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Employment in Germany
© Universität Osnabrück / Uwe Lewandowski
Internationals
Welcome!
Are you an international student of the UOS? Do you have any questions about finding and applying for a job in Germany and would like to learn more about the regional job market?
We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Bianca Schulz
phone: +49 541 969 -4138
e-mail: career4internationals@uos.de
Whether you are looking for a part-time job to finance your studies, need an internship or want to start your career in Germany after graduation, we will show you different ways to find the right employer in Germany - from the first orientation to research on the Internet to the job interview.
Topic Overview
- Project Study and Stay @OS
- Events
- Online course "Bewerben ins Deutschland" for international students (in German)
- Knowledge databases on working in Germany
- Working during your studies
- Internship Search/Job Search
- Study financing
- Legal advice and discrimination during studies
- Career and vocational counseling
- Dropout/doubts
- Doctorate/PhD Programs
- Founder Consulting/Founder Coaching
- Visa and residence matters
- Translations
- Networks and Networking
- Further contacts persons and advisory services
Project Study and Stay @OS
Within the framework of the DAAD-funded project Study and Stay @OS, we seek to support foreign graduates of Osnabrück University in their transition to the regional job market.
On the basis of surveys of regional employers, experts and foreign students and graduates, we will develop specific services to meet the requirements and needs of the region: a new information platform (currently being set up) will identify the expectations and needs of graduates and employers and communicate best practices. In cooperation with regional company representatives and multipliers, such as the Sprachenzentrum and the Agentur für Arbeit as well as the Wirtschaftsförderung Osnabrück and the WIGOS Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft Osnabrücker Land, we will provide needs-oriented advice and organize events for students, convey skills and knowledge about the German labor market and thus facilitate their career entry.
Foreign graduates of Osnabrück University are characterized by their multilingualism, intercultural competence and networking as well as their independence and motivation. They offer companies in our region a way to counteract the shortage of skilled workers and set the course for the future in a sustainable way.
Survey of international students at UOS on the topic of job search and career entry in Germany
At the end of 2020, the project "Study and Stay @OS" conducted a survey among international students of the UOS on the topic of job search and career entry in Germany. Based on these results, various offers and measures catering to the needs of international students will be derived within the project period in order to support the target group in the transition to the regional job market.
Survey results (download with limited accessibility for people with disabilities) (PDF, 667 kB)
Events
Webinar: Working while studying/ How to finance your studies (Oct 7, 2021) in German/ English Slides
Webinar: Working while studying/ How to finance your studies
October, 7, 2021 from 10-11:30 (in the course of the Welcome Week).
The International Office of UOS and the Social Counseling Service of the Osnabrück Student Services invite international students in order to discuss questions about study financing and part-time jobs. This online event will provide an overview of the legal framework for part-time student jobs, search strategies and other financing options.
After the short talk, there will be an opportunity to ask questions.
Join in?
Registration via StudIP .
Which language?
The lecture will be held in German, the presentation slides will include an English translation and questions can be clarified in English.
What do I need?
Camera and microphone
Who is in?
Bianca Schulz, Project "Study and Stay @OS", International Office
Kristin Delfs, Social Counseling, Osnabrück Student Services
CHANCE 2021 - Tips for your visit to the company contact fair
HARTING and the Learning Center of the University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück invite you to prepare your visit to the company contact fair CHANCE (Nov 10-11, 2021).
The session is held in German.
Date: Nov 3, 2021, 15:00 – 16:30 hrs.
Registration for students of Osnabrück University via email to: k.niemann@hs-osnabrueck.de
You are an international student in Osnabrück and you would like to do an internship or find a job in Germany during your studies or after graduation? In this session, we will give you information and helpful tips to start your search and write your application: What are my perspectives as an international student Germany? How do employers recruit new interns and employees? Where do I find internship and job offers? Which documents should I included in my application package?
Mrs. Kerstin Frodl (Center for International Students, Hochschule Osnabrück) and Mrs. Bianca Schulz (International Office, Osnabrück University) will offer this session in English.
When and where?
In the course of the job fair "CHANCE" organized by the University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück.
Nov 9, 2021,10:15 to 11:00
How to attend?
