What to Do After Your Bachelor’s Degree in Germany

Should you work in Germany after getting your Bachelor’s degree?

The answer to this question largely depends on your personal preferences and situation. Germany is a great place to work, and you will receive an 18-month visa to find full-time employment after your studies. If you are not used to working in a fast-paced and competitive environment, it might be good to gain some work experience abroad first. Working in Germany can also be an excellent opportunity to improve your German language skills and connect with other international students building their careers in Germany.

If you’re considering looking for a job, here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What am I good at?
• What do I enjoy doing?
• What type of skills do I have?
• What skills am I missing for the job I want?

What is the current job market in Germany like?

If you’re looking for a job in Germany, there are some things you should know about the current job market. Germany is one of the top countries for expats to work in. You can find jobs in various industries, from IT and Finance to Science and Law. The employment rate has been steadily increasing over the past few years, making it a great time to look for a job.

Popular options after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Germany

Startups

One of the most popular career options for young professionals in Germany is to work in a startup. Startups in Germany are usually looking for passionate and ambitious individuals who are not afraid to take risks. If you have an entrepreneurial mindset and want to be part of a fast-paced and innovative company, then startups are the right place for you.

SMBs

The next option is to work for a small- or medium-sized business (SMB). These companies often have less than 500 employees and are the backbone of Germany’s economy. They play a defining role in the country’s economy, as they create over 50% of jobs in Germany. SMEs provide a great working environment with plenty of opportunities to develop professionally and personally.

MNCs

Germany is home to the world’s most valuable multinational corporations (MNCs). Companies such as SAP, BMW, DHL, Siemens, Adidas, and many more have a combined value of over €200 billion. These companies usually look for candidates with strong academic backgrounds and international experience. They offer excellent training and development programs and good salary packages and benefits.

Public sector

As with many countries, only citizens of the country can work in the public sector. In Germany, jobs are reserved for German nationals or European Union member states citizens. If you’re a citizen from an EU country, it’s possible to earn a reasonably high salary as the structure is fixed depending on your level of education.

What are the benefits of working in Germany?

How to find your first job in Germany

These are some of the best ways to find your first job in Germany after earning your Bachelor’s degree.

Online platforms

You can use job platforms like Indeed or Stepstone to search for openings in your area of interest. You can also use social media like LinkedIn and Xing to connect with people in your industry who might be able to help you find a job.

Career fairs

Personal contact is essential when it comes to getting hired in Germany. You can meet potential employers at job fairs or industry conferences, usually held every year.

Internships

It would help if you also considered applying for part-time or full-time internships, even while still studying. This experience will help you get a practical understanding and build up your contacts list. And don’t worry, unlike in the US or UK, internships in Germany are paid, and you could earn around €11 to €20 per hour!

Proactive applications

In Germany, most companies allow unsolicited job applications. If you can’t find a position that suits you, you may send your resume and motivation letter to HR or the company’s recruitment manager. This way, you’ll be the first to get notified whenever there’s a new vacancy for a position that matches your profile.

Another option for international students who have just graduated is to do a postgraduate course. Pursuing graduate studies can help you gain more profound knowledge and specialization on subject matters that interest you. It will also equip you with advanced skills that employers highly value, allowing you to get better job opportunities after graduation.

Benefits of pursuing a Master’s degree in Germany

Firstly, the country has some of the best universities globally, offering high-quality graduate programs. Secondly, your Master’s degree is free if classified as “consecutive,” meaning directly following your Bachelor’s degree program. Even if you choose to follow a different major, the cost will likely be cheaper than studying in the UK or US. Thirdly, graduates from German universities often enjoy excellent job prospects both in Germany and globally.

Popular Master’s degree courses in Germany

Some of the most popular Master’s degree courses in Germany include engineering, economics, architecture, and medicine. However, there are many other programs in the country.

Are there English-taught Master’s programs in Germany?

If you have difficulty learning German, many Master’s degree courses are taught in English. This offer makes it easier for international students to enroll in these programs without taking additional language courses.

Tip: Use Expatrio's Study Program Database to find your master’s program in Germany. All of the programs listed are English-taught programs. So, you’ll never have to second-guess whether the program is in German or English.

If you are still unsure where to find a master’s degree that fits your qualifications, interests, and budget, you can also check out the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) website. This organization offers a wide range of scholarships and funding opportunities for international students.