When I was studying in Germany, I often heard stories from international students about sending out dozens or even hundreds of applications without landing a job. My journey, however, turned out differently: I secured a full-time job in Germany with only one application. Surprising, right? But it wasn’t pure luck—this job offer was a culmination of a year’s effort, networking, and dedication. Here, I’ll walk you through my journey and share some tips that helped me secure the job before I even graduated.
Why I Got the Job Offer
I believe I received this job offer for a few reasons:
- Working Student Experience: I worked as a working student for 8 months in my company.
- Voluntary Internship: I continued with a 6-month voluntary internship. And during this time, I was able to go beyond my regular tasks to actively contribute ideas.
For instance, I proposed a new communications page for a significant project, which was well-received by my team and stakeholders. One of my colleagues said, “Thi, if I were a customer, I’d buy your solution right away.” That moment validated my work and boosted my confidence. Later, I volunteered to work on a solution for our department’s Innovation Lab and presented it to the entire department. These contributions helped build trust and credibility with my team, making a positive impression on colleagues across the organization – even those I hadn’t met personally.
The Unexpected Job Offer
One day, my supervisor asked if I’d be in the office the following Monday to discuss “future opportunities.” When I arrived, my future boss was there and mentioned an open position and asked if I would like to apply for it. I was shocked—until then, I’d barely even spoken to him! When I asked how he knew about me, he mentioned the positive feedback he’d received from my colleagues. After some discussions, we agreed I’d complete my master’s thesis and then join the team full-time. This way, I transitioned smoothly into the role, starting my job immediately after finishing my degree – without spending a single day on job hunting!
My Key Tips for Landing a Job in Germany
Here are some strategies that helped me land my job – and they can help you too!
- Gain Experience as a Working Student or Intern
This hands-on experience allowed me to build relationships and show my abilities. Having an internal presence also means managers and decision-makers get to know you. This experience is invaluable and often opens doors that applications alone can’t. - Network Actively
Networking in Germany is key. I once attended a Big Data and AI conference in Frankfurt, where I met an inspiring speaker, the director of data and analytics for an international company. We stayed in touch, and he’s shared great advice for my career. Remember, networking isn’t only about job leads but also about getting support and insights from experienced professionals. - Commit with Dedication and Curiosity
Whether it’s a big project or a simple task, show dedication and a willingness to learn. When I applied for a working student position, I had no experience with SharePoint, but I researched it and noted its similarities with other platforms I’d used. When asked in the interview, I confidently explained my approach to learning it, which made a good impression. - Practice the Language
Even if your company primarily uses English, practicing German can go a long way. My colleagues appreciate my efforts to speak German, even if it’s imperfect. And sometimes, you might stumble into a funny language mishap—like when I said, “Ich bin blau heute” to mean I was wearing blue, only to learn it actually meant “I’m drunk!” We all laughed, and I learned that “Ich trage blau” would be the right phrase.
Final Thoughts
This journey showed me the importance of blending professional skills, networking, and dedication with a bit of humor and humility. Every step, whether big or small, added up to a job offer I couldn’t have imagined getting so smoothly. So if you’re pursuing a full-time role in Germany, stay focused, committed, and open to new learning experiences—they truly make all the difference!
Thank you for reading, and good luck on your own career journey in Germany!