Via Zoom, no registration is required, login data availabe on the "CHANCE" website.
CHANCE company contact fair at the University of Applied Sciences
The company contact fair CHANCE is scheduled live on site in the auditorium and foyer of the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Students and graduates have the opportunity to visit booths and to participate in a comprehensive lecture program via video conference (Nov. 9). You will gain an insight into organizational structures, corporate culture and career opportunities at the presenting companies. You can also find out about general career topics. In addition, many companies give you the opportunity to apply for one-on-one interviews with a recruiter.
QUICK-CHECK CV (available in German or English)
We will give you brief feedback on your application documents at the fair. Send us your application documents by e-mail by October, 31 and you will receive an individual consultation appointment on one of the days of the fair (Nov. 10/11). Registration for international students of the University of Osnabrück at career4internationals@uos.de.
More detailed inormation at CHANCE .
Workshop: Self-presentation in job search
"Why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself?" This is a common opening in job interviews, at assessment centres, or at job fairs. At first glance, this might seem like harmless chit-chat. But for human resource developers, this is the ideal opportunity to assess applicants – not only by what they say, but also how they say it. These first minutes are crucial for candidates to convince the interviewers of their abilities. A successful self-presentation can tip the scales. However, it requires very thorough preparation.
In the workshop "Self-presentation in job search", we want to assist international students in this preparation so that they are able to present themselves to potential employers in a convincing manner.
Date: No 19,.2021, 10-16:00 hrs
In-person workshop; room details to be announced.
The workshop will be held in German.
Speaker:
Nazife Sarcan, Diversity Training & Consulting
Binding registration via StudIP required.
Workshop: Career planning and career entry for international students
This workshop aims at enabling international students to take personal career planning and career entry into their own hands. We give you tools and insights to pursue your career goals in an active, self-determined and sustainable manner.
The first step is the assessment of your individual personality traits, values, and strengths with the help of science-based methods from positive psychology. On this basis, individual strengths will be activated to clear the way for your self-determined career.
With the help of the empowerment strategy, we will then direct what has been developed beforehand towards your specific goals (e.g. a job interview).
In the workshop, you will work on your individual questions concerning career planning and career entry both in interactive group settings as well as in individual work settings.
The event is held in German.
Date: Nov 26, 2021, 09-16:00 hrs.
In-person workshop; room to be announced.
Speaker: Marita Bestvater, Job N
Binding registration via StudIP is required.
Workshop: Work culture in Germany: values, conventions, rituals
Is there a German work culture and if so, how does it differ from other work cultures? We will take a critical look at these questions with the help of research on differences in national work cultures and many humorous anecdotes. The workshop introduces participants to central aspects of German work culture, e.g. the role and impact of efficiency, specialization and reliability. Furthermore, participants will:
• get the opportunity to reflect on their own work experiences in Germany and compare them to the work culture in the countries from which they come.
• identify ways in which they can enrich German work contexts by bringing in their own cultural backgrounds.
• identify strategies they can use to consciously experience and manage their ongoing cultural socialization.
In-person workshop; room details to be announced.
Date: Dec 10, 2021, 13-17:00 hrs
The workshop will be held in English.
Speaker: Dr. Debbie Coetzee-Lachmann, Smart Communication
Binding registration via StudIP required.
Communication with employers – Successful initial contact
"You never get a second chance for a first impression" is a common saying. Especially during job search, it is important to present yourself professionally. This event will point out important aspects for successful initial contact with German employers.
In an introduction, Sandra Schürmann from the WIGOS (Osnabrück District Economic Development Agency) will give important tips on what to consider when initiating contacts. Stefan Serwe from the Language Centre of Osnabrück University will then point out which linguistic style and linguistic devices are appropriate in this context.
Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to clarify questions with the experts and practise the initital contact with the desired employer.
In-person workshop; room details to be announced.
The workshop will be held in German.
Date: Dec. 1, 2021, 16:15-18:00 hrs.
Speakers:
Sandra Schürmann (WIGOS), Dr. Stefan Serwe (Language Centre)
Bianca Schulz (Study and Stay @OS)
Binding registration via StudIP required.
