host family, German friend) review your documents before sending (Resumes & Lebenslauf [08:43]).
Application-language decision matrix: <B1/uncomfortable → English; B1+ comfortable → split application (German Lebenslauf + English cover letter + German emails); B2+ → German; asterisk-disclosure alternative (German & English in the Search [02:19]).
Keyword research pipeline: 3-5 job titles → 10-15 descriptions → Voyant Tools → track DE+EN keywords in ICMS (Planning Your Search [08:56]).
"One tool, 30 days, evaluate, repeat" - five systems equals no system; learn work words, not parrots (3 Most Common Mistakes [06:48]).
Internships in Germany Roadmap - the one document holding every handout, activity and the timeline, so referenced items like the LinkedIn summary worksheet and checklists are not scattered across modules (Internships in Germany Roadmap [00:17, 00:47-00:55]).
Turtle vs. rabbit pace - a turtle watches the whole program, makes a plan and rewatches while working; a rabbit jumps in where it makes sense, starting from the application materials (Internships in Germany Roadmap [01:04-01:15]).
Treat the ICMS as your search headquarters - keep one Drive folder and link its files straight into the ICMS tabs; adapt it freely by adding your own tabs or moving to a more interactive tool like Airtable (The ICMS [00:21-00:30, 00:33-00:46]).

6) German Phrases That Matter

Sehr geehrte(r)… / Mit freundlichen Grüßen - formal email open/close; capitalize "Grüßen" after the period (German capitalization trap) (German & English in the Search [06:27, 06:52]).
"Es ist möglich" - it is possible (30-Day Framework [02:13]).
"Es wird nicht leichter, du wirst stärker" - it doesn't get easier, you get stronger (First and Last Day [09:27]).
"Nix ist mir zu schade" - no task is beneath me; embodying this is itself a hiring signal (Realistic Goal-setting [04:19]).
Break-room intro: "Hallo, ich bin Jessica. Ich mache ein dreimonatiges Praktikum hier im Hause in der Marketing-Abteilung. Ich glaube, wir haben uns noch nicht kennengelernt." (First and Last Day [Templates]).
Modal-verb sentence builder: können, müssen, wollen, sollen, dürfen, mögen - build simple fluent-sounding interview sentences on them; don't mentally translate from English (German & English in the Search [09:08]; Interviews [26:20]).
Deutsch für den Beruf - German for the workplace (DeutschPerfekt's monthly section) (DeutschPerfekt [01:59]).
Betriebsrat - works council (DeutschPerfekt [02:11]).
Aufgaben / Voraussetzungen / Rahmenbedingungen - tasks / requirements / conditions (framework of internship ads) (Planning Your Search [07:01]).
auf muttersprachlichem Niveau - "at native-speaker level" in a job ad = coded signal they want ~C2 (German & English in the Search [05:16]).
Geschäftsdeutsch / Verhandlungsdeutsch - business / negotiation German (C1 work-German book titles) (Books & Culture [00:38]).
Hospitation - shadowing/observation placement (Bonus Interview #3 Julia [06:12]).
Zielvereinbarungen - target agreements; get them in writing (First and Last Day [03:31]).
Nichtstun - doing nothing / deliberate rest (First and Last Day [05:00]).
Ausstand - farewell party; the LEAVER brings treats (cake or Brezeln with butter/mustard) - reverse of US custom (First and Last Day [06:03]; Julia [11:32]).
Vier-Augen-Prinzip - four-eyes principle (second-person review) (Lebenslauf [08:43]).
roter Faden - "common thread": the same career narrative across letter, resume, LinkedIn (Planning Your Search [20:18]).
Arbeitszeugnis / Praktikumszeugnis - work/internship certificate; "like a Yelp review of you" (Dan [German Terms]).
Initiativbewerbung - unsolicited/speculative application (Dan [German Terms]).
Pflichtpraktikum / Freiwilliges Praktikum / Mini job / Arbeitsvertrag / Bescheinigung / Betreuer/in - see §4 and §2 (Dan, Jamari).
Zutaten - ingredients (example of DeutschPerfekt's German-only word explanations) (Why I love DeutschPerfekt [01:21]).
Viel Erfolg! - much success! (Interviews [German Terms]).

7) Insider Tips / Non-Obvious Notes

Start the search the day you're accepted - German hiring runs 1-3 months (or never); cohortmates who waited until December were still internship-less at the mid-year seminar (Jamari [13:31]; Tom [26:22]).
Sprint applications: send 15-20 tailored applications in one batch, wait for feedback, then next round (Tom [06:56]).
On rejection, ask if your resume fits another open position - that redirect produced Tom's John Deere internship (Tom [10:24]).
Keep interviewing after accepting an offer - free practice; 4-5 extra interviews came in after Tom said yes (Tom [11:35]).
Send your thank-you email in German even after an English interview - Olivia's German thank-you flipped a "we want someone bilingual" rejection into an offer days later (Olivia [18:15]).
"Fake it till you make it" doesn't work in Germany - you won't be judged for not knowing; you WILL be judged for pretending (Realistic Goal-setting [04:44]).
Don't over-polish your application - the employer discovers your real level anyway; the asterisk disclosure converts embarrassment into transparency (German & English in the Search [04:33]).
Split language interviews exist - first half English, second half German; ask ahead what language the interview will be in (German & English in the Search [08:47]).
Don't raise pay in the interview - get the offer first; never raise logistics unless they do (Interviews [20:46]).
Red-flag interviewers: mocking/gossiping applicants, "you'd be so lucky to work here," an offer within 30 minutes (Interviews [23:06]).
The CBYX selection interview is harder than any German internship interview - you already passed the tough one (Dan [22:33]).
Tell employers early about mid-year/end-of-year seminars so time off is pre-approved (Dan [24:15]).
Ask for an "internship plan" as employer vetting - whether they can produce one instantly reveals if they've thought about hosting you (Planning Your Search [20:09]).
German HR lag before the contract arrives is normal - and contracts are always in German; have a fluent helper (host family) decode them (Olivia [20:32]; Jamari [12:30]).
Ask HR early about paperwork (health insurance, Steuer-ID arrives by mail in 2-3 weeks) - missing documents have delayed internships (Tom [17:22, 26:52]).
Skip the Abmeldung when extending your stay; apply for a visa EXTENSION, not a new visa; keep health insurance running (Olivia [32:05]).
Vier-Augen consistency: recruiters cross-check dates across LinkedIn, resume, and attachments - build a master template first so dates never mismatch (Lebenslauf [04:07]).
Never extend dates to fill gaps - the Anlagen will expose it (Lebenslauf [15:02]).
Informational interviews are novel in Germany: 5-10 invites → 1-2 responses is NORMAL, not failure (Building a Network [04:12]).
Meet the CEO at the cooking class, not the networking event - VHS classes beat formal networking for organic connections (Building a Network [03:05]).
Expat networks go LAST - they're an American-bubble risk; best found via Facebook (Internations, International Women in Munich) (Building a Network [05:37]).
Volunteering = triple win: German resume experience + references + forced language practice (Building a Network [04:37]).
The niche is often an asymmetry gap: German software can't export to the US (competition); US software can't land in Germany (privacy/culture) - the gap IS your niche; and a niche is a now-tool, not a life sentence (Building a Network [16:07, 18:12]).
Discovering you HATE a field during the internship is a success - knowing what you don't want is as valuable (Realistic Goal-setting [03:24]).
Persistence flips colleagues from English to German - push through the awkward mixed-language phase; also: office language policies may mandate English when a non-German speaker is present (What to Avoid [02:05]; Tom [22:20]).
Pre-run your commute before day one - buses leave a minute early (Tom [20:29]).
Take notes from day one + build a company-abbreviation dictionary - signals initiative (First and Last Day [01:53]).
Propose a Monday-plan / Friday-report email rhythm if communication is unstructured - written records protect you (First and Last Day [03:37]).
Never sit idle in week one - the one unrecoverable first-week mistake (First and Last Day [04:05]).
Create your own project in downtime: "What can I make better here?" - Dan's QR-code English fixes became his portfolio piece and career pivot (Dan [28:20]).
You're qualified to ask questions - anti-imposter framing: shift from "doing" to "learning"; honest, realistic self-presentation creates a safe learning environment (Julia [07:05, 14:57]).
"Why Germany?" is an invitation to bond, not a challenge - answer warmly: international profile, academic/networking experience, genuine interest (Julia [13:02]).
"It's not wrong, it's just different" - the host-mom mindset that made the whole CBYX year work (Jamari [25:07]).
Consistency at work beats volume: 2×/week minimum speaking cadence if not daily; weekly LiveLingua (or twice monthly) if not in Germany (What to Avoid [02:32]).
Fluency-timeline promises ("fluent in X months") are a 95%-marketing red flag (What to Avoid [01:04]).
Word-of-mouth on gaps: internships are "remarkably easier" to get than full-time jobs in Germany - lower entry barrier, and companies prefer hiring entry-level staff from their intern pool (Realistic Goal-setting [08:01]).
Make yourself irreplaceable - companies will "go through the annoying pain of a visa process" to keep you (Olivia [25:55]).
Everything important in writing - objectives, deliverables, communication rhythm; black-and-white protects you (First and Last Day).
The leaver brings treats: Ausstand (muffins/Brezeln/beer - match team style) + request Praktikumszeugnis a few days before leaving, in both English and German (First and Last Day [06:03]; Jamari [18:09]).
Start before you know your destination - the plan, keywords and application documents can all be finished before your placement site is known, so research and update while you wait (Overview of the Internship Search Process [00:37-00:48, 01:42-01:45]).
Get the search running in October or November, not mid-December - December and August are lull times when answers from employers are hard to get (Timing and Time Plan [01:47-02:03]).
Follow up with an email about a week later instead of a call - that is the German norm, and the interview will normally tell you when they will get back to you (Timing and Time Plan [03:23-03:35]).

Compiled from the 42 lesson summaries in /home/epic/gcc-output/summaries/ (course: Finding an Internship in Germany - CBYX Edition, Jessica Schuler / Germany Career Coach).

Templates & Files

Every document that came with the course, with download links and inline previews. All 13 files are bundled with this page.

Course Templates & Files - Source Manifest

Downloaded from the course lesson pages (logged-in session, 2026-09-17). Every item below was linked directly on a lesson page.

File	Type	Source lesson	Original URL
`roadmap-gdoc.txt ⬇`	Course Roadmap (EN/DE translation tables, checklists, PPP advice)	Module #1 - The Internships in Germany Roadmap	Google Doc
`icms-spreadsheet.csv ⬇` + `icms-spreadsheet.xlsx ⬇`	ICMS tracker (networking, search, professional profile)	Module #1 - The International Career Management System (ICMS)	Google Sheet
`resume-template-english.docx ⬇`	CBYX Resume Template (English)	Module #4 - Resumes, CVs and The German Lebenslauf	Google Doc
`resume-template-german.docx ⬇`	CBYX Resume Template (German)	Module #4 - Resumes, CVs and The German Lebenslauf	Google Doc
`lebenslauf-word-original.docx ⬇`	Lebenslauf template (original Word layout)	Module #4 - Resumes, CVs and The German Lebenslauf	Google Doc
`lebenslauf-guide.txt ⬇`	Lebenslauf construction guide	Module #4 - Resumes, CVs and The German Lebenslauf	Google Doc
`cover-letter-template-1.docx ⬇`	Motivation letter template (Word)	Module #4 - Cover Letters, Motivation Letters, and Emails	Google Doc
`cover-letter-template-2.txt ⬇`	Cover letter template (text export)	Module #4 - Cover Letters, Motivation Letters, and Emails	Google Doc
`example-applications.pdf ⬇`	Example applications compilation (26 pp.)	Module #4 - Resumes/Lebenslauf page	PDF
`notenumrechnung-usa-de.pdf ⬇`	Grade conversion USA→Germany	Module #4 - Attachments, Certificates, and References	PDF
`welkmu-broschuere.pdf ⬇`	WelKMU brochure - international students (4.3MB)	Module #4 - Resumes/Lebenslauf page	PDF
`musterzeugnis-praktikum.pdf ⬇`	Sample internship certificate (Uni Kiel)	Module #6 - Preparing for Your First and Last Day	PDF

Unavailable (link dead on source site, 2026-09-17):

Praktikumsvertrag template (hwk-rhein-main.de/adbimage/2339/...) - 404 from Contracts & salary negotiation lesson. Equivalent guidance is in the lesson summary; a live URL was not obtainable.

All files (direct download)

File	Size
cover-letter-template-1.docx ⬇	17.1 KB
cover-letter-template-2.txt ⬇	2.3 KB
example-applications.pdf ⬇	1.2 MB
icms-spreadsheet.csv ⬇	852 B
icms-spreadsheet.xlsx ⬇	540.5 KB
lebenslauf-guide.txt ⬇	3.0 KB
lebenslauf-word-original.docx ⬇	492.2 KB
musterzeugnis-praktikum.pdf ⬇	93.6 KB
notenumrechnung-usa-de.pdf ⬇	36.2 KB
resume-template-english.docx ⬇	113.7 KB
resume-template-german.docx ⬇	114.9 KB
roadmap-gdoc.txt ⬇	58.7 KB
welkmu-broschuere.pdf ⬇	4.3 MB

Inline previews

Preview: cover-letter-template-1.docx (17.1 KB)

Your Name Goes Here
Address
Phone
E-Mail
LinkedIn/Xing

Their Name Goes Here
Address
Address
Address

Location, Date

Subject Line-List the Internship Here (ID number if applicable)

Dear Exact Contact,

Paragraph #1: Strong Opener. Key unique value proposition in general, at the company; Knowledge of the company and/or understanding of the position; Most important/impressive/applicable experience, with context and details.
Deutsch: ich bin Stipendiat des Parlamentarischen Patenschafts-Programm (PPP), einem Austauschprogramm des Deutschen Bundestags und des amerikanischen Kongresses. Im Rahmen des Programms gibt es eine 6-monatige Praktikumsphase und aus diesem Grund bewerbe ich mich auf die Stelle XYZ bei Ihnen im Unternehmen XYZ.
English: I am a scholarship participant (or: fellow) of the Parlamentarischen Patenschafts-Programm (PPP), an exchange program between the German Bundestag and the U.S. Congress. As part of the program there is a 6-month internship phase and for this reason I am applying for the position XYZ with you at the company XYZ.

Paragraph #2: The Functional Match. For each of their bullets -&gt; which of yours matches? What is an example? Remember to show, not tell!

Paragraph #3: The Company. Go beyond “wonderful organization”; Mission, vision, values; Intra-company growth; Growth of the company-and how you will contribute.

Paragraph #4: The Logistics. Depends on the position and what they ask for.
Deutsch: Innerhalb des Congress-Bundestag-Stipendiumsprogramms gibt es die Vorgabe, ein 6-monatiges Praktikum vom 15. Januar bis zum 20. Juni 2024 zu absolvieren. Es ist möglich, die Praktikumsphase auch zwischen zwei Arbeitgebern aufzuteilen, solange ich mindestens 36 Stunden pro Woche arbeite. Ich bin flexibel und würde mich freuen, mit Ihnen über eine für Sie passende Konstellation zu sprechen.
English: Within the Congress-Bundestag Program, there is a requirement to complete a 6-month internship from January 15 to June 20, 2024. It is possible to split the internship period between two employers as long as I work at least 36 hours per week. I am flexible and would be happy to discuss a constellation that suits you.

Closing sentence about the interview.

Sincerely,

Type Name

Signature

Location, Date

Preview: cover-letter-template-2.txt (2.3 KB)

Your Name Goes Here
Address
Phone
E-Mail
LinkedIn/Xing

Their Name Goes Here
Address
Address
Address

Location, Date

Subject Line-List the Internship Here (ID number if applicable)

Dear Exact Contact,

Paragraph #1: Strong Opener. Key unique value proposition in general, at the company; Knowledge of the company and/or understanding of the position; Most important/impressive/applicable experience, with context and details.
* Deutsch: ich bin Stipendiat des Parlamentarischen Patenschafts-Programm (PPP), einem Austauschprogramm des Deutschen Bundestags und des amerikanischen Kongresses. Im Rahmen des Programms gibt es eine 6-monatige Praktikumsphase und aus diesem Grund bewerbe ich mich auf die Stelle XYZ bei Ihnen im Unternehmen XYZ.
* English: I am a scholarship participant (or: fellow) of the Parlamentarischen Patenschafts-Programm (PPP), an exchange program between the German Bundestag and the U.S. Congress. As part of the program there is a 6-month internship phase and for this reason I am applying for the position XYZ with you at the company XYZ.

Paragraph #2: The Functional Match. For each of their bullets -> which of yours matches? What is an example? Remember to show, not tell!

Paragraph #3: The Company. Go beyond “wonderful organization”; Mission, vision, values; Intra-company growth; Growth of the company-and how you will contribute.

Paragraph #4: The Logistics. Depends on the position and what they ask for.
* Deutsch: Innerhalb des Congress-Bundestag-Stipendiumsprogramms gibt es die Vorgabe, ein 6-monatiges Praktikum vom 15. Januar bis zum 20. Juni 2024 zu absolvieren. Es ist möglich, die Praktikumsphase auch zwischen zwei Arbeitgebern aufzuteilen, solange ich mindestens 36 Stunden pro Woche arbeite. Ich bin flexibel und würde mich freuen, mit Ihnen über eine für Sie passende Konstellation zu sprechen.
* English: Within the Congress-Bundestag Program, there is a requirement to complete a 6-month internship from January 15 to June 20, 2024. It is possible to split the internship period between two employers as long as I work at least 36 hours per week. I am flexible and would be happy to discuss a constellation that suits you.

Closing sentence about the interview.

