The Ultimate Guide to Landing an Internship in Germany (As an International Student)

You didn’t come to Germany just for lectures and exams; you came to lay the foundation for your career. Here’s the good news: internships are your fast track to achieving that goal.

But how do you get an internship? What types exist? And how can you avoid the classic “200 applications, zero responses” trap?

I’ve been through it all, sending applications to over 20 companies, navigating German application portals, and even discovering an internship offer buried in my spam folder. But I succeeded in the end, and so will you.

Trust me: internships are a fantastic way to gain practical experience in your chosen field or career path.

Sit tight as I unravel the mystery behind landing your desired internship role.

3 Types of Internships in Germany

1. Compulsory Internship (Pflichtpraktikum): This internship is part of your study program, meaning you must complete it as it carries academic credit. Many employers are more sympathetic toward compulsory internships, as some may even specifically ask if it is required by your program. Generally, your school will already have a designated semester for the internship.

2. Voluntary Internship (Freiwilliges Praktikum): In this case, the internship is not part of your study program, and you choose to do it out of interest. Unlike a Pflichtpraktikum, there may not be a dedicated semester for this, and you might need to apply to your school for a semester off, similar to a holiday semester (Urlaubssemester), but with the purpose of completing an internship.

3. Post-Study Internship: As the name suggests, this internship occurs after you have graduated. While these positions are less common, they can be helpful if you need German work experience quickly.

Paid vs. Unpaid: The Cold Hard Truth

Internships can be either paid (especially in sectors like tech, engineering, and finance) or unpaid (common in media, NGOs, or some startups). It’s essential to evaluate whether the terms suit your needs. If you don’t have other means of support, a paid internship is preferable. However, if gaining experience is your main goal, consider the long-term benefits of an unpaid position.

Generally, it’s easier to find an internship without prior experience than to find a job without one. Completing an internship provides the initial experience that employers typically prefer when you later apply for jobs.

Why You NEED an Internship (Even If Your Program Doesn’t Require It)

Let’s keep it real: internships are easier to secure than jobs (no experience? No problem). They help you build your German work network (future job referrals, anyone?) and provide valuable industry insight, preventing you from graduating without a clear understanding of your field.

Consider this: which looks better on your CV?

“Cashier at Rewe”

“Marketing Intern at BMW”

Exactly.

How Long Should Your Internship Be?

The minimum length for an internship in Germany is three months, while the maximum typically extends to one year. However, most internships last around six months, which I believe is an ideal duration.

Many students complete multiple internships during their studies, and that can be beneficial. Personally, I think one substantial internship is sufficient before transitioning to a working student role or a part-time position. During this period, maximize your learning and familiarize yourself with the industry, including vital information about potential future employment opportunities.

When to Start Applying? YESTERDAY.

The earlier, the better! If you are a master’s student, it’s wise to begin searching for an internship as soon as you start your program or at least 3-6 months before your intended internship. This approach allows ample time for application and gives companies time to consider you.

Some applicants send out hundreds of applications before securing a position. For instance, I applied to around 20 companies before landing my internship; this was during the initial phase of the pandemic. Regardless of my experience, starting early is always advised to avoid panic and last-minute disappointments.

Where Should You Search for Internships?

There are numerous job sites where you can find internship postings, including:

– LinkedIn (Be sure to turn on job alerts!)

– Indeed.de

– Glassdoor

– Monster.de

You can also conduct a Google search for companies in your field of study, checking their websites directly for internship openings.

If you like a company, don’t hesitate to apply, even if they don’t currently list intern positions. You never know what might come from that seemingly bold move.

At worst, they’ll say they aren’t hiring interns. At best, you could be hired!

Another great source of information is your professors. They’ve been in your field longer and can recommend companies you may not have heard of before.

Additionally, connect with colleagues and exchange insights about potential internship opportunities.

You never know, someone’s cousin’s friend might be hiring!

Lastly, as much as possible, attend career events. Whether organized by your school or by external organizations, these events provide excellent opportunities to learn about companies that are hiring and even talk to their representatives.

A useful way to find nearby events is by using Eventbrite, which is free to use.

How to Apply (and Actually Get Noticed)

1. German-Style CV

Include no age, gender, or marital status.
Use a clean, one-page format.
Pro tip: Incorporate keywords from the job description, as ATS systems scan for these.

2. Tailored Cover Letter

Avoid generic salutations like “Dear Sir/Madam”; instead, find the hiring manager’s name.
Explain why you are interested in their company, not just why you need the job.

3. Follow Up Like Your Future Depends on It (Because It Does)

If you don’t receive a reply after 1-2 weeks, make a call.
Emails can sometimes get stuck in spam folders; this happens more often than you think.
For instance, the company I interned with initially found my application in their spam, as there was no advertisement for an intern. However, when I called, they checked and located my application, leading to my internship.

Don’t hesitate to make that call, the worst reply you can get is a NO, which is perfectly fine.

Interviewing for the Position

You have been responded to and called in for an interview, these are tips to help you ace it

Do Your Research Before the Interview

Learn as much as you can about the company.
Research the people in the company, especially your interviewer (if known). Use the company website and LinkedIn as starting points. This demonstrates genuine interest and understanding of the company and helps you feel more at ease, almost as if you already know them.