Company Contact Fair CHANCE
Save the Date: November 9 to November 11, 2021
At the company contact fair CHANCE is scheduled live on site in the auditorium and foyer of the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences on Nov. 10 and 11 from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Students and graduates have the opportunity to visit booths and to participate in a comprehensive lecture program on Nov. 9 via video conference. You will gain an insight into organizational structures, corporate culture and career opportunities at the presenting companies. You can also find out about general career topics. In addition, many companies give you the opportunity to apply for one-on-one interviews with a recruiter.
More information about the program is available at CHANCE online!
We support you in your career start!
The Career Services at the LearningCenter of the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences are there for you. The International Office of the University of Osnabrück (project "Study and Stay @OS") complements the offer with "CV Quick Checks" for international students in German or English.
Do you have any questions about internships, thesis work in industry or starting a career? Visit us at our booth - we will be happy to support you and present our other information and individual consulting services.
CV Quick-Checks
We will give you brief feedback on your application documents at the fair. Send us your application documents by e-mail by October, 31 and you will receive an individual consultation appointment on one of the days of the fair. Registration for students of the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences at k.niemann@hs-osnabrueck.de and for international students of the University of Osnabrück at career4internationals@uos.de.
Knowledge databases on working in Germany
Make it in Germany
The multilingual website of the Federal Government for skilled workers from abroad
Make it in Germany is the German government's multilingual website for qualified professionals from around the world who want to work in Germany. It offers information starting with making preparations in the country of origin, to arriving and taking the first steps in Germany. Prospective international students gain insight into studying in Germany. Graduates learn about work opportunities in Germany, how they can best organize their job search, and what German application procedures entail.
The website provides a compact guidebook for download on topics such as job search, visa, application, etc:
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Ratgeber: Arbeiten in Deutschland (PDF in German; limited accessibility for people with disabilities)
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Guide to Working in Germany (PDF in English, limited accessibility for people with disabilities)
The website’s media library contains experts’ and explanatory videos as well as webinars on working in Germany.
In addition, Make it in Germany offers an overview of important partner networks that allow you to access additional and more in-depth content:
Study in Germany
The official campaign by the Federal Government for Germany as a study location
The Study in Germany website also offers tips on how to successfully start a career in Germany
WelKMU
Highly qualified migrants for small and medium-sized companies
The project "WelKMU - Highly Qualified Migrants for Small and Medium-Sized Companies" aims to prepare students and young university graduates with a migration background for the German labor market at an early stage, to integrate them into companies, and to employ them permanently. The website offers a wide range of information on starting a career at small and medium-sized companies.
An excellent, comprehensive brochure on finding employment in Germany is available for download (German language only). The brochure describes in detail all relevant topics, from orientation and planning, to job search, application, and interview:
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Brochure: Make it work! (PDF in German, limited accessibility for people with disabilities)
Working during your studies
Students from non-EU countries enrolled in a regular study program are usually allowed to work 120 full or 240 half working days per calendar year without approval by the Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde).
Barring the 120 approval-free days, students may pursue jobs as research or student assistants without approval and without any time limits.
Please note: Internship and work placements (paid or unpaid) are regarded as gainful employment and therefore require approval by the Foreigners' Office. Only compulsory internships that are mandatory components of a study program do not require approval.
Students from EU member states have the same employment privileges as German students. They may work up to 20 hours per week. They may also be self-employed.
Internship Search/Job Search
Many jobs are offered on the University’s “Schwarzes Brett” (notice board), so keep your eyes open. There is also an online notice board, where local businesses regularly place “help wanted” ads.
The search engine and database of the Federal Employment Office (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) or (industry-specific) online job databases and meta-search engines (e.g. Indeed.com; also see brochure WelKMU p. 17) provide useful information on job searches and applications. In addition, employment ads/postings can often be found directly on company websites. A visit to job fairs can also be worthwhile.
In addition, EURES, a European cooperation network of employment agencies promoting the free movement of workers, offers an overview of job postings throughout Europe: EURES - The European Job Mobility Portal.
On the website of Osnabrück University’s discontinued Career Service project you will find further information.