Sincerely,

Type Name

Signature

Location, Date

Preview: example-applications.pdf (1.2 MB)

Michael Werner-Straße Hausnummer-PLZ Ort
Tel. mobil: 0160-123456-vorname.nachname@somewhere.de

Michael Werner
Bachelor of Science in Gesundheitswissenschaft
Geburtsdatum/-ort:

01.09.1995 in Sigmaringen

Studium und Schulbildung
10/20xx-03/2020

Technische Universität Dresden
Bachelor of Science in Gesundheitswissenschaft
• Thesis: Validierung eines Fragebogens im Rahmen der
Studie „Students‘ Emotions in Physical Education“
(inkl. der aktiven Teilnahme an den Erhebungen)
• Lehrveranstaltungen: Gesundheitssysteme,
Management in Health Care, Studentisches
Gesundheitsmanagement, Betriebliche
Gesundheitsförderungsprogramme, Statistik

10/2014-09/20xx

Universität xxx
Studium Lehramt Gymnasium
Wirtschaftswissenschaften und Geographie

09/2006-06/2014

xxx Gymnasium, Ort
Allgemeine Hochschulreife

Praktikum
07/2018-09/2018

Kinderhaus xxx, Ort
Pädagogisches Praktium
• Mitwirkung bei der heilpädagogischen Einzel- und
Gruppenarbeit sowie bei freizeitpädagogischen
Aktivitäten
• Organisation, Mitgestaltung und selbstständige
Durchführung von Projekten
• Unterstützung bei der Lernförderung

Michael Werner-Straße Hausnummer-PLZ Ort
Tel. mobil: 0160-123456-vorname.nachname@somewhere.de

Nebentätigkeiten
Seit

06/2016

Unternehmen GmbH, Ort
Komparse

07/2015-08/2015

Unternehmen AG, Ort
Lager- und Logistikarbeiter

Sprachen
Deutsch
Englisch
Französisch
Spanisch

Muttersprache
fließend in Wort und Schrift
Grundkenntnisse
Grundkenntnisse

IT-Kenntnisse
MS Office
SurvNet
SPSS
iMovie
Photoscape

sehr gute Kenntnisse
sehr gute Kenntnisse
Grundkenntnisse
gute Kenntnisse
gute Kenntnisse

Private Interessen
•
•
•

Weiterbildung im Bereich psychischer und physischer Gesundheit
Kunst (z.B. Museumsbesuche, Malen)
Kampfkunst (Capoeira, Boxen)

Ort, Datum
Vorname, Name

Michael Werner-Straße Hausnummer-PLZ Ort
Tel. mobil: 0160-123456-vorname.nachname@somewhere.de

Michael Werner
Bachelor of Science in Gesundheitswissenschaft
Geburtsdatum/-ort:

01.09.1995 in Sigmaringen

Berufserfahrung
Seit xx/2020

Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin
Mobile Containment Scout
Vielfältige Aufgaben als einer von 10 Mobilen Scouts:
• Telefonische Befragung von COVID-19 Patienten und
Patientinnen zu möglichen Kontaktpersonen
• Aufklärung über Quarantänebestimmungen und
weiterführende Maßnahmen
• Kontaktieren von möglichen Kontaktpersonen
• Dokumentation in SurvNet und Datenmanagement
• Einweisung und Anleitung von verschiedenen
Unterstützungseinheiten, z.B. der Bundeswehr
• Mitarbeit im Lagezentrum (Internationale
Kommunikation)

Studium und Schulbildung
10/20xx-03/2020

Technische Universität Dresden
Bachelor of Science in Gesundheitswissenschaft
• Thesis: Validierung eines Fragebogens im Rahmen der
Studie „Students‘ Emotions in Physical Education“
(inkl. der aktiven Teilnahme an den Erhebungen)
• Lehrveranstaltungen: Gesundheitssysteme,
Management in Health Care, Studentisches
Gesundheitsmanagement, Betriebliche
Gesundheitsförderungsprogramme, Statistik

10/2014-09/20xx

Universität xxx
Studium Lehramt Gymnasium
Wirtschaftswissenschaften und Geographie

09/2006-06/2014

xxx Gymnasium, Ort
Allgemeine Hochschulreife

Michael Werner-Straße Hausnummer-PLZ Ort
Tel. mobil: 0160-123456-vorname.nachname@somewhere.de

Praktikum
07/2018-09/2018

Kinderhaus xxx, Ort
Pädagogisches Praktium
• Mitwirkung bei der heilpädagogischen Einzel- und
Gruppenarbeit sowie bei freizeitpädagogischen
Aktivitäten
• Organisation, Mitgestaltung und selbstständige
Durchführung von Projekten
• Unterstützung bei der Lernförderung

Nebentätigkeiten
Seit

06/2016

Unternehmen GmbH, Ort
Komparse

07/2015-08/2015

Unternehmen AG, Ort
Lager- und Logistikarbeiter

Sprachen
Deutsch
Englisch
Französisch
Spanisch

Muttersprache
fließend in Wort und Schrift
Grundkenntnisse
Grundkenntnisse

IT-Kenntnisse
MS Office
SurvNet
SPSS
iMovie
Photoscape

sehr gute Kenntnisse
sehr gute Kenntnisse
Grundkenntnisse
gute Kenntnisse
gute Kenntnisse

Private Interessen
•
•
•

Weiterbildung im Bereich psychischer und physischer Gesundheit
Kunst (z.B. Museumsbesuche, Malen)
Kampfkunst (Capoeira, Boxen)

Ort, Datum
Vorname, Name

VORNAME NACHNAME

Bewerbung für die Stelle als
xxx
bei xxx

Vorname Name
Aktueller Jobtitel (wenn passend)
Studienabschluss (wenn passend)
Geboren am xx.xx.xxxx in xx, Indien
Nationalität: Indisch
Arbeits- und Aufenthaltstitel für Deutschland
Familienstand: ledig
LinkedIn: xxx

Kurz zu mir:
(Inhalte, Wording und Reihenfolge immer auf die Stelle anpassen!)
•
•
•
•
•
•

Musterstraße 9
12345 Musterstadt

7 Jahre Berufserfahrung in den Bereichen Business Intelligence,
Datenanalyse und SEO-Optimierung
4 Jahre Führungserfahrung
3 Jahre Beratungserfahrung im Bereich Online-Marketing
Branchenerfahrung: xxx, xxx, xxx
Sehr gute Kenntnisse in MySQL, Tableau, MongoDB, D3.JS
…

1/3

Tel. mobil: +49 (0)152 123456
E-Mail: vorname.nachname@somewhere.com

VORNAME NACHNAME
Berufserfahrung
xx/2017-xx/2020

Firmenname Pvt. Ltd. (Stadt, Indien)
Abteilungsleiter Online Marketing
• Beratung im Bereich Business Intelligence für SEO
• Analyse von Website-Daten
• Erstellung von Dashboards mit Tableau
• Leitung eines 8-köpfigen Teams (80% remote)
• Umsatzverantwortung: 800.000 €
• Mitglied des Management-Teams

08/2016-05/2017

Firmenname Pvt. Ltd. (Stadt, Indien)
Technical Analyst und Writer
• Optimierung von SEO-Strategien
• Analyse von Webseite-Daten und Business Intelligence Beratung
• Erstellung von Dashboards & Reports mit Excel & Tableau
• Web Analyse mit Google Analytics

12/2014-04/2016

Firmenname Pvt. Ltd. (Stadt, Indien)
Data Analyst
• Bereinigung von Daten mit Tableau Data Prep
• Erstellung von Visualisierungen mit D3.JS
• Beratung im Bereich Business Intelligence

Studium
09/2020-09/2021

Mannheim Business School (Mannheim, Deutschland)
MBA Candidate, angestrebter Abschluss: MBA
Schwerpunkte: xxx, xxx, xxx
Weitere relevante Informationen, z.B. Team-Projekte, Kooperationsprojekte mit Unternehmen, Thesis

xx/2014-xx/2016

Name der Hochschule (Stadt, Indien)
Abschluss: Master of Computer Applications
Schwerpunkte: Computer Applikationen und Software Entwicklung
Masterthesis: Titel und/oder Kurzbeschreibung Inhalt & Ziel
Abschlussnote: 1,3

xx/2011-xx/2014

Name der Hochschule (Stadt, Indien)
Abschluss: Bachelor of Computer Applications
Schwerpunkte: Computer Applikationen, xxx, xxx
Bachelorthesis: Titel und/oder Kurzbeschreibung Inhalt & Ziel
Abschlussnote: 1,7

Musterstraße 9
12345 Musterstadt

2/3

Tel. mobil: +49 (0)152 123456
E-Mail: vorname.nachname@somewhere.com

VORNAME NACHNAME
IT-Kenntnisse
Datenbanken
Analytics
Visualisierung
Programmierung
MS Office

SQL, MongoDB, Power BI, Tableau, Redis: sehr gute Kenntnisse
Google Analytics: sehr gute Kenntnisse
D3JS, Tableau: sehr gute Kenntnisse
Javascript: sehr gute Kenntnisse
R, Python, HTML & CSS: Grundkenntnisse
Excel, PowerPoint, Word: sehr gute Kenntnisse

Sprachen
Englisch
Deutsch
Hindi
Spanisch

Fließend (Niveau C1)
Fließend (aktuell Niveau B2; ich lerne erst seit Ende 2018 Deutsch)
Muttersprache
Grundkenntnisse (A2)

Ehrenamtliches Engagement oder/und Auszeichnungen
xx/20xx-xx/20xx

Name der Organisation (Stadt, Indien)
Vorstand
• Aufbau eines Sportvereins für Kinder und Jugendliche
• Erstellung des Businessplans und Sicherstellung der Finanzierung
• Verantwortlicher Vorstand für den Bau der Anlage
• Budgetverantwortung: 1.000.000 €

Interessen
Interessen
Sport

Xxx, xxx, xxx
Xxx, xxx, xxx

Ort, den 27.10.2022
(Unterschrift)

Musterstraße 9
12345 Musterstadt

3/3

Tel. mobil: +49 (0)152 123456
E-Mail: vorname.nachname@somewhere.com

VORNAME NACHNAME

RESUME

Personal information
Name:
Address:
Phone: +49E-Mail:
LinkedIn:
Date and place of birth:

Summary
•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
•
•

M.Sc. in Management and Technology at xxx
Specialized in data management in private equity
7 years of experience in investment & trading
2 years of leadership experience
Developed new ways of analyzing data

Passionate about data and innovation in private equity
Strong leadership skills
Hands-on mentality
Analytical and result driven
Strong in communication and decision making

Professional experience
02/2020-present

xxx GmbH, City, Germany
Brief description of the company
Senior Associate and Team Lead
• Responsible for automation of client xxx data, client support and xxx.
• Leading a team of 7, consisting of data engineers, data scientists and financial analysts.
• Analyzing / reconciling the GP investment information for their portfolio updates.
• Developing interactive dashboards for LPs to monitor their private market portfolios.
• Consulting and advising high profile institutional investors on performance
benchmarking and peer group analysis.
• Ensuring an excellent client satisfaction through precise communication and delivering
highest quality data management services.
• Direct report to the COO, and topic-wise to the CEO.
Achievements:
• Developed python models to reduce the repetitive manual work; increased the
efficiency of data processing and thus reducing the processing time up to 60%.
• Streamlined data processing workflows and restructured the internal process for data
management services. Thereby increased the profitability by 25%.
• Successfully onboarded new hires and trained them to perform well, managed to
establish a very good team spirit in a diverse team.

06/2015-09/2017

xxx GmbH, City, Germany
Associate-Private Equity Data Management
• Responsible for data management of private equity portfolios (add facts like $, clients).
• Drove quantitative track record analysis and reconciliation of xxx.
• Elaborated portfolio reports for institutional investors and financial research purposes.
• Acquired hands-on experience in financial modeling of client portfolios.
• Conducted quarterly private equity market analysis and generated key insights for the
related reports.
Achievements:
• Xxx (4 responsibilities + 2 achievements)

Str. 38
PLZ Ort

1/2

Telefon: +49E-Mail:

VORNAME NACHNAME
02/2014-05/2015

RESUME

Company, City, Country
If relevant: Brief description of the company
Sales and marketing specialist
• Responsible for the B2C sales activities for the online trading application.
• Involved in the business development projects to onboard high net worth individuals.
• Supported sales team in performing market research for xxx.
Achievement:
• Awarded the best salesman of the month already in my second month on the job.

Education
10/2017-10/2020

University, City, Country
Master of Science in Management and Technology (GPA: 1,4/1,0)
• Major in Finance & Accounting, Specializations in Technology and Informatics
• Master Thesis: xxx (Grade: 1,0)
Brief description of the content and purpose of the thesis

10/2010-04/2014

University of City, Country
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (GPA: 2,5/1,0)
• Major in Finance
• Bachelor Project: Title and / or brief description

Training and Certifications
xx/xxxx-xx/xxxx

Training institute, City, Country
Title of the certification / training
• Relevant content
• Relevant content

IT Skills
Systems
Programming
Databases
Financial Databases

Linux/Unix, Windows, Microsoft Office Suite
Java, Python, MATLAB
MySQL
Thomsen Reuters, Bloomberg, CrunchBase, Pitchbook

Language Skills
German
English
xxx

Business fluent, C1
Business fluent, C1
Native

Munich, 27.10.2022
Vorname Nachname
Str. 38
PLZ Ort

2/2

Telefon: +49E-Mail:

VORNAME NACHNAME

Lebenslauf

Bewerbung als „Stellentitel“
bei Firmenname

Vorname Name
Master of Computer Applications,
2. Master angestrebt
Geboren am xx.xx.xxxx in xx, Indien
Nationalität: Indien
Arbeits- und Aufenthaltstitel für Deutschland
Familienstand: ledig

Kurz zu mir:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Musterstraße 9
12345 Musterstadt

Aktuell im Masterstudium „Big Data & Business Analytics“
Bereits abgeschlossener Master in Indien
Spezialisierung auf Datenbanken, Big Data und Visualisierung
2,5 Jahre Berufserfahrung in den Bereichen Business Intelligence,
Datenanalyse und SEO-Optimierung
Sehr gute Kenntnisse in MySQL, Tableau, MongoDB, D3.JS
Weitere für die Stelle relevante Fähigkeiten

1/3

Tel. mobil: +49 (0)152 123456
E-Mail: vorname.nachname@somewhere.com

VORNAME NACHNAME

Lebenslauf

Berufserfahrung
xx/2017-xx/2019

Firmenname Pvt. Ltd. (Neu Delhi, Indien)
Manager Online Marketing
• Beratung im Bereich Business Intelligence für SEO
• Analyse von Website-Daten
• Erstellung von Dashboards mit Tableau
• SEO Optimierung
• Erstellung von Reports mit Excel
• Ausführung von Abfragen in SQL Datenbanken und Data Warehousing
• Veröffentlichen von Blog-Beiträgen und Verbreiten über Social Media

08/2016-05/2017

Firmenname Pvt. Ltd. (Neu-Delhi, Indien)
Technical Analyst und Writer
• Optimierung von SEO-Strategien
• Analyse von Webseite-Daten und Business Intelligence Beratung
• Erstellung von Dashboards & Reports mit Excel & Tableau
• Web Analyse mit Google Analytics

12/2015-04/2016

Firmenname Pvt. Ltd. (Stadt, Indien)
Data Analyst (Praktikum)
• Bereinigung von Daten mit Tableau Data Prep
• Erstellung von Visualisierungen mit D3.JS
• Beratung im Bereich Business Intelligence

Studium
Seit xx/2019

Name der Hochschule
Masterstudium „Big Data & Business Analytics“
Angestrebter Abschluss: Master of xxx
Schwerpunkte: Data Science und Big Data
Aktueller Notenstand: 1,8

xx/2014-xx/2016

Name der Hochschule (Stadt, Indien)
Abschluss: Master of Computer Applications
Schwerpunkte: Computer Applikationen und Software Entwicklung
Abschlussnote: 2,3

xx/2011-xx/2014

Name der Hochschule (Neu Delhi, Indien)
Abschluss: Bachelor of Computer Applications
Schwerpunkte: Computer Applikationen, xxx, xxx
Abschlussnote: 2,5

Musterstraße 9
12345 Musterstadt

2/3

Tel. mobil: +49 (0)152 123456
E-Mail: vorname.nachname@somewhere.com

VORNAME NACHNAME

Lebenslauf

Projekte innerhalb des Masterstudiums an der xxx
xx/20xx-xx/20xx

Smart Mobility-Datenbanken und Informations-Systeme
Projektarbeit in einem 5-köpfigen Team zur zielgerichteten Analyse von
Verkehrsmitteln im Hinblick auf CO2-Emissionen, Kosten und Zeit
• Mitwirkung beim Erstellen von 12 User Stories für Mobilitätskonzepte
• Extrahieren der Daten aus verschiedenen Datenquellen
• Auswahl und Zusammenstellung verschiedener Datenbanken, z.B.
MySQL, NoSQL (MongoDB, Redis, & Neo4j)
• Erstellen von Abfragen und Auswertungen zur Bewertung der Verkehrsmittel für die jeweiligen User Stories

xx/20xx-xx/20xx

Case Studies Datenvisualisierung (mit Tableau und Power BI)
• Datenbereinigung und Sicherstellung der Datenqualität
• Analyse und Visualisierung von Daten der Filmbranche: Umsatz- und
Gewinnentwicklung nach Filmen
• Auswertung von Todesanzeigen für verschiedene statistische Zwecke,
Visualisierung der Daten mit Tableau und Power BI

IT-Kenntnisse
Datenbanken
Analytics
Visualisierung
Programmierung
MS Office

SQL, MongoDB, Power BI, Tableau, Redis: sehr gute Kenntnisse
Google Analytics: sehr gute Kenntnisse
D3JS, Tableau: sehr gute Kenntnisse
Javascript: sehr gute Kenntnisse
R, Python, HTML & CSS: Grundkenntnisse
Excel, PowerPoint, Word: sehr gute Kenntnisse

Sprachen
Englisch
Deutsch
Hindi
Spanisch

Fließend (Niveau C1)
Fließend (aktuell Niveau B2; ich lerne erst seit Ende 2018 Deutsch)
Muttersprache
Grundkenntnisse (A2)

Persönliche Interessen
Fußball spielen, Fitness
Romane lesen, Reisen, neue Sprachen lernen
Ort, den 04.11.2021
(Unterschrift)

Musterstraße 9
12345 Musterstadt

3/3

Tel. mobil: +49 (0)152 123456
E-Mail: vorname.nachname@somewhere.com

Preview: icms-spreadsheet.csv (852 B)

Welcome CBYXers!

"This is your International Career Management System (ICMS)-basically, one place where you can keep track of your networking, internship search, as well as your professional profile."
"In addition, this ICMS includes many of the activities you will be prompted to do throughout the online course. "
"This system works best if you store everything within Google Drive, because you can link to documents such as your resume and cover letter in this document. "
"However, if you prefer a more interactive version, you can also build your own system on sites such as AirTable, Huntr, or JibberJobber. "
You can learn more about how the ICMS works and how to customize yours in this blog article.


















© Jessica Schueller LLC and DBA “Germany Career Coach”™ 2019-2023. All Rights Reserved.

Preview: icms-spreadsheet.xlsx (540.5 KB)

Personal Documents
The Internships in Germany Roadmap
Welcome CBYXers!
Link to your Roadmap here for easy access
This is your International Career Management System (ICMS)-basically, one place where you can keep track of your networking, internship search, as well as your professional profile.
Link here to your:
Internship Tracker
In addition, this ICMS includes many of the activities you will be prompted to do throughout the online course. 
This system works best if you store everything within Google Drive, because you can link to documents such as your resume and cover letter in this document. 
However, if you prefer a more interactive version, you can also build your own system on sites such as AirTable, Huntr, or JibberJobber. 
Status
You can learn more about how the ICMS works and how to customize yours in this blog article
.
Resume
Option #
Master Resume
Organization
Position
Description saved?
Contact Name
Email/phone
City
State
Date applied
Location of Application
Language
Type of Internship
Not started
Interview Status
Follow up
Offer yes/no
Resume/Lebenslauf-modern
Salary
Start Day
End Day
Comments
Resume/Lebenslauf-traditional
Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
Master Cover Letter
Application picture
Link here to one folder that has your application picture
Attachments
Link here to one folder that has all of your attachments
LinkedIn Profile
Xing Profile
© Jessica Schueller LLC and DBA “Germany Career Coach”™ 2019-2023. All Rights Reserved. 
Keywords
Use sites such as Berufenet and Taguette to facilitate your keyword search
English keyword
German keyword
Synonyms
Type
Gap Analysis
You can find an example here.
Position Name
Company
Link to Company Website
Job Description Saved 
Required Qualification
Have it
Preferred Qualification
Have it 2
Skill
Have it 3
Responsibilities (optional)
Other
Internship Search Activity
This corresponds with the search activity presented in the course.
Sport Science
Search strategies
Position/company ideas
Duale:r Student:in Sport Management ISBA (a)
LinkedIn
Link
Alternative protein/plant based food development
Elementary Education
Law
Marine Biology
Example answers can be found here, but don't look until you have conducted the search on your own!
Target Companies
Location
Mission/Vision
Interest
Department
People/Team
Contact Information
Open Positions
Initative Application
Networking Tracker
Name
E-Mail
Phone
How You Came Across Them
How You Met
Last Contacted
Follow-up Plan
Notes
Job Description Matching
Qualifications
Qualification
Your Skill/Ed/Exp.
Example
Para. No.

Preview: lebenslauf-guide.txt (3.0 KB)

Name Goes Here
Headline (optional)
Address • Phone • E-Mail • LinkedIn/Xing
	 A person with long brown hair smiling

Description automatically generated 

	

Name Goes Here                                                
Headline (optional)
Address • Phone • E-Mail • LinkedIn/Xing


Professional Profile/Summary Objective (optional)-CBYX reference
Professional Profile/Summary Objective (optional)-Previous education and experience
Professional Profile/Summary Objective (optional)-Internship in XYZ at company XYZ


EDUCATION
Month/Year-Month/Year        Name of Subject Area-CBYX description
Name of University, City
Optional 1-2 line description or list of relevant coursework
Month/Year-Month/Year        Name of Degree in Subject Area (Major, Minor)
Name of College or University, City, Country
* Thesis:
* Relevant Coursework:
* Extracurriculars/Study Abroad: 
Month/Year-Month/Year        High School Diploma
Name of High School, City, Country


EXPERIENCE
Month/Year-Month/Year        Position #1 Title-CBYX description
Name of Company, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the company 
* ATARA bullet point.
* ATARA bullet point.
* ATARA bullet point.


Month/Year-Month/Year        Position #2 Title 
Name of Company, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the company 
* ATARA bullet point.
* ATARA bullet point.
* ATARA bullet point.


Month/Year-Month/Year        Position #2 Title 
Name of Company, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the company 
* ATARA bullet point.
* ATARA bullet point.
* ATARA bullet point.


PROJECTS
Month/Year-Month/Year        Project #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the project 


Month/Year-Month/Year        Project #2 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the project 


VOLUNTEER WORK
Month/Year-Month/Year        Volunteer Role #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the role 
Month/Year-Month/Year        Volunteer Role #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the role 


SKILLS
Language Skills                English-Native language
                                        German-A2, advanced beginner


IT Skills                        Microsoft Excel-intermediate
                                        SAP-beginner


Subject Skills (rename)                Instructional Design-Teaching Academy Certificate 


ACTIVITIES DURING STUIDES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Month/Year-Month/Year        Activity #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  


Month/Year-Month/Year        Activity #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  


Month/Year-Month/Year        Activity #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  


HOBBIES & INTERESTS-same formatting for memberships/affiliations 
Knitting • Sailing • Decorating Cupcakes • Live Music




Location, Date
Signature

Preview: lebenslauf-word-original.docx (492.2 KB)

Name Goes Here
Headline (optional)
Adresse • Tel. • E-Mail • LinkedIn/Xing


Name Goes Here
Headline (optional)
Adresse • Tel. • E-Mail • LinkedIn/Xing

Professional Profile/Summary Objective (optional)-CBYX reference
Professional Profile/Summary Objective (optional)-Previous education and experience
Professional Profile/Summary Objective (optional)-Internship in XYZ at company XYZ

BILDUNG
Month/Year-Month/YearName of Subject Area-CBYX description
Name of University, City
Optional 1-2 line description or list of relevant coursework

Month/Year-Month/YearName of Degree in Subject Area (Major, Minor)
Name of College or University, City, Country
Thesis:
Relevant Coursework:
Extracurriculars/Study Abroad: 

Month/Year-Month/YearHigh School Diploma
Name of High School, City, Country

ERFAHRUNG
Month/Year-Month/YearPosition #1 Title-CBYX description
Name of Company, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the company 
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.

Month/Year-Month/YearPosition #2 Title 
Name of Company, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the company 
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.

Month/Year-Month/YearPosition #2 Title 
Name of Company, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the company 
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.

PROJEKTE
Month/Year-Month/YearProject #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the project 

Month/Year-Month/YearProject #2 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the project 

EHRENAMTLICHE TÄTIGKEITEN
Month/Year-Month/YearVolunteer Role #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the role 

Month/Year-Month/YearVolunteer Role #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the role 

FÄHIGKEITEN &amp; FERTIGKEITEN (or: SKILLS)
Language SkillsEnglish-Native language
German-A2, advanced beginner

IT SkillsMicrosoft Excel-intermediate
SAP-beginner

Subject Skills (rename)Instructional Design-Teaching Academy Certificate 

STUDIENBEGLEITENDE TÄTIGKEITEN
Month/Year-Month/YearActivity #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  

Month/Year-Month/YearActivity #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  

Month/Year-Month/YearActivity #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  

HOBBYS &amp; INTERESSEN-same formatting for memberships/affiliations 
Knitting • Sailing • Decorating Cupcakes • Live Music


Location, Date
Signature

Preview: musterzeugnis-praktikum.pdf (93.6 KB)

Musterbeispiel für eine Praktikumsbestätigung/Praktikumszeugnis

Praktikumszeugnis

Herr/Frau xxxxx (Name), geboren am xx.xx.xxxx (Datum), absolvierte vom xx.xx.xxxx bis zum
xx.xx.xxxx ein Praktikum in Vollzeit (ca. 38 Std./Woche) bei xxxxx (Name der Firma /der Institution).
Die xxxx (Name der Firma/Institution) ist ein Unternehmen/eine Einrichtung, die xxxxxxxxxxx
(Aufgaben und Tätigkeitsbereiche der Firma/Institution).
Herr/Frau xxxx hat während ihres/seines Einsatzes bei xxxx (Name der Firma/Institution) folgende
Aufgaben/Projekte bearbeitet:






Xxxxx (Projekt 1/Aufgabe 1)
Xxxxx (Projekt 2/Aufgabe 2)
Xxxxx (Projekt 3/Aufgabe 3)
Xxxxx (Projekt 4/Aufgabe 4)
Xxxxx (Projekt 5/Aufgabe 5)

Bei allen diesen Aufgaben bewies Herr/Frau xxxx eine sehr gute Auffassungsgabe für inhaltliche und
technische Fragen. Er/sie zeigte außerordentlich vielseitige Fachkenntnisse, die er/sie gezielt und
effizient einsetzte. Seine/ihre Arbeit erledigte er/sie zügig, sehr sorgfältig und mit großem
Engagement und Kreativität. In der Zusammenarbeit mit den Mitarbeitern des ZfS zeigte er/sie sich
stets kooperativ, offen und äußerst hilfsbereit. Im Rahmen der Teamsitzungen für das Projekt bewies
er/sie kommunikatives und praktisches Geschick sowie einen guten Überblick und
Organisationstalent. Herr/Frau xxxx hat die ihm/ihr übertragenen Aufgaben stets zu unserer vollsten
Zufriedenheit erfüllt.
Wir haben Herrn/Frau xxxx als eine/n sehr motivierte/n Mitarbeiter/in kennen und schätzen gelernt,
der/die seine/ihre Tätigkeit mit großem Interesse absolvierte. Wir wünschen Herrn/Frau xxxx für
seine/ihre berufliche und persönliche Zukunft alles Gute und bedanken uns herzlich.

Kiel, den xx.xx.xxxx

(Name des Verfassers/Position)

Preview: notenumrechnung-usa-de.pdf (36.2 KB)

Umrechnung von Noten aus dem US-amerikanischen Notensystem in das deutsche
Notensystem.
Notensystem USA
Letter Grade *

Notensystem Deutschland
GPA (Grade Point
Average)

A+

Note

Beschreibung

1,0

A

4.0

1,0

Sehr gut

A- (oder: AB)

3.7

1,3

B+ (oder: AB)

3.3

1,7

B

3.0

2,0

B- (oder: BC)

2.7

2,3

C+ (oder: BC)

2.3

2,7

C

2.0

3,0

C- (oder: CD)

1.7

3,3

D+ (oder: CD)

1.3

3,7

D

1.0

4,0

Ausreichend

F

0.0

5,0

Nicht ausreichend

Gut

Befriedigend

* Die Vergabe der Zwischennoten wird verschieden gehandhabt, nicht alle Universitäten vergeben alle
oder überhaupt Zwischennoten.

Preview: resume-template-english.docx (113.7 KB)

Name Goes Here
Headline (optional)
Address • Phone • E-Mail • LinkedIn/Xing


Name Goes Here
Headline (optional)
Address • Phone • E-Mail • LinkedIn/Xing

Professional Profile/Summary Objective (optional)-CBYX reference
Professional Profile/Summary Objective (optional)-Previous education and experience
Professional Profile/Summary Objective (optional)-Internship in XYZ at company XYZ

EDUCATION
Month/Year-Month/YearName of Subject Area-CBYX description
Name of University, City
Optional 1-2 line description or list of relevant coursework

Month/Year-Month/YearName of Degree in Subject Area (Major, Minor)
Name of College or University, City, Country
Thesis:
Relevant Coursework:
Extracurriculars/Study Abroad: 

Month/Year-Month/YearHigh School Diploma
Name of High School, City, Country

EXPERIENCE
Month/Year-Month/YearPosition #1 Title-CBYX description
Name of Company, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the company 
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.

Month/Year-Month/YearPosition #2 Title 
Name of Company, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the company 
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.

Month/Year-Month/YearPosition #2 Title 
Name of Company, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the company 
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.

PROJECTS
Month/Year-Month/YearProject #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the project 

Month/Year-Month/YearProject #2 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the project 

VOLUNTEER WORK
Month/Year-Month/YearVolunteer Role #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the role 

Month/Year-Month/YearVolunteer Role #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the role 

SKILLS
Language SkillsEnglish-Native language
German-A2, advanced beginner

IT SkillsMicrosoft Excel-intermediate
SAP-beginner

Subject Skills (rename)Instructional Design-Teaching Academy Certificate 

ACTIVITIES DURING STUIDES &amp; ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Month/Year-Month/YearActivity #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  

Month/Year-Month/YearActivity #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  

Month/Year-Month/YearActivity #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  

HOBBIES &amp; INTERESTS-same formatting for memberships/affiliations 
Knitting • Sailing • Decorating Cupcakes • Live Music


Location, Date
Signature

Preview: resume-template-german.docx (114.9 KB)

Name Goes Here
Headline (optional)
Adresse • Tel. • E-Mail • LinkedIn/Xing


Name Goes Here
Headline (optional)
Adresse • Tel. • E-Mail • LinkedIn/Xing

Professional Profile/Summary Objective (optional)-CBYX reference
Professional Profile/Summary Objective (optional)-Previous education and experience
Professional Profile/Summary Objective (optional)-Internship in XYZ at company XYZ

BILDUNG
Month/Year-Month/YearName of Subject Area-CBYX description
Name of University, City
Optional 1-2 line description or list of relevant coursework

Month/Year-Month/YearName of Degree in Subject Area (Major, Minor)
Name of College or University, City, Country
Thesis:
Relevant Coursework:
Extracurriculars/Study Abroad: 

Month/Year-Month/YearHigh School Diploma
Name of High School, City, Country

ERFAHRUNG
Month/Year-Month/YearPosition #1 Title-CBYX description
Name of Company, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the company 
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.

Month/Year-Month/YearPosition #2 Title 
Name of Company, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the company 
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.

Month/Year-Month/YearPosition #2 Title 
Name of Company, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the company 
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.
ATARA bullet point.

PROJEKTE
Month/Year-Month/YearProject #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the project 

Month/Year-Month/YearProject #2 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the project 

EHRENAMTLICHE TÄTIGKEITEN
Month/Year-Month/YearVolunteer Role #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the role 

Month/Year-Month/YearVolunteer Role #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  
Optional 1-2 line description of the role 

FÄHIGKEITEN &amp; FERTIGKEITEN (or: SKILLS)
Language SkillsEnglish-Native language
German-A2, advanced beginner

IT SkillsMicrosoft Excel-intermediate
SAP-beginner

Subject Skills (rename)Instructional Design-Teaching Academy Certificate 

STUDIENBEGLEITENDE TÄTIGKEITEN
Month/Year-Month/YearActivity #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  

Month/Year-Month/YearActivity #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  

Month/Year-Month/YearActivity #1 Title 
Name of Organization, City, Country  

HOBBYS &amp; INTERESSEN-same formatting for memberships/affiliations 
Knitting • Sailing • Decorating Cupcakes • Live Music


Location, Date
Signature

Preview: roadmap-gdoc.txt (58.7 KB)

CBYX
Internships in Germany Roadmap




Germany Career Kickstarter
Jessica Schüller | Germany Career Coach




TO USE THIS GUIDE IN GOOGLE DRIVE:


Request access to the Google Drive version with this link. In the “notes” section write your first and last name, name of university at which you attended the workshop, and the date of the workshop.


Then Click File > Make a Copy.
Then re-title this document and save it to your own Google Drive


Copyright and Trademark Information


Everything on this document, on the www.germanycareercoach.com and www.jessicaschueller.com website (and associated websites) and within the course portals is copyrighted and/or trademarked. 


You are NOT allowed to copy, alter, redistribute, or use this content or any of the materials to make derivative works of any kind (e.g. you may not use this content to make your own workshops, handouts, etc.). 


This content is for personal use of paying course/workshop students only and for personal use only. 


It may not be resold or used commercially (eg. with clients). Copyright and/or intellectual property violations may result in legal consequences in Germany and/or the United States of America. 


How to Use this Guide


Welcome to the guide that accompanies the Finding an Internship in Germany-CBYX edition course! This guide is a resource for you to use as you design your internship search and begin applying for internships. 


There are several exercises, handouts, and checklists in this guide that are introduced or mentioned during the course. These are listed below in the order presented here in this guide, as well as in an order that makes sense for completing them from top to bottom. Each of the activities builds on the next, but you should skip around and use the activities as it works best for you! 


This includes:
* Internship Goal-Setting
* Internship Search Process Outline (two options)
* Module Hausaufgaben (Homework)
* Keyword Search and Optimization
* Resume Section Heading Title Options in German and English
* Cover Letters in Germany: Templates, Examples + Checklist
* E-Mail Templates for Writing Employers + Initiative Applications
* LinkedIn Checklist + Resources


I recommend you set aside 5-10 hours in total for thoroughly preparing your internship search. The two search process outlines provided in this guide will be invaluable in ensuring your process is structured and does not get too unwieldy. I wish you the best of luck - 


Viel Erfolg!


Best,
Jessica
Internship Goals


What is the industry/field you aim to intern in?






	

What are you looking for within your internship?
* Professional growth
* Personal growth
* Language practice
* Insight into working in Germany
* Better understanding of German culture
* Other: ________


Who are you trying to achieve by the end of the internship phase?






	

What do you envision/imagine when you think about your internship?






	

What are your current concerns?






	





Internship Search Process


I provide two options below for structuring your internship search process. The first one has five steps and is structured around the course modules. The second option has three steps structured around the main three “building blocks” of an internship search in Germany. Choose the path that speaks to you! 




INTERNSHIP SEARCH PATH #1


1) STRUCTURE YOUR INTERNSHIP SEARCH-Modules 0-2
* Define your goals for the internship.(describe what you want to accomplish and learn - professionally, academically, and personally). Not all of these will be possible at one internship. Determine your level of flexibility
* Set your timeline (when do you want to start the internship) and schedule (when will you work on the internship search). 
* Research positions and companies to get an understanding of the internship landscape in your field
* Decide if you will be applying for internship in German or English
* Identify your keywords and job search engines/databases. 
* Choose job sites
* Research and choose target employers and positions in your placement city. 


2) DEVELOP YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS-Module 4
* Get your resume and draft cover letter in order
* Get your resume checked by your mentor or university career service
* Develop a LinkedIn/Xing profile that reflects your current interests and internship search.
* Develop your application materials and have them proofread by 2-3 other people, ideally people who you conduct informational interviews with. 


3) SUBMIT APPLICATIONS & NETWORK-Module 3
* Start submitting your applications, sending emails. 
* List of 20-30 internships maximum to apply to (incl. Initiative applications)
* Apply for 10-30 internship positions and/or initiative applications. 
* Start attending networking events and conducting informational interviews. 


4) PREPARE FOR INTERVIEWS-Module 5
* Prepare for the interview (module X)
* Practice with at least 1-2 people.


5) PREPARE FOR THE INTERNSHIP-Module 6
* Contact employers about getting work certificates. 
* Read up on what your internship plan and contract should look like/entail, and begin preparing for your first day. 
* When you have concluded your internship, add everyone you met to LinkedIn/Xing if you have not yet, and make sure you get an internship certificate. 
INTERNSHIP SEARCH PATH #2


Step 1: Searching for Opportunities
* First things first: remember the strategy we discussed. Here’s a recap, and here is a how-to on finding the hidden champions in your industry. 
* Develop a list of keywords and position tiles (use Berufenet for German terms, and use this worksheet for structuring your keyword search)
   * This article describes the reasoning behind keyword optimization and explains how to go about the search
* Decide on job search engine/board avenues (remember field-specific ones!)
   * Here is an overview of job boards in Germany to get you started
* Using the terms and search avenues, research positions and organizations
   * Here is an explanation of how to research German organizations
* Create an excel sheet for organizing the positions and target organizations
* While you are doing this, it can be helpful to participate in a few webinars/seminars offered by governmental agencies, which are sometimes tailored to specific agencies. Here is a list of the main resources for internationals looking for work in Germany.
* MILESTONE 1: Collected 10-30 target organizations, 20-30 position descriptions


Step 2: Planning and Preparing Your Application Materials
* Draft cover letters for the positions you feel most connected to/interested in (choose between 2-5)
   * For internship positions advertised openly, use the job description matching sheet (template here, student example here) to put together a cover letter
   * For initiative applications, remember to emphasize area and value-add
* Format your cover letter correctly using this template and formatting guidelines
   * If you are writing in German, you can use these Textbausteine to support your writing
   * Here is an overview of the sections in a cover letter
   * This is a summary of how to organize your cover letter
* Design and develop a traditional and a modern resume, use the German Resume Guide (Code: CBYX2022respect) to guide you through the process
   * You can find a description of the two types here
   * Remember you are almost always going to use the German Lebenslauf format (learn the differences to CVs and American resumes here)
   * Consult these detailed articles on displaying languages and hard/soft skills
* Adjust this email template for each employer you are writing to
* MILESTONE 3: Cover letters, resume and emails to employers prepped to send
* Complete LinkedIn profile optimization 
   * Use this worksheet to write a compelling summary and this checklist to make sure you have completed the profile build
   * Complete Xing profile optimization, use this video course to guide you
   * Connect with/follow recruiters, companies and people in your industry
      * Here’s an overview of what to consider when using social media for career development in the German context
* MILESTONE 4: LinkedIn & Xing profiles finished


Step 3: Submitting your application, responding to employers & interviewing
* MILESTONE 5: Submit 10-20 applications
   * If you are communicating with employers in German, I recommend you atcheck out this book or this book from the local library, both include great template letters and Textbaussteine for business communication
* Practice - Take advantage of mock interviews at your local career center
   * Familiarize yourself with the five stages of interviews in Germany
   * If you can read German, I recommend this book for preparation
   * Prepare for the interview using these tips
* Once you have landed the internship (yay!) start considering how you will start off strong. This article gives you some tips related to the German context.
* While you are waiting for responses, you can start the cycle of applying again, or take a break for a bit and focus on networking
   * German-American business clubs
   * Informational interviews (also via LinkedIn)
   * Connecting with other students
   * Attend a local career fair
   * Reach out to your contacts about your search (such as professors)
* If you have not heard anything back within two weeks, follow up with a brief email or phone call.
Module Hausaufgaben (Homework)


MODULE 1
* Save/download the Roadmap.
* Set-up and customize your ICMS.
* Download the templates and/or save them to Drive.
* Mark in your calendar when you will work on the course, and begin thinking about what your process will look like based on where you are at in the program.


MODULE 2
* Set a realistic goal for your internship.
* Determine which language you’ll apply in.
* Start your search right away using the strategies you learned in this module. 
* Track your target companies and interesting internship position openings in your ICMS.


MODULE 3
* Select one cultural resource to consult/read. 
* Select at least two networking strategies (e.g. LinkedIn informational interviews + attending a local event) to start building your network. 
* Track networking in the ICMS networking tracker. 
* Complete LinkedIn Profile.
* Complete Xing Profile.


MODULE 4
* Develop your resume.
* Draft cover letters for the positions you feel most connected to/interested in (choose between 2-5).
* Organize and/or obtain your references/certificates 
* Submit applications!


MODULE 5
* Use the preparation checklist to map out your preparation.
* Practice using the practice questions and STAR method with at least 2 other people. 
* Review your internship contract carefully.


MODULE 6
* Obtain your internship contract and check it.
* Plan what you need to do ahead of your first day.
* Plan your 'Ausstand'
* Reach out to your supervisor and/or colleagues 1-2 weeks before you will leave to obtain your internship certificate, recommendations and letters
Keyword Search and Optimization


Finding keywords does not need to be challenging or cumbersome. Use these simple steps to get you started with 15-20 keywords for your current profile.
Here is an overview of keyword optimization and the ATARA format.


Keywords vs. skills
First, consider that you will want a mix of skills, software, and keywords. 
Skill/Keyword
	Skill/Software
	Campaign management
	Covertkit
	Social science research
	MaxQDA
	Project management
	Salesforce
	

Where to look for keywords
Second, look back at keywords that already work for your profile.  
* Brainstorm! What keywords come to mind when you think about your current profile, or what you are looking for?
* Then review your resume, this includes what is on the resume, but also that you do further research of the positon names and corresponding keywords
* Then, check the position descriptions of previous jobs (if you stil have the ads!)
* You can also look at other profiles for inspiration (just be careful with this!)


How to find new/enhanced keywords
Once you have exhausted all of the above mentioned options, you can do keyword research with the following steps. 
* Determine what your next career goal is
* Choose 3-5 job titles (Berufenet can help)
* Select 10-15 job descriptions based on those titles
* Copy and paste the main body of the job description into Voyant Tools
* Using the output from Voyant, consider the most important/commonly listed keywords, but make sure to check the list for an unique terms you may also want to include. Looking at the word bubble can help you. 


What are your top three skills?
By this point you should have a large list. Think back to your areas of “expertise” - what you want to be known for. (Remember:  if someone mentions your name, what do you want them to relate it with?) With this in mind, write down the top three skills you want associate with your applicant profile. 


1.
2.
3. 


What are your main keywords?
By this point you should have a large list of keywords. Choose the top 10-20 to include in your profile. It can also be helpful to research the synonyms to add variety to the language. 


1.  
   1. Synonym(s): 
2.  
   1. Synonym(s): 
3.  
   1. Synonym(s): 
4.  
   1. Synonym(s): 
5.  
   1. Synonym(s): 
6.  
   1. Synonym(s): 
7.  
   1. Synonym(s): 
8.  
   1. Synonym(s): 
9.  
   1. Synonym(s): 
10.  
   1. Synonym(s): 
11.  
   1. Synonym(s): 
12.    1. Synonym(s):  
13.  
   1. Synonym(s): 
14.  
   1. Synonym(s): 
15.  
   1. Synonym(s): 
16.  
   1. Synonym(s): 
17.    1. Synonym(s): 
18.  
   1. Synonym(s): 
19.  
   1. Synonym(s): 
20.  
   1. Synonym(s): 


Integrate your keywords
Make sure you have these keywords throughout your profile. These are the most important areas to put them, in order for highest to lowest importance:
* Headline
* Summary
* Experience
* Skills
* Activity
* Bonus: Education-especially useful if you do not have a lot of experience, integrate keywords into your Education section such as with “Relevant Interests” or “Research Interests”


Check your keyword optimization
You can regularly (once a week) check if your keywords are working for you. If they are, then you will find them listed under the “Keywords” section of your analysis page. Here is how to reach it:
* On your LinkedIn, navigate to your profile page 
* Scroll down to analytics
* Click on “search appearances”
* Look at the section “Keywords you were found for”
   * Please note it can take two weeks for this to register after you completed your optimization. Check back regularly to continue to ensure your keywords are still serving you and your career goals. 
Section Heading Title Options 
in German and English


The Bare Minimum
English
	German
	Education
	Bildung, Studium und Schulbildung
	Experience
	Erfahrung, Berufserfahrung
	Skills
	Fähigkeiten und Fertigkeiten, Sprachen, IT-Kenntnisse
	

Other options and variations
English
	German
	Volunteer Work
	Ehrenamtliches Engagement, Gesellschaftliches Engagement
	Projects during bachelor studies


	Projekte innerhalb des Bachelorstudiums an der xxx
	Personal Interests and Hobbies
	Persönliche Interessen,Interessen und Hobbys
	Work during Studies
	Studienbegleitende Tätigkeiten
	Projects, work-related projects
	Projekte, Berufsbezogene Projekte
	Qualifications
	Qualifikationen
	Certificates
	Zertifikate
	Accomplishments (Awards)
	Auszeichnungen
	Scholarships
	Stipendien
	

An Overview of Cover Letters in Germany


Kurz & Knapp: Most German companies still require the cover letter; those who do not are the exception. 


Writing a cover letter can be a demanding and scary task in your home country, and even more so when you are applying for jobs in a context you are unfamiliar with. You may read or hear contradicting advice and rules, and the variations in suggestions may leave you feeling overwhelmed. Common Issues with cover letters include: 


* Lack of rules
* Endless ways to phrase what you want to say - it is a form of creative business writing
* Difficulty with giving examples due to changing job descriptions and applicant profiles
* Over-reliance on textual phrases can lead to copying


You may even read career advice columns that say the cover letter is outdated and German employers do not read it anymore, that it is a “Pflichtaufgabe” (required task) that lacks essentiality. 


But a cover letter is important. German employers do read your cover letters, especially if you are applying for a position at a small or medium-sized enterprise, especially if you are applying in English, and even more so if they need to choose between many qualified applicants. 


HR staff either read the resume or the cover letter first. With your application, you need to make sure you are appealing to both groups of hiring managers. Your cover letter may be what gets your application into the interview pile among steep competition of people with similar profiles. Your primary goal with a resume is to be thorough yet concise; with a cover letter it is to be clear and generate interest. 


The cover letter is often the most-feared document by international applicants because they think they have to write perfectly, creatively, professionally and beautifully, and have to do it all in a language that is normally not their mother tongue. However, internationals actually have a unique advantage with cover letters because the expectations couldn’t be more opposite: hiring managers want clear, precise language that isn’t poetry; an idea of how someone can break down complicated topics (such as your career history) and make it understandable. You don’t need to be the best writer in the world to do that; what you do need is research, structure, and the patience to edit your own work. Originality is not necessarily required and not always received positively. Demand for good communication skills are, however, ubiquitous-and nowadays surprisingly hard to come by. Done right, a cover letter can become a key component of your current and future job searches in Germany.  








Pre-Writing Preparation


 Foundational Organization
* Create one master document with all of the following:
   * Completed header
   * Current date & place
   * If you are applying for similar positions, brainstorm 1-2 strong starting sentences; if you applying for positions that differ greatly from each other, I recommend you develop 5-6 starting sentences for different scenarios (Paragraph 1)
   * The fourth paragraph organizational information that you need to include for each position
   * Salutation, with a picture of your signature already copied in
* Create a folder for each job you are applying to. Save the job description and resume there, and copy/paste the master cover letter document to each folder as well. 


Doing Company Research
You need to show that you did your research (This becomes important for Paragraph Three). By now, most applicants know that. However what I’d like for you to do is go 2-3x deeper in your analysis of the company in order to be able to narrow in on what makes the company special and why you want to work for them. This pre-application research is not only helpful for writing the cover letter, but it also gives you a feel for the company AND helps you immensely when you need to interview with (because then half of the work is done). If you need to call the company for whatever reason, it is also good to do this research part beforehand so you don’t ask any questions that can be answered via online research. Places you should look/review include: 
* Vision 
* Mission
* Strategy
* Research & development
* Compliance
* CSR
* Training opportunities
* Digital communication style
* Glassdoor
* Kununu 


Company Research Checklist
* Complete the company research (again, important: do this part one company at a time)
   * Website
   * Social media
   * Google news
   * Glassdoor & Kununu
* Research the position background (who has/had it, what is their skill level, which team is it in, etc.)?


Organizational information (Paragraph 3/4)
* Did they ask for a salary suggestion?
* Did they ask for your next available start date?
* What else did they ask for? Check the bottom of the position description. 










Job Description Matching
This is in particular for the second paragraph, in which you align their required and preferred qualifications with your educational background, experience and skills. It looks like this:


  



  

Source 1 Source 2


For this activity, I recommend you print both the job description and your resume to prepare for writing your cover letter. This helps you to compare the two, do it for several job openings at one time (max. 5 at once, please!) and physically see where the different parts overlap. This may sound old-school to highlight things, but your brain literally works better when you use paper-and you can visually see where things overlap (and which gaps you will need to fill!) 


* Read the job description thoroughly and note down:        
   * What are the required skills, experience and education? Highlight this in one color. 
   * What is supplementary? Highlight this in a different color.  
   * Where does the author place emphasis? Highlight this in yet another color. 
* Looking at your resume, highlight the following using the corresponding colors above:
   * Which of the required skills you have
   * Which of the required experience(s) you have
   * Which of the required degrees you have
   * What supplementary skills you have to offer
   * How you can address what the author is looking for (this may be highlighted in or noted down, depending on what it is) 
* Once you have this done, list it in bullet point form in each cover letter document. 


Job Description Matching Worksheet
You can use this document or find the Google Sheets Version Here. 


Position name:
Company: 
Link: 


Required Qualifications
Qualification
	Your Skill/Ed/Exp.
	Example
	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	



Preferred Qualifications
Qualification
	Your Skill/Ed/Exp.
	Example
	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	

	







Cover Letter Checklist


Design and formatting
* The cover letter is one page in length
* The cover letter uses the same font (and preferably, same font size) as the resume


Front Matter
* Your name and contact information at the top of letter (you can also use a header)
* Their name and company name at the top of the letter
* Be mindful of the type (UG, GmbH) and that you have written it correctly. Double check how they write it in the job description or the website's Impressum.
* Keep this as short as possible to save space, but still include this information (no shortening to increase space).
* Try to keep your social's on one line if possible.
* Include the date and place (e.g. Minneapolis, 17.08.2021)


Subject Line
* The subject line is bolded
* It lists the position title exactly as it appears in the job description
* Include the job ID (number) from the job description in parentheses after the position title
* Only takes up one line
* Avoids redundancy (e.g. “Application for the position as marketing manager position”)


Salutation 
* Use an exact name if possible - check the team page and address the head
* If there is no specific person who can be identified, use “Dear [department name] Team”, Dear [company name] Team, “Dear Hiring Committee” or something similar
* Always stay formal: “Sehr geehrte” vs. “Guten Tag” Sehr geehrte/r
* Women first, then men and lower case the second one
* DO NOT use “Dear Sir or Madam” or “Dear Ladies and Gentlemen” but instead “COMPANY/DEPARTMENT Team”
First Paragraph
* Strong opening sentence(s) to catch the reader’s attention
   * What are the top 3 things you have done, know, or can contribute to the role?
   * How can you demonstrate that you understand the position description and the tasks you will be performing?
   * How will you be a good representative of the organization? 
* This should at some point include identifying the position you are applying for, and how you learned about it
* Provide 1-2 sentences clearly explaining how your education, experience, and skills correspond to the position description; this requires more detail and context
* Brief definition of how you envision adding value to the company
* Consider an executive summary (bulleted list) to describe exactly what you bring to the position - and make sure to change this for each application 
* If you have networked with anyone at the organization, mention who you spoke to and why that convinced you to apply


Second Paragraph
Use the Job Description Matching Worksheet to write this paragraph; these are some extra tips. 
* Start with the required experience, education and skills - but make it personable by going beyond listing things (e.g. instead of: “I speak German fluently” you could write “Through my German-taught master’s program I was able to hone my language skills and feel comfortable corresponding professionally in German”). 
* Consider using the ATARA format to write sentences for this paragraph - this will aid you in focusing in on accomplishments
* Which projects can you highlight that show you using multiple skills they are looking for?
* What are the key accomplishments you have had thus far in your career?
* When did you achieve a promotion, or experience another positive result based on your performance?
* What skills and experience do you have that others do not - in other words, what makes you stand out from the crowd?
* Make use of short anecdotes or narratives to illustrate your examples


Third Paragraph
* Have you used any products/services that the company provides?
* Have you been a fan of the company for a long time, or do you have any early memories of engaging with it (rare, but if this is your case, use/mention it!)
* How does their mission, vision, values, and growth plan align with your values? 
* Have you noticed anything about them by following them in the news, on social media, or by attending events they have offered? 
* Use language and cultural factors from their web and social media presences to indicate you’ve gotten to know the company


Fourth Paragraph
* Include a sentence or two about your interest in furthering the conversation in an interview
* If they ask for a start date, include an honest estimate of what would work for you
* Include a final sentence that clearly states the way in which you as an applicant would be able to solve the problem they are trying to solve through hiring someone for this position
* If applicable, include a link to your portfolio or personal website
* If applicable, mention openness to move or your reason for applying (personal reasons)
* Unless asked, don’t include information about salary or references
* Sign off cordially and formally with "Sincerely."


Tailoring
* Incorporate 3-5 exact phrases/words from the job description - but make sure they are the most important ones
* Incorporate an additional 3-5 phrases/words that are synonymous with key terms used in the job description
* Check the company website and use 2-3 key terms that they use - this works particularly well in the Third Paragraph
* Ensure you are addressing the main responsibilities and tasks mentioned early on in the letter


Editing & proofreading
* Read it backwards - you will find mistakes, especially for example the name of the previous company you applied to, when you do this! 
* Run it through a resource such as ProWritingAid, Grammarly, or Language Tool
* Have at least two people read your letter - one of which should be familiar with the field, or should be a career coach
* Print it out to ensure it prints well (and that you used the right document size)
* Leave it sit for a day and re-read it again right before you send with fresh eyes
* Consider using a tool such as Natural Readers to have it read out loud to you - sometimes you will find errors this way as well
* Think about any open questions the reader might have, and see if you can proactively address them in the letter
* Text is between sizes 10-12 and is a legible font
* Margins are balanced and between 0.5-1 inch wide
* Everything is written in the active voice, first person
* Incorporate strong action verbs
* Check for words used more than once
* Maximum 500 words
* Make sure your cover letter does not repeat or summarize your resume
* Everything included is a honest and positive representation of yourself
* Align the date and location you use to the one listed on your resume
* The cover letter is maximum DINA4
* Only use color to highlight (e.g. the subject line) if you use color in your resume; the font should always be black
* Do not highlight random words - this can be distracting to the reader


General Do’s
* Pay attention to the correct tone for each company
* Show that you can structure information
* Show that you can set priorities for the essential information and the superfluous kind
* Communicate precisely in German or English
* Knows about and how to adhere to German standards
* Knows not to repeat the information from the CV, but rather to connect it
* Use soft skills to add value if you don't have a ton of experience; make sure you are highlighting the ones that match the company’s profile and not choosing more than three to list. 


General Don’ts
* Don’t use phrases from online examples, templates, etc. HR staff know these and will recognize them and see it as laziness. Be original and authentic by drafting your own cover letter. 
* Don’t you dare put pressure on them for getting back to you
* Don’t ask for a visa sponsorship
* Saying something in a long story form (beat around the bush way) is not helpful in the German context. Stick to communicating the essential information to the employer and doing so in a competent, clear, elegant writing style. 






Tips for Sending Your Application via E-Mail


Some jobs require you to email your application. When you have to submit your applications this way, it is common to include a short note. These notes should include the following. Address it to the hiring manager If you’re supposed to email jobs@bigcompany.com, send the application there, but include the name of the hiring manager - whoever you addressed your cover letter to. 


Here are some further tips:
* Keep it formal, polite, courteous and short 
* Elaborate explanations and introductions don’t belong here. Two sentences are plenty; three is more than enough. 
* Include the job title in the email body and subject 
* Make sure the application ends up in the right folder. Tell them how (file format) and where (attached) they’ll find the important docs (resume + cover letter). 
* Include your contact info and name 
* Put your name and contact info in the body of the email and the email signature. 


Sample email


Dear Ms. Hiring-Manager, 


I am pleased to submit my application for the account associate position at Big Ads Firm. My resume and cover letter are attached in a PDF. Please contact me at myemail@bu.edu if there is a problem with the file. 


Thank you for your consideration, 
Hopeful Applicant 


Hopeful Applicant 
myemail@bu.edu 
617-753-27363 
Linkedin.com/in/hopefulapplicant


(This page adapted from BC, 2018, p. 5)
Additional Helpful Resources


* Textbausteine (Text phrases for applications in German)
* Text Phrases for Applications (English)
* Writing Effective Cover Letters for the German Labor Market
* Keyword Optimization for Resumes and Cover Letters in Germany
* Structuring and Formatting Your Cover Letter for Applying in Germany


Example Cover Letters


Remember: These are examples to give you an understanding of what is expected. They are NOT necessarily best practice for you, because they were written by people with different applicant profiles, for a variety of positions, at different points in their careers. You are NOT allowed to copy and paste any phrases from them for your own use; again, these are examples to give you the jist of what is expected. 
Name
Address
Address
Phone
E-Mail




Name of Company
Address of Company 
                
                                                        City, Date, Year
                                                                                                   
Initiative application for an Internship in XXX


Dear Ms. XX,
I am a master's student studying XX at the X. I am interested in an internship at XXX in XXX management or any related internship position that matches my skills. I hope to use my strong XXX and XXX skills to make the most of my education, training, and experience working in Germany.
While working as an XXX at XXX I have actively used my knowledge of XXX. I am very familiar and have experience working with XXX, XXX, the German government issued pensions, retirement planning, private investor budgeting, what are the tools for saving and investing in Germany, and the digital platforms you can use to invest in these tools. In addition, I have gained knowledge of sales techniques and know how to acquire clients efficiently.
Besides being fluent in English, I am improving my German and I am currently at the A level. However, as you likely saw in my resume I am a polyglot and I can learn languages quickly.                 I plan to finish my master’s degree in 2024, but my work experience is very important to me that’s why I am pursuing this internship.
I am specifically interested in XXX because I appreciate the business model of the company. I am using XXX myself, and I have invited more than 10 of my friends and clients to open XXX accounts at XXX. Currently, I am preparing their portfolios and saving plans based on their criteria and return expectations. I even have plans to learn and help more people manage their investments and wealth using XXX.
My CV is attached and I would be happy to supply references who can give you more information about my academic and work performance. I am eager to speak more about how I can contribute to your team and would welcome the opportunity to do so in an interview. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.


Sincerely,














Name
Address
Address
Phone
E-Mail




Name of Company
Address of Company 
                
                                                        City, Date, Year
Bewerbung um die Stelle als Praktikantin


Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, 
auf der Suche nach einer neuen beruflichen Herausforderung bin ich auf Ihre Stellenanzeige aufmerksam geworden. Nachdem ich die ersten Berufserfahrungen sammeln konnte, wäre die Position als ____ nun der nächste richtige Schritt. Ich möchte mich beruflich sowie persönlich weiterentwickeln und die dazu gewonnenen Kenntnisse gewinnbringend für Ihr Unternehmen einsetzen. 
Derzeit bin ich im sechsten Semester meines Bachelor-Studiums im Fachbereich XXX an der Universität XXX. Durch meine Spezialisierung in XXX konnte ich theoretische Kenntnisse erwerben, die ich gerne in Ihrem Unternehmen einbringen möchte. Die Arbeit als Praktikantin bietet ergänzend zu den universitären Inhalten weitere Praxiserfahrungen zu sammeln. Ich kann Ihr Team unterstützen, indem ich mich mit den Methoden der Projektarbeit vertraut mache und komplexere Vorhaben umsetze. 
Durch meine bisherige Berufspraxis habe ich bereits Arbeitserfahrungen in verschiedenen Bereichen wie z.B. in der XXX und im XX & XX gesammelt. Aufgrund meiner schnellen Auffassungsgabe konnte ich meine analytischen Fähigkeiten und bestehendes Fachwissen in allen Anstellungsverhältnissen mehrwertbringend einbringen.


Während meiner bisherigen Arbeitstätigkeiten wurde meine Arbeitsweise als zuverlässig, systematisch und effizient bewertet. Ebenfalls konnte ich Teamfähigkeit und Kommunikationsstärke mehrfach unter Beweis stellen. Genau das möchte ich in der neuen Tätigkeit einbringen sowie weiterentwickeln.  
Außerdem zeichnen mich ein schnelles Anpassungsvermögen und Flexibilität aus, nachdem ich in Ländern wie XX, XX und XX gelebt habe. In Deutschland habe ich viel an Selbständigkeit gewonnen und das würde ich gerne auf meine zukünftige Arbeit übertragen. 
Es freut mich sehr, schon bald mit Leidenschaft und Engagement zum Erfolg der____ im Bereich ____ beizutragen. Über eine Einladung zu einem Gespräch, in dem ich mich Ihnen persönlich vorstellen darf, würde ich mich sehr freuen. 
Mit freundlichen Grüßen


Name






Name
Address
Address
Phone
E-Mail




Name of Company
Address of Company 
                
                                                        City, Date, Year
Application for the position of ____


I’m a XXX (location) curious XXX (role) who XXX (what you do) with a XXX approach. I am excited about the XX job opening at XX because I know that working at XX would mean working in a fast paced, agile, data driven environment - which is exactly the type of challenge I am looking for.
I’ll be the first to admit, my professional background has not been linear, but don’t let that put you off. Working in such a variety of environments has given me a diverse set of design skills and a ready to learn attitude. It has also taught me to think strategically and to always look at the bigger picture. I have experience concepting and creating static and motion ads for online and social media campaigns, developing brands for a consistent user experience across channels, and creating the occasional print design project (flyers, business cards, company swag). In my most recent position, I was the design lead for one of our clients. In that role, I established social media design guidelines to reinforce the brand, managed the workflow of editorial desig projects, created new processes for design briefings, and streamlined communication (especially during COVID-19.) I worked closely with copywriters, creative producers, and other designers to create on-brand content for our client’s social media channels. In previous roles, I worked on cross-functional teams, which included stakeholders from the Marketing, CRM, Sales, and Product teams.
I am currently on a work visa that is tied to my current company, so I will need a new visa to take on this job. I can start as soon as 1 October 2020. You can learn more about me and my work on my website (http://kacieloura.com) and CV. I look forward to chatting with you soon - I can be reached at phone number or at email Thank you for your time and consideration.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Name
E-Mails to Employers


Betreff: Praktikum im Bereich XXX


Sehr geehrter Frau/Herr XXX,
 
ich bin Stipendiat/in des Parlamentarischen Patenschafts-Programm (PPP), ein Austauschprogramm vom Deutschen Bundestag und dem amerikanischen Kongress. 
Im Rahmen des Programms besuchte ich bereits Kurse an der (XXX Universität), lerne Deutsch (XXX Niveau, Kursort/Schule) und wohne mit einer deutschen Gastfamilie. Zudem absolvieren alle PPP-Stipendiaten ein Praktikum in Deutschland, weshalb ich Ihnen schreibe. 


Durch meine Recherche (XXX oder etwas anderes) bin ich auf Ihre XXX Firma/Organisationen aufmerksam geworden, weil XXX. Ich bin selbst Absolventin des XXX (Fachbereichs) und bringe auch bereits (XXX 2 Jahre Erfahrung in/Erfahung in X, Y, Z mit). Seit meinem Studienabschluss (XXX or what you did before CBYX) arbeitete ich XX im XXX (department) und XXX (what did you accomplish). Darüber hinaus habe ich XXX. Als ich über Ihre XXX Firma/Organisationen gelesen habe, dachte ich, dass ich vor allem in den Bereichen X,Y,Z Unterstützung bei XXX im Rahmen eines Praktikums anbieten könnte. 


Neben Englisch spreche ich ein wenig Deutsch (XXX or something else). Ich habe auch bereits ein Praktikum bei einem XXX in den USA absolviert. Ich habe mehrere Fachsemester in XXX belegt und interessiere mich für eine Karriere nach dem PPP in der XXX (Bereich) in Deutschland. Sie können von mir eine hohe XXX Arbeitsqualität, XXX Zuverlässigkeit sowie XXX allgemeine Professionalität erwarten. Besondere Fähigkeiten in X.Y.Z konnte ich auch durch XXX Erfahrung gewinnen. 


Meine Bewerbungsunterlagen (Lebenslauf, Zeugnisse) habe ich angehängt. Geben Sie mir einfach Bescheid, falls Sie weitere Informationen und/oder eine postalische Bewerbung benötigen.
 
Es wäre prima, wenn das Praktikum im Zeitraum vom 01. Juni bis 31. Juli 20XX unternommen werden könnte. Ob ganz- oder halbtags, können Sie entscheiden. Das PPP-Programm organisiert alles drumherum, wie etwa die bürokratischen Angelegenheiten, zum Beispiel die ZAV-Bescheinigung (Arbeitserlaubnis) (XXX und die Arbeitserlaubnis ist vorhanden). Die Arbeitgeber müssen nur die Aufgaben des Praktikanten in einem Praktikumsvertrag bestimmen. Weitere Details finden Sie im Anhang.
 
Ich freue mich sehr über Ihre Rückmeldung für einen Praktikumsplatz und darüber, mich persönlich mit Ihnen über weitere Details zu unterhalten. Ich bin davon überzeugt, dass mein Praktikum bei Ihnen für beide Seiten einen Mehrwert bringen wird.
 
Ich freue mich sehr über Ihre Rückmeldung!
Vielen Dank und viele Grüße




(This is for illustration purposes only - please adjust the language accordingly)


Subject: Internship in XXX


Dear Ms/Mr XXX,
 
I am a scholar in the Parlamentarischen Patenschafts-Programm (PPP), an exchange program funded by the German Bundestag and the American Congress. As part of the program, I have already attended classes at (XXX University), am learning German (XXX level, course location/school), and am living with a German host family. In addition, all PPP scholars complete an internship in Germany, which is why I am writing to you. 


Through my research (XXX or something else) I became aware of your XXX company/organization because XXX. I myself am a graduate of XXX (department) and also already bring with (XXX 2 years of experience in/experience in X, Y, Z). Since graduating (XXX or what you did before CBYX), I worked XX in XXX (department) and XXX (what did you accomplish). In addition, I have XXX. When I read about your XXX company/organizations, I thought that I could offer support at XXX in an internship especially in X,Y,Z areas. 


Besides English, I speak a little German (XXX or something else). I have also already completed an internship at a XXX in the US. I have taken several semesters of classes in XXX and I am interested in a career after PPP in the XXX (field) in Germany. You can expect high XXX quality of work, XXX reliability as well as XXX general professionalism from me. I could also gain special skills in X.Y.Z through XXX experience. 


I have attached my application documents (resume, references). Just let me know if you need more information and/or a postal application.
 
It would be great if the internship could be undertaken in the period from 01 June to 31 July 20XX. Whether full or half day, you can decide. The PPP program organizes everything around the internship, such as the bureaucratic matters, for example the ZAV certificate (work permit) (XXX and the work permit is available). Employers only need to specify the intern's tasks in an internship contract. Please find more details in the attachment.
 
I am very happy to receive your feedback for an internship position and to talk to you personally about further details. I am convinced that my internship with you will bring added value to both parties.
 
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you!
Initiative Application E-Mails


Betreff: Praktikum im Bereich XXX


Sehr geehrter Frau/Herr XXX,


durch meine Recherche (XXX oder etwas anderes) bin ich auf Ihre XXX Firma/Organisationen aufmerksam geworden, weil XXX. Ich bin selbst Absolventin des XXX (Fachbereichs) und bringe auch bereits (XXX 2 Jahre Erfahrung in/Erfahung in X, Y, Z mit). Seit meinem Studienabschluss (XXX or what you did before) arbeitete ich XX im XXX (department) und XXX (what did you accomplish). Darüber hinaus habe ich XXX. Als ich über Ihre XXX Firma/Organisationen gelesen habe, dachte ich, dass ich vor allem in den Bereichen X,Y,Z Unterstützung bei XXX im Rahmen eines Praktikums anbieten könnte. 


Neben Englisch spreche ich ein wenig Deutsch (XXX or something else). Ich habe auch bereits ein Praktikum bei einem XXX in den USA absolviert. Ich habe mehrere Fachsemester in XXX belegt und interessiere mich für eine Karriere nach dem PPP in der XXX (Bereich) in Deutschland. Sie können von mir eine hohe XXX Arbeitsqualität, XXX Zuverlässigkeit sowie XXX allgemeine Professionalität erwarten. Besondere Fähigkeiten in X.Y.Z konnte ich auch durch XXX Erfahrung gewinnen. 


Meine Bewerbungsunterlagen (Lebenslauf, Zeugnisse) habe ich angehängt. Geben Sie mir einfach Bescheid, falls Sie weitere Informationen und/oder eine postalische Bewerbung benötigen.
 
Es wäre prima, wenn das Praktikum im Zeitraum vom 01. Juni bis 31. Juli 20XX unternommen werden könnte. Ob ganz- oder halbtags, können Sie entscheiden. (Legalities of the work authorization - insert here)
 
Ich freue mich sehr über Ihre Rückmeldung für einen Praktikumsplatz und darüber, mich persönlich mit Ihnen über weitere Details zu unterhalten. Ich bin davon überzeugt, dass mein Praktikum bei Ihnen für beide Seiten einen Mehrwert bringen wird.
 
Ich freue mich sehr über Ihre Rückmeldung!
Vielen Dank und viele Grüße




(This is for illustration purposes only - please adjust the language accordingly)


Subject: Internship in XXX


Dear Ms/Mr XXX,
 
Through my research (XXX or something else) I became aware of your XXX company/organization because XXX. I myself am a graduate of XXX (department) and also already bring with (XXX 2 years of experience in/experience in X, Y, Z). Since graduating (XXX or what you did before), I worked XX in XXX (department) and XXX (what did you accomplish). In addition, I have XXX. When I read about your XXX company/organizations, I thought that I could offer support at XXX in an internship especially in X,Y,Z areas. 


Besides English, I speak a little German (XXX or something else). I have also already completed an internship at a XXX in the US. I have taken several semesters of classes in XXX and I am interested in a career after PPP in the XXX (field) in Germany. You can expect high XXX quality of work, XXX reliability as well as XXX general professionalism from me. I could also gain special skills in X.Y.Z through XXX experience. 


I have attached my application documents (resume, references). Just let me know if you need more information and/or a postal application.
 
It would be great if the internship could be undertaken in the period from 01 June to 31 July 20XX. Whether full or half day, you can decide. (Legalities of the work authorization - insert here)
 
I am very happy to receive your feedback for an internship position and to talk to you personally about further details. I am convinced that my internship with you will bring added value to both parties.
 
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you!
Writing a LinkedIn Summary


First things first: Why do you need a summary?
The summary section is used to tell your story (who you are, what you do, why you do it, etc.) in a clear and concise, professional yet interesting manner. You may use this section to address major gaps in your career (e.g. maternity leave), highlight an upcoming move, or explain your motivation for transiting between industries. This section should showcase your written communication skills. See it as a written elevator pitch: tell an entertaining, professional, quick story that makes the reader interested in learning more about you.
 
How to Use this Handout
Writing a summary is difficult because you need to strike the right tone while explaining just enough (but not too much). This handout breaks the summary down into four major parts. 


1. I recommend that you first read through the questions under the section “Four major sections of a summary” and brainstorm ALL the ideas you have for each section in the “Draft your summary” section. Do not filter yourself or edit anything just yet. 
2. When you think you’ve got all of your ideas written, go through each section again and highlight the parts in green (or whatever color) that absolutely must be in your summary. If you are unsure about something, do not highlight it. Don’t delete it though, just leave it there for now.
3. Add the green highlighted information to the section “Put it all together: write your summary here”, and then edit and filter to get the result you are looking for. 
4. Once you are done, leave it sit for 1-2 days and then come back to it to double-check flow, content, style, grammar, etc. 


Before you draft your summary, please keep the following in mind:
* Use brief paragraphs or bullet points
* Use a conversational, yet professional tone
* Write in either first (preferred) or third person
* Make sure that the body and conclusion parts include relevant keywords
* Do not outright write that you are looking for a new job or unemployed
* Do not use overused phrases like “Demonstrated work history”
* Do not add your resume to your LinkedIn profile summary section
* Make sure you feel 100% confident that what you wrote is an accurate reflection of your professional self - the in-person you should be the same as the online you! 




Four major sections of a summary


Introduction
	Grab their attention or explain what you are doing right now or have been doing. Here is a suitable place to include your unique value proposition (UVP).
	What is interesting about you as a professional? What makes you unique or exciting as an employee? What makes you stand out from the crowd?
What is your UVP and what do you have to support this?
	Body
	Mention what you want to do (if you are a student); what you are doing or have done; and a brief note that shows personality.
 
Highlight your achievements, skills, experience and accomplishments using a story format (not just listing).
 
You can also share goals and passions and personal interests, as long as the content and tone stays professional.
	If you have a lot of work experience, which positions are the most relevant to what you want to do next?
 
If you don’t have any or little work experience, which projects have helped you build which skills? What type of work (or in what area) do you want to do? Where would you like to work?
 
What are your significant and concrete skills and accomplishments?
 
What sets you apart outside of work?
	Conclusion
	Include specialties, areas of expertise, interests, skills, etc., in a list format.
 
Include contact Information (email, personal website, etc.)
	Do you have any specific professional or academic interests or areas of expertise? Have you gained special skills in any area? Is there anything else relevant to your profession that can be included here?
	Extras
	Include examples of the work you have done, use media examples, etc.
	Link to a personal website or portfolio, new announcements about your work, examples of your work, etc.
	 
 
 
 




Draft your summary


Introduction
	 
 
 
 
 
 
	Body
	 
 
 
 
 
 
	Conclusion
	 
 
 
 
 
 
	Extras
	 
 
 
 
	 
















Put it all together: write your summary here




















































	











LinkedIn Profile Checklist


Getting Started
❏        To check off items on the checklist, highlight the bullet box and left-click. Then click on the check mark to show you’ve completed the item.
❏        Make sure you have changed your profile settings to private. Refer to the LinkedIn: First Steps video for more information.
 
Profile URL
❏        Change your profile URL to your first + last name
❏        Update this on all of your other social media profiles and/or application documents


Pictures
❏        Background picture represents you professionally and/or personally (e.g. work location)
❏        Your profile picture is a professional headshot or taken against a solid background with you in clothing appropriate to your field
 
Headline
❏        Your headline describes what you are doing and/or what you want to do next
❏        Your headline includes at least 1-2 keywords
❏        Your headline is not too long (check this on the homepage - it should not fill over two lines)
 
Location
❏        Add your current location (nearest large city & country is best)
❏        If you are planning a move to a city, note down to mention that in your summary
 
Contact information
❏        Make sure your profile URL is correct
❏        Make sure your email is correct
❏        If you want, include your birthday
 
About
❏        Complete the LinkedIn Summary Handout
❏        Add your summary
 
Experience
❏        Decide on using bullet points, sentences, or a combination of both (if using both, make sure you are consistent, e.g. student jobs are in sentences, professional work in bullet points)
❏        Make sure each of your bullet points or sentences follows the TAR format
❏        Add each of your work experiences (internships, side jobs, etc. go here!)
❏        Connect the logos
❏        Add relevant media to each position
 
Don’t have experience yet? Don’t fret!
If you have little to no experience, I recommend using the experience section to highlight your university activities.
	 
Education
❏        Add your education (degrees, certificates, etc.)
❏        Add a link to the program website if the program is unique or unclear
❏        Add your study abroad as separate entries
❏        Indicate which degree the study abroad pertains to in that education entry (e.g. if you studied abroad in Paris during undergrad, add a sentence or bullet point to your undergrad degree stating this)
❏        Include any activities, awards, societies, etc. for each education experience (this is especially relevant for students with little or no work experience; if you already have work experience, be selective with what you show)
❏        Only include your high school if absolutely necessary to help the reader understand your professional trajectory
 


Licenses & Certifications
❏        Add licenses
❏        Add certifications
❏        If the license or certification is not common, include a short description of it
❏        If you include a language certificate, indicate the level achieved in the title of the certificate; do not include test scores
 
Volunteer Experience
❏        Add the name and organization you volunteered at
❏        If necessary, add a short (1-2 sentence) description of what you did/do
 
Skills & Endorsements
❏        Add 5-10 skills
❏        Move the top three skills you want to be known for to the top
 
Accomplishments
❏        Add honors or awards
❏        If an honor or award is unclear, add a short description
❏        Add up to 10 relevant courses
❏        Add the languages you speak AND the level
❏        Add organizations that you are a part of and what your role is (this includes student organizations!)
❏        Add publications (academic articles, but writing like opinion pieces)
❏        Add a project or two if relevant to your professional profile (highly recommended for students with little or no experience!)
❏        Add any other contributors to the project


Interests
❏        Follow at least 5 influences
❏        Follow at least 5 companies
❏        Follow any universities you’ve attended
❏        Add yourself to your university’s LinkedIn alumni group
 
Recommendations
❏        Brainstorm 2-3 you can ask for a recommendation
❏        Check if they are on LinkedIn
❏        Write them a personalized email asking for a recommendation
 
Profiles in multiple languages
❏        Add your profile in English
❏        Make your English profile the default profile
❏        If your mother tongue is neither German nor English, add a third profile in your native language
 
Planning Your LinkedIn Activity
❏        Brainstorm 5-10 post ideas
❏        Schedule in 1 hour/week for LinkedIn into your calendar (can also be two sessions of 30 minutes, or checking the app a few times a week)
❏        Post and comment every 1-2 weeks (at the very least)
 
Adding contacts
❏        Always include a personalized message
❏        Add warm contacts (check suggestions under the “My Network” tab
❏        When you do your weekly LinkedIn check-in, look through suggestions and add warm and cold connections
 
Final Touches
❏        Edit the sections that show on your public profile
❏        Add a public profile badge to your blog, online resume, or website
❏        Add your LinkedIn URL to other social media you have
❏        Add your LinkedIn URL to all of your career documents (resume, cover letter, etc.)


Adding Connections


Adding Connections
* Who? How many?
* People you admire
* People doing work you’d like to do
* Think both horizontal and vertical
* Target companies and industries


Personalizing Messages
Regardless of if you are reaching out to a cold or warm contact, always write a message, and personalize it! Adding connections is easy with the following:


* People Who Have Viewed Your Profile
* Recommended for you
* People you may know from
* Shared connections
* Mining connections


Warm Outreach
To personalize the message:
* Read their profile, esp. summary
* Consider the common denominator (Uni, subject, field, event)


Cold-to-Warm Outreach
* Pick the right person and explain why them (and the company), specifically
* Clearly state your value proposition and your ask
* Play to a shared affiliation/passion (and to their vanity)
* Convey you won’t waste their time (with message brevity and ask for a short chat)
Source: Garriott et al., 2022, p. 272




Example Message


Hi Dawn, 


I’m a [insert university] hoping to get into fintech after my MBA. I noticed that we have several connections in common, and that you’re a [insert field] leader at [insert company].


I’d love to learn a little more about [insert something suitable here, e.g. your team’s priorities] and your career path. 


Any chance you have just fifteen minutes next week for a fellow [university name, student]? I’d greatly appreciate it!


Many thanks,
John Doe


Follow-Up
Do not forget to follow up with your new connection, both immediately and 2-6 months down the road.


 ©  Jessica Schüller |  ©  Jessica Schueller LLC DBA “Germany Career Coach” |  All Rights Reserved.

Preview: welkmu-broschuere.pdf (4.3 MB)

WelKMU

Make it work!
Tipps für internationale Studierende und
Absolventen beim Berufseinstieg in kleinen
und mittleren Unternehmen

Suchen & Finden

Schreiben & Bewerben

Vorstellen & Präsentieren

Stellen suchen: Wie findest
du deinen Traumjob?

Die Bewerbungsunterlagen:
Wie werden sie gestaltet?

Das Vorstellungsgespräch:
Wie kannst du überzeugen?

www.welkmu.de

Liebe Leserin, lieber Leser,
du möchtest nach deinem Hochschulabschluss in Deutschland
arbeiten oder während deines Studiums ein Praktikum absolvieren?
Das klingt nach einer guten Idee! Denn die beruflichen Aussichten
für Hochschulabsolventinnen und -absolventen sind in Deutschland
hervorragend.
Insbesondere viele kleine und mittelständische Unternehmen
(kurz: KMU) suchen bereits händeringend nach qualifizierten Nachwuchskräften. Hier hast du also besonders gute Chancen auf einen
beruflichen Einstieg. Aber nicht nur das: Sie bieten dir auch viel
fältige Entwicklungs- und Karrieremöglichkeiten.
Doch ob du schnell einen Job findest, hängt von vielen Dingen ab-nicht allein von deinem Studienfach, deinem Abschluss und guten
Noten. Fachwissen ist ohne Zweifel wichtig, aber genauso wichtig
sind deine Praxiserfahrungen, deine Soft Skills, deine Netzwerke
und deine Deutschkenntnisse. Bewerberinnen und Bewerber, die
während des Studiums kein Praktikum absolviert haben oder die
deutsche Sprache kaum beherrschen, haben es deutlich schwerer,
bei deutschen Unternehmen zu punkten.
Wie kannst du den Berufseinstieg in Deutschland gestalten? Wie
findest du den passenden Job, wie bewirbst du dich, wie überzeugst
du im Vorstellungsgespräch? Wie kannst du deine interkulturellen
und andere Kompetenzen einbringen? Dabei soll dich die Broschüre
„Make it work!“ unterstützen: Wir beantworten die wichtigsten
Fragen auf deinem Weg zum erfolgreichen Karrierestart in Deutschland. Wir wünschen dir viel Erfolg!
Dein Team von WelKMU

Die Broschüre „Make it work!” wurde im Rahmen des Projekts WelKMU erstellt.
Sie richtet sich in erster Linie an internationale Studierende und Absolvent*innen
deutscher Hochschulen, kann aber auch von allen zugewanderten Akademiker*innen
genutzt werden. Das Projekt wird vom Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales
(BMAS) im Rahmen der Initiative Neue Qualität der Arbeit gefördert und von der
Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin (BAuA) fachlich begleitet. Die
Initiative Neue Qualität der Arbeit bietet Arbeitgebern und (zukünftigen) Beschäftigten im Themenfeld „Chancengleichheit & Diversity“ zahlreiche Hilfestellungen mit
dem Ziel, die personelle und kulturelle Vielfalt in kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen
zu fördern.

2 Orientieren & Planen

Inhalt
Orientieren & Planen............................................................................................................................................ 4
Deine Fähigkeiten und Ziele: Wie gestaltest du den Karrierestart?............................................................ 4
Wo möchtest du beruflich einsteigen? Definiere deine Ziele......................................................................... 4
Was hast du zu bieten? Erkenne deine Potenziale............................................................................................. 5
Zusätzliche Qualifikationen lohnen sich.................................................................................................................. 7
Sammle schon während des Studiums Berufserfahrung................................................................................ 7
Der Berufseinstieg: Welche Möglichkeiten gibt es?........................................................................................... 8
Rechtliche Bestimmungen............................................................................................................................................ 9
Unternehmen profitieren von deiner internationalen Herkunft................................................................... 10
Infobox: Schlüssel zum erfolgreichen Berufseinstieg: Die deutsche S
prache lernen...................... 12

Suchen & Finden.................................................................................................................................................... 14
Stellen suchen: Wie findest du deinen Traumjob?........................................................................................... 14
Die beste Jobbörse? Deine eigenen Kontakte!................................................................................................. 14
Jobsuche im Internet.................................................................................................................................................... 15
Infobox: Jobsuche im Internet.................................................................................................................................. 16
Jobmessen & andere Recruiting-Veranstaltungen........................................................................................... 18
Branchen- und Fachmessen...................................................................................................................................... 19
Klassische Medien: Zeitungen & Fachzeitschriften........................................................................................ 19
Gute Perspektiven: Kleine & mittlere Unternehmen....................................................................................... 20

Schreiben & Bewerben...................................................................................................................................... 22
Die Bewerbungsunterlagen: Wie werden sie gestaltet?................................................................................ 22
Welche Dokumente gehören in deine Bewerbung?......................................................................................... 22
Das Anschreiben............................................................................................................................................................ 23
Aufbau des Anschreibens.......................................................................................................................................... 25
Don‘ts im Bewerbungsanschreiben....................................................................................................................... 26
Die Initiativbewerbung................................................................................................................................................. 26
Der Lebenslauf................................................................................................................................................................ 29
Zeugnisse und Zertifikate........................................................................................................................................... 32
Bewerbungswege........................................................................................................................................................... 32

Vorstellen & Präsentieren.............................................................................................................................34
Das Vorstellungsgespräch: Wie kannst du überzeugen?.............................................................................. 34
Fit sein fürs Vorstellungsgespräch-auf die richtige Vorbereitung kommt es an............................... 34
Häufige Fragen im Vorstellungsgespräch-und wie du darauf r eagieren kannst............................... 38
Was ist während des Vorstellungsgesprächs zu beachten?........................................................................ 40
Nach dem Vorstellungsgespräch............................................................................................................................. 42

Information & Unterstützung................................................................................................................... 44
Beratungs- und Unterstützungsangebote: Wer hilft dir vor Ort weiter?................................................... 44
Career Service................................................................................................................................................................ 44
International Office....................................................................................................................................................... 44
Fachbezogene Berufsberatung................................................................................................................................. 45
Bundesagentur für Arbeit........................................................................................................................................... 45
Studierendenwerk.......................................................................................................................................................... 45
WelKMU-Hochqualifizierte Migrantinnen und Migranten für kleine und mittlere Unternehmen..... 46
Initiative Neue Qualität der Arbeit (INQA).........................................................................46
inter 3-Institut für Ressourcenmanagement.................................................................. 47

Orientieren
& Planen
Deine Fähigkeiten und Ziele:
Wie gestaltest du den Karrierestart?
Wo möchtest du beruflich einsteigen? Definiere deine Ziele
Bevor du deine Bewerbungsunterlagen
gestaltest, solltest du dir intensiv Gedanken machen: Wo möchtest du eigentlich
beruflich hin? Denn eine gute und zielgerich
tete Vorbereitung entscheidet über Erfolg
oder Misserfolg deiner Bewerbung. Um
den Arbeitsplatz zu finden, der am besten
zu deinen Stärken und Kenntnissen passt,
solltest du dir also bereits früh im Studium
wichtige Fragen stellen:
• Worauf kommt es (mir) im Arbeitsleben
an?
• Welcher Bereich meines Studiums hat mir
besonders großen Spaß bereitet?
• Wie stelle ich mir mein Wunschunternehmen vor?

• Muss es ein großes Unternehmen sein?
Vielleicht doch ein kleines oder mittel
ständisches Unternehmen?
• Welche Branchen und Aufgaben kommen
für mich infrage?
• Sehe ich mich als Spezialist oder doch
eher als Generalist?
• In welcher Region möchte ich arbeiten?
• Wie stelle ich mir meinen Arbeitsalltag
vor?
• Welcher weitere Karriereverlauf schwebt
mir vor?
• Oder auch: Bachelor, Master, Promotion?
Welcher Abschluss ist im angestrebten
Berufsfeld gefragt?
• Nicht zuletzt: Kann ich mir vorstellen,
dauerhaft in Deutschland zu bleiben?
Solche Fragen helfen dir, die passende Stelle
bzw. den richtigen Arbeitgeber zu finden.
Aufschluss über die unterschiedlichen beruf
lichen Möglichkeiten geben u. a. Stellenausschreibungen, Karrieremagazine und vor
allem direkte Gespräche mit Personalverant
wortlichen auf Firmenkontaktmessen, im
Praktikum oder bei anderen Gelegenheiten.

4 Orientieren & Planen

Tipp

Was hast du zu bieten?
Erkenne deine Potenziale

Zerbrich dir nicht alleine den Kopf
darüber, w
elche Begabungen, Kenntnisse
und Fähigkeiten du hast. Frag doch eine
Person, der du vertraust und deren Urteil
du schätzt, und lass dir von ihr eine Einschätzung geben. Häufig kommt so Überraschendes heraus, denn fast jeder nimmt
seine Stärken gar nicht wahr. Stattdessen
neigen viele Jobsuchende dazu, nur die
eigenen Schwächen zu sehen.

Natürlich ist es wichtig zu wissen, wohin die berufliche
Reise gehen soll. Doch genauso solltest du dir darüber
im Klaren sein, welche Fähigkeiten du hast und was du
einem Arbeitgeber bieten kannst. Erst wenn du dir ein
genaues Bild über deine Qualifikationen, deine Stärken
und S
chwächen gemacht hast, wirst du dich überzeugend
präsentieren können.
Zunächst solltest du dir überlegen, welche Hard Skills
du zu bieten hast:
• Welche Qualifikationen, Abschlüsse und (fachlichen)
Fähigkeiten kannst du v orzeigen?
• Welche beruflichen Erfahrungen hast du?
• Welche Sprachen sprichst du?
• Warst du längere Zeit im Ausland?

Hard Skills
können in der Regel durch Zeugnisse,
Zertifikate, gute Noten oder eine Referenz
des letzten Vorgesetzten nachgewiesen
werden.

• Hast du spezielle IT-Kenntnisse?
• Kannst du Fort- und Weiterbildungen v orweisen?
• Hast du dich ehrenamtlich engagiert?
Sobald deine Hard Skills aufgelistet sind, überlege, was
du wo g elernt hast, was dir besonders große Freude bereitet hat, wobei du besonders gut warst. Auf diese Weise
kommst du schnell zu d
einen Soft Skills. Hiermit sind die
persönlichen Schlüsselqualifikationen gemeint, also jene
überfachlichen sozialen Kompetenzen, die du benötigst,
um im Berufsalltag bestehen zu können.

Soft Skills
sind beispielsweise: Kommunikations
fähigkeit, Lernbereitschaft, Analysefähigkeit,
Empathie, Teamfähigkeit, interkulturelle
Kompetenz und Kreativität.

Orientieren & Planen

Was erwarten Unternehmen von Master-Absolvent*innen?
Ergebnisse einer Unternehmensbefragung in Prozent (bis zu acht Kompetenzen insgesamt auswählbar)

Analyse- und Entscheidungsfähigkeit

Selbständiges Arbeiten/Selbstmanagement

Breites Wissen aus der Fachdisziplin

Teamfähigkeit

Kommunikationsfähigkeit

Verantwortungsbewusstsein

Fächerübergreifendes Wissen

Einsatzbereitschaft

Führungskompetenz

Belastbarkeit

Unternehmergeist/Initiative

Erfolgsorientierung/Leistungswille

Fremdsprachen

Berufspraktische Erfahrungen

EDV-IT-Kenntnisse

Redegewandtheit u. Präsentationskompetenz

Lernkompetenz

Konfliktfähigkeit

Kreativität

Flexibilität/Mobilitätsbereitschaft

Forschungskompetenz

Entscheidungsfreude

Kritikfähigkeit

Interkulturelle Kompetenz

Auslandserfahrung

Berufsausbildung vor dem Studium

Quelle: DIHK Online-Unternehmensbefragung 2015 „Kompetent und praxisnah-Erwartungen der Wirtschaft an Hochschulabsolventen“

6 Orientieren & Planen

Zusätzliche Qualifikationen lohnen sich
Ist das Ziel bereits in Reichweite, informiere dich rechtzeitig,
welche Qualifikationen du neben deinem soliden Fachwissen für das Berufsfeld deiner Wahl benötigst. Eigne dir
idealerweise schon im Studium die entsprechenden Kompetenzen an. Solltest du also noch Nachholbedarf haben,
werde schnell aktiv!

Darüber hinaus bieten die Volkshochschulen (VHS) viele
Kurse an, in denen du dich zusätzlich qualifizieren kannst.
Zudem ist die Agentur für Arbeit dabei behilflich, Weiterbildungsangebote zu finden.
Auch im Rahmen von Online-Kursen, so genannten MOOCs,
kannst du dir interessante neue Kompetenzen aneignen.

Beinahe alle Hochschulen bieten kostenlose-oder zumindest sehr günstige-Zusatzveranstaltungen an, die du
unbedingt wahrnehmen solltest. Folgende Möglichkeiten
können zum Beispiel genutzt werden:
• Seminare zu Schlüsselkompetenzen (z. B. Projekt- und
prozessorientiertes Arbeiten, Team- und Konfliktverhalten,
Kommunikation und Präsentation)
• Sprachkurse (z. B. Deutschkurse)
• EDV-Kurse
Solche Qualifikationen erhöhen deine Chancen beim
Berufseinstieg und-auch das ist praktisch-so günstig
wirst du vergleichbare Weiterbildungen nach dem Studium
wohl nie wieder machen können. Manche Studiengänge
ermöglichen es sogar, sich dafür Creditpoints anrechnen
zu lassen.

Weiterbildungsangebote
findest du hier:
Volkshochschulen: volkshochschule.de
Agentur für Arbeit: kursnet-finden.arbeitsagentur.de
MOOCs:
mooin: mooin.oncampus.de
iversity: iversity.org
Coursera: coursera.org
edX: edx.org

Sammle schon während des Studiums Berufserfahrung
Deine Chancen auf einen nahtlosen Übergang vom Studium in den Beruf kannst du durch ein praxisnahes Studium
selbst entscheidend beeinflussen. Mit frühzeitigen Einblicken in die Praxis legst du die Basis für dein späteres Berufsleben. Du eignest dir karriererelevante Kompetenzen an,
sammelst bereits Erfahrung, erhältst wichtige Kontakte in
die Berufswelt und verdienst-natürlich-auch Geld damit.
Je eher du weißt, in welchem Bereich du später tätig sein
möchtest, desto gezielter kannst du schon im Studium
Berufserfahrung sammeln. Plane deinen Berufseinstieg
also rechtzeitig! Und nicht erst kurz vor dem Ende deines
Studiums.
Und beachte: Nichts gegen den Aushilfsjob im Szenecafé
oder an der Kinokasse-sei dir aber im Klaren, dass dieser
nur einen beschränkten Nutzen für die spätere Karriere
bringt. Insbesondere im Rahmen von Praktika, studiennahen
Ferien- und Nebenjobs und Werkstudierendentätigkeiten

kannst du schon während des Studiums die berufliche
Realität kennenlernen. Eine weitere, häufig unterschätzte
Möglichkeit ist das Schreiben der Abschlussarbeit in einem
Unternehmen.

Weitere Infos zur Karriereplanung
findest du auf der WelKMU-Webseite
unter:
www.welkmu.de/studierende-absolventen/
infoportal/karriereplanung

Orientieren & Planen

Der Berufseinstieg: Welche Möglichkeiten gibt es?
Nach dem Studienabschluss stehen viele Wege für den
Berufseinstieg offen. Welche dies sein können und was sich
dahinter verbirgt, erfährst du hier.
Direkteinstieg
Der Direkteinstieg ist für Absolvent*innen, die nach ihrem
Studium schnell Verantwortung übernehmen wollen, eine
gute Möglichkeit. Die Position und die Tätigkeiten sind klar
festgelegt und nach einer relativ kurzen Einarbeitungszeit
bekommen Berufsanfänger eigene Projekte und Aufgaben.
Hierbei wird sich meist schnell das erforderliche Know-how
angeeignet. Allerdings bleibt oft wenig Zeit, die unternehmerischen Abläufe in ihrer Gesamtheit kennenzulernen.
Praktikum
Ohne vorhergehende Berufserfahrung ist es schwierig, eine
Stelle in einem Unternehmen zu bekommen. Darum ist ein
Praktikum eine große Chance: Du lernst den Berufsalltag
in Deutschland kennen, sammelst Erfahrung und knüpfst
Kontakte in die Arbeitswelt. In vielen Studiengängen sind
Praktika vorgeschrieben (Pflichtpraktikum). Darüber hinaus
kann sich jeder auch freiwillig für ein Praktikum bewerben-sowohl während als auch nach dem Studium.
Nebenjob / Beschäftigung als Werkstudierender
Ein Nebenjob bzw. die Tätigkeit als Werkstudierender kann
eine gute Möglichkeit sein, in einem Unternehmen einzusteigen-vorausgesetzt dieser Job hat auch etwas mit deinem
Studium zu tun.
Traineeship
Trainee-Programme richten sich an hochqualifizierte Absolvent*innen, die in 6 bis 24 Monaten in verschiedenen Stationen einen Einblick in ein Unternehmen bekommen. Die
Berufseinsteiger lernen das gesamte Unternehmen kennen
und profitieren meist von Maßnahmen wie Weiterbildungen
oder einem Mentoring. In der Regel sollen Trainees nach der
Ausbildung verantwortungsvolle Fach- und Führungspositionen im Unternehmen übernehmen.
Volontariat
Das Volontariat (auch Volo genannt) ist dem Traineeship
sehr ähnlich. Der wesentliche Unterschied besteht darin,
dass Volontariatsstellen vor allem in der Kultur- und Medienbranche vergeben werden, zum Beispiel im journalistischen
Bereich. Aus diesem Grund bewerben sich insbesondere
Geisteswissenschaftler*innen auf Volontariate.

8 Orientieren & Planen

Tipp
Du bist auf der Suche nach einem Stipendium?
Mit dem Stipendienlotsen bietet das Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF)
eine interaktive Plattform, um das für dich
geeignete Stipendium zu finden.
www.stipendienlotse.de

Referendariat
Diesen bis zu zweijährigen Vorbereitungsdienst müssen angehenden Lehrer*innen und Jurist*innen nach dem Studium
absolvieren, aber auch andere Berufsanfänger*innen im
höheren Staatsdienst. Hierzu gehört zum Beispiel der Nachwuchs für die staatlichen Bibliotheken, die Stadtplanung
oder das Forstwesen.
Selbstständigkeit
Warum nicht auch selbst ein Unternehmen gründen? Nicht
selten machen sich Studierende schon während ihres
Studiums zum Beispiel mit einem kleinen Start-up beruflich
selbständig. Viele Hochschulen bieten Informationen, Workshops und Beratung für gründungsinteressierte Studierende
und Absolvent*innen an. Auch das Bundesministerium für
Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWi) zeigt auf ihrem Existenzgründungsportal (www.existenzgruender.de) Wege in die Selbstständigkeit.

Rechtliche Bestimmungen
Du möchtest gerne in Deutschland arbeiten? Hier findest du einen Überblick
über die aufenthaltsrechtlichen Regelungen zur Ausübung einer Erwerbstätigkeit
in Deutschland.

Bist du Staatsangehörige/r aus der Europäischen Union (EU), aus
Island, Liechtenstein, Norwegen oder der Schweiz?

Wenn du aus einem sogenannten Drittstaat kommst,
benötigst du einen Aufenthaltstitel, der dir das
Arbeiten in Deutschland erlaubt. Für internationale
Studierende ist dies in der Regel die Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Zweck des Studiums. Nach erfolgreichem
Abschluss deines Studiums kannst du die Aufenthaltserlaubnis bis zu 18 Monate für die Jobsuche verlängern lassen.

Du genießt als Arbeitnehmer*in Freizügigkeit und hast
quasi den gleichen Arbeitsmarktzugang wie deutsche
Studierende und Hochschulabsolvent*innen. Das
heißt, du benötigst keine Zustimmung der Behörden,
um in Deutschland arbeiten zu können.

Arbeiten nach dem Studium
Arbeiten während des Studiums
Das Visum zum Zweck des Studiums erlaubt dir,
120 volle oder 240 halbe Tage im Jahr zu arbeiten.
Möchtest du mehr arbeiten oder eine selbständige
Tätigkeit (auch freiberuflich) ausüben, so benötigst du
die Zustimmung der Ausländerbehörde.
Es gibt aber auch Ausnahmen:
• Tätigkeiten als wissenschaftliche oder studentische
Hilfskraft: Diese Arbeit darfst du zeitlich unbegrenzt
ausüben (die Ausländerbehörde muss darüber informiert werden).
• Pflichtpraktika im Studium (auch bei Bezahlung)
und Praktika in Unternehmen zur Anfertigung der
Abschlussarbeit: Die Zeiten werden nicht auf die
Beschäftigungszeiten (120 volle oder 240 halbe
Tage) angerechnet. Du benötigst keine Zustimmung
der Ausländerbehörde.
Beachte: Freiwillige Praktika, die keinen festen
Bestandteil des Curriculums darstellen, sind nur im
Zeitrahmen der erlaubten Tage oder mit Zustimmung
der Ausländerbehörde möglich. Hier macht es auch
keinen Unterschied, ob das Praktikum bezahlt oder
unentgeltlich ist.

Du hast dein Studium erfolgreich beendet?
Mit der verlängerten Aufenthaltserlaubnis kannst du
nach einem Arbeitsplatz suchen, der deinem Studien
abschluss angemessen ist. Während dieser bis zu
18-monatigen Suchphase bist du deutschen Bewerber*innen arbeitsrechtlich gleichgestellt und kannst
ohne behördliche Zustimmung jede Erwerbstätigkeit
ausüben.
Du hast einen passenden Arbeitsplatz gefunden?
Sobald du ein Jobangebot hast, das deinem Hochschulabschluss entspricht, kannst du wählen, ob du
eine Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur „Beschäftigung“ oder
eine „Blaue Karte EU” beantragst. Je nachdem wie
deine Zukunftsplanung aussieht, kann dir der eine
oder der andere Aufenthaltstitel Vorteile bringen.
Da die Auswahl des Aufenthaltstitels sehr stark von
deiner persönlichen Situation abhängt, solltest du dich
bei der Antragstellung durch die für dich zuständige
Ausländerbehörde beraten lassen.
Du möchtest auf Dauer in Deutschland leben?
Der Aufenthaltstitel zur Ausübung einer Beschäftigung
oder die „Blaue Karte EU“ werden zunächst befristet
erteilt. Doch solange du deiner Qualifikation entsprechend erwerbstätig bist, werden diese ohne Probleme
verlängert. Nach zweijähriger angemessener Beschäftigung und einem Deutschniveau von mindestens B1
kannst du eine Niederlassungserlaubnis beantragen-also einen zeitlich unbefristeten Aufenthaltstitel.

Orientierung & Planung

Unternehmen profitieren
von deiner internationalen
Herkunft
Ob Sprachkenntnisse oder interkulturelle Kompetenz-die eigene
Einwanderungsgeschichte bringt häufig vielfältige Fähigkeiten mit
sich, die in einer Bewerbung gezeigt werden sollten.

Zusätzliche Sprachkenntnisse
Manchmal mag es dir vielleicht ganz selbstverständlich erscheinen: die Kenntnis einer
weiteren Sprache. Manche betrachten diese
Zusatzqualifikation gar als Makel statt als
weitere Fähigkeit. Doch ganz gleich, welche
Sprache du im Laufe deines Lebens gelernt
hast, diese Kompetenz gehört unbedingt in
die Bewerbungsunterlagen!
Warum schätzen Unternehmen die zusätz
lichen Sprachkenntnisse? Hierfür gibt es
unterschiedliche Gründe:
• Das Unternehmen kann seine Kunden
und Geschäftspartner*innen besser
„verstehen“: Gerade bei sensiblen Geschäftsverhandlungen ist es von Vorteil,
den richtigen Ton zu treffen.

10 Orientieren & Planen

• Das Unternehmen kann neue Absatzmärkte im Ausland erschließen: Deutsche
Unternehmen sind zunehmend international aktiv und brauchen Fach- und
Führungskräfte, die mit Kunden aus der
ganzen Welt kommunizieren und verhandeln können.
• Das Unternehmen profitiert auch im Inland von zusätzlichen Sprachfertigkeiten:
Migrant*innen und ihre Nachkommen
machen einen zunehmend größeren Bevölkerungsanteil aus. Unternehmen, die
die Muttersprachen dieser Bevölkerungsgruppen beherrschen, verschaffen sich
einen enormen Wettbewerbsvorteil auch
im Inland.

Interkulturelle Kompetenzen (Soft Skills)
Interkulturelle Kompetenz ist angesichts
der fortschreitenden Globalisierung und
einer zunehmend bunteren Gesellschaft
essentiell für den beruflichen Erfolg. Für die
Unternehmen ist dabei nicht nur wichtig,
dass die Mitarbeiter*innen Fremdsprachen
beherrschen. Sie wissen auch, dass es gilt,
in bestimmten Situationen kulturelle Bedeutungen zu erkennen und zu verstehen, um
angemessene kommunikative Verhaltensweisen anzuwenden.
Ein Unternehmen kann von dir als Mitar
beiter*in mit interkultureller Kompetenz auf
unterschiedliche Weise profitieren:
• Landeskundliches und kulturelles Wissen
ist eine wertvolle Unterstützung beim
Aufbau bzw. der Pflege ausländischer
Unternehmensaktivitäten: Du bist ein
„Kulturexperte“ und kennst nicht nur
die Sprache des Ziellandes, sondern
auch seine Traditionen, Mentalitäten,
Geschäftsgewohnheiten und Gepflogenheiten. Hierdurch kann das Unternehmen
kulturell sensible Themen (z. B. Religion,
Ernährung, Alkohol, Ehrgefühl) besser
handhaben.

• Du ermöglichst dem Unternehmen auf
einem internationalen Markt ein professionelles und sicheres Auftreten: Du weißt,
wie du dich ausländischen Kunden und
Geschäftspartner*innen gegenüber respektvoll und in einer angemessenen Art
und Weise verhältst.
• Du kannst besser auf die speziellen
Kundenwünsche der in Deutschland lebenden Personen mit Migrationshintergrund
eingehen. So kennst du die persönlichen
Bedürfnisse und Sensibilitäten. Zudem
kann bei der Entwicklung neuer Angebote
und im Marketing besser auf die Konsumgewohnheiten der verschiedenen Zielgruppen eingegangen werden.
• Und darüber hinaus: Menschen, die
andere Menschen gut verstehen können,
verfügen gewöhnlich über viel Einfühlungsvermögen und Selbstreflexion. Ein
Verständnis anderer Verhaltens- und
Denkweisen kann auch in der Belegschaft
eines Unternehmens dazu beitragen,
dass Konflikte zügiger beigelegt werden.

Steigerung der Vielfalt im Unternehmen
Doch damit nicht genug! Neben den zusätzlichen Sprachkenntnissen und der kulturellen Kompetenz profitiert das Unternehmen
von einer zunehmenden Vielfalt:
• Eine Vielzahl an Studien konnte belegen,
dass heterogene Teams besonders kreative und innovative Lösungen erarbeiten
können. Auch haben Menschen internationaler Herkunft einen „frischen“ Blick auf
die Gesellschaft.
• Die Flexibilität im Unternehmen kann erhöht werden: Monokulturelle, also weniger
vielfältige Unternehmen, verlassen sich
stark auf die eigene Interpretation der
Realität („Betriebsblindheit“). Dadurch
laufen sie aber unter Umständen Gefahr,

weniger flexibel auf interne und externe
Einflüsse zu reagieren. Gleichzeitig lernt
das Unternehmen durch kulturelle Vielfalt
auch, besser mit Unsicherheiten umzugehen.
• Letztlich signalisiert eine vielfältige Belegschaft (Welt-)Offenheit und interkulturelle
Kompetenz. Dies wirkt sich positiv auf
das Arbeitgeberimage aus.

Orientieren & Planen

INFOBOX

Schlüssel zum erfolgreichen
Berufseinstieg: Die deutsche
Sprache lernen
Sehr gute Deutschkenntnisse sind für die meisten Unternehmen in Deutschland ein zentrales Einstellungskriterium.
Doch nicht nur im Berufsleben ist Deutsch von großer Bedeutung: Egal ob du neue Kontakte knüpfen möchtest oder
dich an einem neuen Ort orientieren musst. Selbst Kleinigkeiten wie Essen bestellen erfordern ein gewisses Maß an
sprachlicher Kompetenz.

Deutsch lernen lohnt sich also. Sollten deine Sprachkompetenzen noch nicht ausreichend sein, such dir ein passendes
Angebot, um die sprachlichen Barrieren zu überwinden. Im
Folgenden zeigen wir dir einige Wege und Anlaufstellen, die
dir das Deutschlernen ermöglichen. Auf die Frage „Sprichst
du Deutsch?“ kannst du dann hoffentlich schon bald antworten: „Ja, natürlich!“

Rede einfach drauf los
Der beste Sprachkurs ist die Konversation mit deutschen
Muttersprachlern. Nutze also alle Gelegenheiten, um mit ihnen in Kontakt zu kommen. Trau dich, sprich jemanden an,
bitte um Hilfe. Auch wenn es anfangs Überwindung kostet,
ein bloßes „Hallo, wie geht es dir? Mein Name ist…“ kann
ausreichen, um die Grundbausteine in einem neuen Umfeld
zu legen. Das hilft dir nicht nur sprachlich, sondern auch in
der Bewältigung deiner täglichen Aufgaben.

Mache Deutsch zu einem Teil deines Alltags. Ob beim
Einkaufen oder in Gesprächen mit Kommiliton*innen-Nutze alle Wörter, die du schon kennst. Lese Zeitung, sieh
fern und höre Radio auf Deutsch. Du wirst schnell sehen:
Deutsch ist gar nicht so schwer, wie manche sagen. Und
viele Deutsche werden sich bestimmt freuen, wenn du ein
paar Wörter oder Sätze auf Deutsch sprichst.

Angebote an deiner Hochschule
Die meisten Hochschulen bieten den internationalen Studierenden verschiedene Möglichkeiten an, ihre Deutschkenntnisse zu verbessern. Hierzu gehören:
Deutschsprachkurse: So ziemlich jede Hochschule bietet
Sprachkurse an. Meistens werden sie durch das Sprachenzentrum oder durch das International Office organisiert.
Buddy-Programm: An vielen Hochschulen wird den
internationalen Studierenden im Rahmen eines Buddy-
Programms ein persönlicher Ansprechpartner vermittelt,
der bei Fragen zur Hochschule oder im Alltag helfen

kann. Hierbei bietet sich dir die Möglichkeit, Kontakte
zu deutschsprachigen Studierenden zu knüpfen und
neue Freundschaften zu schließen.
Begegnungsveranstaltungen: Ob Länder-, Koch- oder
Tanzabende, ob Chorproben, Vorträge oder interkulturelle
Workshops-an deiner Hochschule gibt es vermutlich
eine Vielzahl von Veranstaltungen, bei denen deutsche
und internationale Studierende zusammenkommen
können. Suche den Kontakt zu deutschen Studierenden-dies ist die beste und einfachste Gelegenheit, deine
Deutschkenntnisse zu verbessern.

Angebote des Goethe-Instituts
Das Goethe-Institut ist ein weltweit tätiges Kulturinstitut mit
der Aufgabe, Kenntnisse der deutschen Sprache im In- und
Ausland zu vermitteln. Hier geht es nicht nur um sprachliche
Kompetenzen, sondern auch darum, die internationale und
kulturelle Zusammenarbeit zu stärken. Das Goethe-Institut
sollte außerhalb der Hochschule deine erste Anlaufstelle

12 Orientieren & Planen

sein, um Deutsch zu lernen. Es bietet eine Reihe von
Kursen an, die in zeitlicher Intensität variieren, damit du
parallel zu deinem Alltag effektiv Deutsch lernen kannst.
Die Angebote des Goethe-Instituts findest du unter:
www.goethe.de
Deutschkurse

Verification

What was checked against the source course, and what was not.

Verification Report

Audited 2026-10-06 against the source course, the downloaded media, and the live deployment.

Every number below comes from a script run in this pass, not from an earlier claim.

1. Deployment matches the local build

Check	Result
`https://gcc-cbyx-archive.pages.dev/` vs `site/index.html`	byte-identical (sha256 compared at deploy time; the digest is not printed because this report is embedded in that file, so printing it would be stale by construction)
`/lessons.json` live vs local	byte-identical
`/exports/course.md`, `COURSE-DIGEST.md`, `VERIFICATION.md`, `TEMPLATES-MANIFEST.md`, `stats.json`	HTTP 200, byte-identical to local
`/exports/transcripts/*.txt`	HTTP 200, byte-identical to local (sampled `863060446`, `862938711`)
`/templates/*` (13 templates + MANIFEST.md)	HTTP 200, byte-identical to local
Deployment branch	production (`--branch=main`, matches the project's production branch)
A path that does not exist (e.g. `/exports/transcripts/nope.txt`)	HTTP 200 with `index.html` body - the project runs in SPA fallback mode, so a 200 is not proof that a file exists; the byte comparison above is the real test

2. The scrape matches the live course page

Compared gcc-pack/structure.json against the course page captured from the live site

(gcc-course-map.txt, 2026-09-16): 9 modules and 46 lessons, zero mismatches in module

names, lesson titles, or ordering.

Re-crawled the live site on 2026-10-06 with a real login (all 46 lesson pages, HTTP 200):

Outline identical to the archive: 9 modules, 46 lessons, same titles, same order, same

URLs. 44 lessons have a video, 2 do not (Support, Resources).

8 of the 44 lesson-to-video bindings in the archive were wrong. Each pointed at a

different lesson's video, so the site showed another lesson's transcript and summary

under the wrong title.

Lesson	archived (wrong)	live and correct
What You Need to Know about Internships in Germany	662302872 Foundation Learning Tool #4	863060446 What You Need to Know About Internships in Germany
Overview of the Internship Search Process	662303012 Using Professional Learning Tools	862938711 Internship search process
The Internships in Germany Roadmap	662307174 While Job Searching	862942738 Roadmap
The International Career Management System	662307959 On the Job	862938725 ICMS
Timing and Time Plan	662310708 What to Avoid	863060406 Timing
Leveraging LinkedIn to Establish a Germany Niche	662312794 How to Set Up Your 30-Day Framework	862188336 LinkedIn Quick Start Training
Cover Letters, Motivation Letters and Emails	862532275 Dan Baxter CBYX Interview	864692415 cover letters
Contracts and Salary Negotiation	853991974 Jamauri Bryan CBYX Interview	862693316 Module 5 part 2

Video titles come from Vimeo's own oEmbed endpoint (verification/live/vimeo-titles.json),

not from an assumption: the ID on each live lesson carries a title matching that lesson,

while the archived ID carries a title belonging to another lesson. The 8 errors were in

the first capture on 2026-09-16 (gcc-videos.json) and had propagated into meta.json,

structure.json, and from there into transcripts, summaries, and the site.

Fix applied in this pass: meta.json and structure.json rewritten from the 2026-10-06

crawl. After the fix: **0 mismatches against the live site, 44 unique Vimeo IDs for 44

videos, 0 duplicates.**

The same crawl captured every embed on each page, not just the first: 3 lessons carry

extra videos alongside the lesson's own video - Planning Your Germany Internship Search

(2 extra), Xing in the Germany Internship Search (7 extra), *Resumes, CVs and The German

Lebenslauf* (1 extra). 10 videos were therefore missing from the archive; they are now

downloaded and transcribed, and the site renders them as tabs on those lessons.

Correction to an earlier claim: the live page has no video on Support and

Resources. An earlier version of this report said those two lessons embed Vimeo 862188336

and that the download failed with a 403. Both halves were wrong: 862188336 is the

Leveraging LinkedIn lesson's video (now archived), and Support / Resources genuinely have

no video, which the site now says.

3. Every video in the course is archived

Check	Result
Videos listed by the live course (Vimeo oEmbed)	54 (44 lesson videos + 10 extra embeds)
Audio present locally	54 / 54, 541 minutes (`site/exports/stats.json`), 0 missing
Local duration vs Vimeo's own listing	0 differences beyond 5 s (largest gap 1.1 s)
Lessons with a video but no transcript	0
Lessons with a video but no written summary	0
Lessons with no video (Support, Resources)	2, stated as such on the site

The 10 extra videos are embedded material, not lesson units: they have transcripts (shown

under the lesson's own transcript, labelled with their Vimeo title) but no summary of their

own - the summary belongs to the lesson that embeds them.

4. Transcripts faithfully reproduce the audio

One random 30-second window per transcript was re-transcribed with the same model family

(large-v3-turbo, language auto-detected) and compared word-by-word against the stored text

(verification/ methodology: wordcheck run 2026-10-06, 54 windows covering all 54

transcripts):

Metric	Result
Windows checked	54 (every transcript, one window each)
Mean sequence similarity (token order + wording)	0.834 (median 0.851, lowest 0.601)
Mean share of stored words present in the fresh transcription	0.885 (median 0.899, lowest 0.719)
Windows at 0.75 similarity or better	48 / 54

A run of the same check that forced --language de produced two near-zero scores; those

windows were re-transcribed with automatic language detection and scored 0.82 and 0.90 - the

speakers switch between English and German, so forcing one language makes whisper render the

other language's passage as literal German. The numbers above are from the automatic run.

Residual differences are punctuation, contractions, code-switching and paraphrase between ASR

runs, not missing or invented speech. An earlier pass measured 20 windows across the original

36 transcripts the same way (0.882 / 0.948); the sample here is broader and includes the 18

transcripts produced in this pass.

Whisper tails past the end of the audio (defects found and fixed)

Six transcripts had whisper "hallucinated" tails beyond the audio: text repeated in a loop

or invented after the speaker stopped. Trimmed to the real duration:

Video	Was	Now	Problem
`662297870`	95 lines	85	invented text from [04:54], incl. stray CJK characters; audio ends 4:55
`662302872`	32 lines	16	"Thank you" loop + counting ("30 40 50") past 1:28
`662311691`	31 lines	22	"Bye." repeated past 1:12
`865292040`	817 lines	809	"Bye." loop past 43:21
`662300189`	76 lines	75	duplicated sign-off past 2:59
`863060446`	6 lines cut	-	tail invented after [20:35]; audio ends 20:46

Originals kept as *.txt.bak where a backup was taken (5 of the 6; 863060446 was trimmed

before one existed). Re-checked in this pass: **no transcript runs more than one second past

its audio** (53 exact; 662300189 ends 0.7 s over, which is rounding in the last segment).

ASR brand-name misses fixed

Whisper heard the job network Xing as "Sing" or "Zing" in 27 places across 10

transcripts; all corrected to Xing. Citation and number checks were re-run after the

change (they still pass). Other anglicised German terms (practicum, practicantin) were

left as spoken/heard so transcripts stay consistent with the summaries that quote them.

5. Summary citations land where they claim

verification/verify_citations.py parses every citation in every summary - [MM:SS],

en-dash ranges, and comma groups such as [12:12-12:45, 20:32-21:15] - and requires two

things: (a) the quoted words really occur inside the union of the cited ranges of that

sentence, and (b) every endpoint falls inside the audio.

Check	Result
Summaries	44 (every lesson that has a video)
Citation brackets / individual ranges	775 / 796 (280 points, 516 ranges, 17 comma groups)
Quoted text inside the cited ranges	796 (100%)
Endpoints past the end of the audio	0
Failures	0

Re-run with: python3 verification/verify_citations.py (script ships in this repo).

An earlier pass additionally measured how close each citation endpoint sits to a transcript

timestamp on the original 36 summaries: 881/890 within 3 s (99.0%), 890/890 (100%) inside

the utterance they point at. That measurement is superseded by the check above.

24 citations in the older summaries were wrong (range ended before the quote, or the quote

was a paraphrase rather than the words spoken) and were corrected in this pass. A stricter

re-run of the checker - it had been skipping en-dash ranges and comma groups, 41% of all

citations - found 8 more quotes that were not verbatim; those were rewritten to the words

spoken or de-quoted. 796/796 now pass.

6. Numbers in the summaries are in the transcripts

verification/check_numbers.py extracts every numeric token from the summaries (normalising word

numbers: "two months" = "2 months"), ignores list markers and the video ID, and requires

each number to appear in the matching transcript:

Check	Result
Numeric claims checked	672
Found in the transcript	672 (100%)
Missing	0

Three claims were reworded in this pass to say what the audio actually says: "1.5h" and

"~3.5 years" (spoken as "an hour and a half" and "three and a half years"), and an editorial

note that had invented a count of 60 for a trimmed whisper loop.

7. Claims spot-checked by hand (paraphrase check)

Carried out in an earlier pass with a word-overlap heuristic; the heuristic itself was a

throwaway and is not shipped, so this section records what was read, not a re-runnable count.

It flagged 98 of 517 cited claim bullets as "mostly reworded". Five were

read back against the transcript; all five were accurate paraphrases:

Claim	Transcript
notifications trial for 1-2 weeks then prune	[06:13] "first week or two... keep for good... deactivate"
5-10 informational invites -> 1-2 replies	[04:19] "aim for five to 10... might get one or two back"
requested Arbeitszeugnis from both roles	[18:09] "get like, a testimonial... in English and German"
keyword stuffing annoys the human reader	[10:29] "may be counterproductive... that's going to be annoying"
LiveLingua for role-playing hard conversations	[00:16] "point you in the direction of life lingua"

8. What is NOT verified

Word-level accuracy of every transcript - only the windows in section 4 were

re-transcribed; the rest are trusted to the same model that produced them.

The extras' own wording - the 10 extra videos have transcripts and no summaries, so no

citation or number checks apply to them yet.

Claims not expressible as a number and not in the hand-checked sample above.
The source site's own content - this archive does not verify that the course itself is

correct, only that the archive reproduces it.

lessons.json no longer points at the media server - the private URL that used to ship

in that public file is gone; audio is verified on the machine that holds it, not by the site.

gcc-pack/ (the original download folder) is not under version control; ground truth is

recoverable from verification/live/crawl-2026-10-06.json.

9. The published site was exercised in a browser

Headless Chrome against https://gcc-cbyx-archive.pages.dev/ on 2026-10-06 (re-run after

each deploy; last run: smoke3.js, multi.js, b12.js, each against a cache-busting URL -

Cloudflare's edge can serve a previous index.html until the cache expires, which is how the

first post-deploy run still showed the old 44/485 numbers while curl already saw 54/541):

Check	Result
Home	9 modules, 46 lessons, 54 videos, 54 transcribed, 541 min of audio, 165 digest notes, 13 templates
Takeaways	copy button toasts `Takeaways copied`
Search, digest, templates, verification views	render; search returns hits
Deep link to a lesson path (`/module/slug`)	redirected to `/#L3-2`, lesson renders, 0 errors
Citation link on a lesson	opens Vimeo with `#t=6m45s` and `currentTime = 405` (seeks to the second)
Digest citation link	59 links present; opens and seeks to `currentTime = 865`
Multi-video lessons	Planning 3 videos, Xing 8, Resumes 2; switching a tab swaps the iframe to that video, including extras; citations that point at an extra mount that video first
Dead links	rendered as a grey non-link label (`Google Doc`, `praktikumsvertrag.pdf (link dead on source site, 2026-09-17)`) instead of a broken button
Console errors / failed requests	0 / 0 (all three scripts, cache-busted URL)

Defects found and fixed in this pass:

Defect	Symptom	Fix
the mobile backdrop div took part in the desktop grid	sidebar sat in the 1140px column and the article was squeezed into 300px below it; live since the first deploy	`.side-backdrop{display:none}` outside the mobile media query
the theme button could never reach dark	the next state was derived from the OS preference, so a light-OS visitor was stuck on system	explicit system -> dark -> light -> system cycle
markdown tables rendered twice	table HTML followed by the same rows as literal pipe paragraphs	the converter assigned to a `for` loop variable, which Python ignores; consumed rows are now skipped
relative asset paths	opening `/module/slug` directly fetched `lessons.json` relative to that path and the page came up empty	root-absolute asset URLs plus a course-shaped-path redirect to `/#<lesson-id>`
citations opened at 00:00	Vimeo ignores `#5m44s`-style fragments, so only the player loaded	`seek()` seeks the iframe player after load; verified `currentTime = 405` for `[06:45]`
digest citations were plain text	the takeaways could not be checked against the video	`[MM:SS]` in digest prose is now a link that opens the video and seeks
a copy button could be clicked with nothing to copy	exports button stayed enabled with no selection	`.btn:disabled` styling + `:not(:disabled)` hover rules

Result

Structure matches the live course page (9 modules, 46 lessons, 0 mismatches after fixing 8

lesson-to-video bindings that had been wrong since the first capture); **all 54 videos in

the course are archived (541 min, durations matching Vimeo, 0 missing)**; every lesson with a

video has a transcript and a written summary, and the 10 extra embeds have transcripts; all

796 citations resolve to real speech inside the ranges they cite (and open the video at

that second); all 672 numeric claims trace to the transcript; a 54-window re-transcription

matches the stored text at 0.834 mean similarity; six transcripts were corrected where whisper

had invented or looped text and 27 ASR misses of the name Xing were fixed; the private

media-server URL is gone from the public JSON; and the site was exercised in a browser after

every change - deep links, multi-video lessons, citation seeking and digest links all work

with 0 console errors.

Finding an Internship in Germany · CBYX Edition