Study financing
The explanatory video of the “Deutsches Studentenwerk” (German Student Services) explains requirements and options for financing your studies as an international student, legal restrictions for short-term and marginal employment, and gives practical tips for planning your studies in Germany.
- YouTube-Video: Tipps für internationale Studierende – Wie finanziere ich mein Studium in Deutschland (German)
- YouTube-Video: Tips for International Students - How do I finance my studies in Germany? (English)
Legal advice and discrimination during studies
The department for foreign students of the AStA (Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss) advises on all questions regarding studies, residence in Germany, visa matters, housing, general questions about the city of Osnabrück, and related concerns. For all student legal problems and questions, the AStA legal advice is the right place to go.
In case of unfair disadvantage and discrimination, the Equal Opportunity Office will advise you:
Career and vocational counseling
The staff of the Federal Employment Office (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) will advise you in all matters pertaining to starting a career in Germany.
- Federal Employment Office (Bundesagentur für Arbeit)
“Fachstudienberater*innen” (specialized academic advisors) are representatives of a subject or a degree program (usually academic staff or professors). They advise you in all subject-related concerns for your study/degree program of choice .
A list of contacts for each subject can be found under the keyword "Fachstudienberatung" on the website of the Central Student Advisory Service:
The individual Schools, the International Office, and the ZePros will advise you on the topic of doctoral studies.
For diversity-sensitive job and career counseling, you can contact the Equal Opportunity Office:
Dropout/doubts
If you are thinking about dropping out of your degree program and finding a job, the following s services will prove useful to you:
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„Netzwerk Neustart“ (Network New Beginning) advises on finding employment despite having dropped out
- „Projekt Neustart“ at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Osnabrück - Emsland -Grafschaft Bentheim
- „Projekt Neustart“ at the Chamber of Commerce Osnabrück - Emsland - Grafschaft Bentheim
Doctorate/PhD Programs
The individual Schools, the International Office and the ZePros will advise you on the topic of doctoral studies.
Founder Consulting/Founder Coaching
Transfer and Innovation Management (TIM) is a joint institution of Osnabrück University and the University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück, and is the central contact point for all members of both universities who are interested in founding a company.
Visa and residence matters
As a graduate of a German university, you can accept a job in Germany that corresponds to your studies. You can obtain the necessary residence permit from the relevant Foreigners' Office. If you have not yet found a suitable job after completing your studies, you can obtain a residence permit from the Foreigners' Registration Office for 18 months to search for a job that matches your qualifications. During this time, you may take up any activity to ensure your livelihood. (Source: Guide: Working in Germany)
You can obtain further advice and support from the relevant immigration authorities:
- Foreigners' Office City of Osnabrück (Ausländerbehörde Stadt Osnabrück)
- Foreigners' Office County Osnabrück (Ausländerbehörde Landkreis Osnabrück)
Translations
If you are looking for interpreters and translators, the following database can help you:
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Interpreter and translator database of the state judicial administrations (Dolmetscher- und Übersetzerdatenbank der Landesjustizverwaltungen)
Networks and Networking
The Federal Association of Foreign Students (Bundesverband ausländischer Studierender BAS e. V.) represents the interests of foreign and stateless students as well as students with migration experiences in Germany. BAS is the nationwide association of foreign student representatives at German universities. Members are the student bodies (AStA, StuRa, StuVe etc.).
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Federal Association of Foreign Students (Bundesverband ausländischer Studierender)
Further contacts persons and advisory services
The following institutions can advise you:
You may face a number of challenges during your studies. The German Student Services (Studentenwerke) offer you help and support in all questions concerning your studies, family, housing, and finances. You will receive individual, free, and confidential advice:
- Osnabrück Student Services (International Students Department)
- Osnabrück Student Services (Social Counseling Department)
- German Student Services
From language development courses, to occasional studies and leisure activities: students and teaching staff at Osnabrück University have developed a range of offers and initiatives in a bid to, support and welcome refugees in and around Osnabrück:
STUBE Niedersachsen is a policy-oriented development program accompanying your studies. It is a forum for questions of sustainable education and development as well as personal future planning. STUBE offers educational, counseling, and support services primarily to students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America who are studying at universities in Lower Saxony:
