After an English Master's: German, Internships, Jobs, and Career Opportunities

#The Role of German in Internships and Job Search: Advantage or Disadvantage?

This is one of the most frequently asked and most concerning topics in our Telegram groups: "Friends, does having a German certificate provide an advantage when looking for an internship or a job while doing a master's? In other words, if we apply knowing German but without a certificate, will it be a disadvantage for our job applications?"

The role of German when looking for an internship after graduating from an English master's program in Germany, or while pursuing a master's, is quite complex and varies depending on the sector, company, and position.

• English Programs = English Job Opportunities: Many international companies or start-ups operating in Germany use English as their business language. Especially in IT, software development, data analysis, international marketing, finance, and some engineering fields, there are numerous positions for professionals who speak English. These companies generally do not require German language skills as they have an international workforce.
• Knowing German: A Big Advantage: However, generally speaking, knowing German is a big advantage. Why?
  • Wider Opportunities: Candidates who speak German open doors not only to international companies but also to German companies. A large number of companies in Germany still use German as their main business language.
  • Work Culture and Communication: In German work culture, German language skills are indispensable, especially in roles requiring direct communication with customers, suppliers, or local teams. It is common to speak German in meetings, emails, or daily office chats.
  • Integration: Being able to speak German at work helps you build better connections with colleagues, participate more actively in company social events, and generally integrate better into the workplace.
  • Career Development: If you aim to stay in Germany long-term and climb the career ladder, German language skills will give you a significant advantage in terms of promotions and taking on new responsibilities.
• Knowing German but No Certificate: Regarding the question, "Will it be a disadvantage if we apply knowing German but without a certificate?", what matters to employers is your ability to communicate. If you can speak, understand, and write German, you can prove this in interviews or during trial periods. While a certificate is official proof of your knowledge, your practical German skills are more valuable. However, some companies, especially large corporations or for specific positions, may require an official language certificate (Goethe, Telc, TestDaF). In this case, having your certificate will give you an edge in your job applications. If you know German, it is always a good idea to certify this knowledge.
• Post-Graduation Job Search (job-seeking permit for graduates (§20 AufenthG)): Germany grants master's graduates an 18-month "job-seeking visa" (job-seeking permit for graduates (§20 AufenthG)) to find employment. During this period, you are expected to find a job and obtain a work permit. German language skills can also accelerate your job search and increase your options during this process.
• Work Permit (20-Hour Rule): "Friends, I'm going to Germany for master's education, I have a 20-hour work permit, right? And can I use it for Liferando?" Yes, as a master's student in Germany, you have a work permit for 120 full days or 240 half days per year (equivalent to 20 hours per week). You can use this permit for Liferando (food delivery), university assistantships (Werkstudent), or other jobs. However, this work permit should not affect your academic performance, and your education should be your priority.

In conclusion, while English master's programs open doors to education and career in Germany, learning German will offer you many more opportunities in your life and career journey in Germany and facilitate your overall integration. If you plan to stay in Germany after graduation, you should view learning German as an investment.

#Ausbildung or Master? Choosing According to Your Career Goals

Questions in our Telegram group such as "Is a Master's or an Ausbildung easier? Or let me rephrase, what are their advantages and disadvantages? I have to work while studying to support myself, and I guess a Master's in German seems daunting to me for this reason," clearly show the dilemmas students face when choosing their career paths and the concerns created by the language barrier.

Choosing between pursuing a master's degree and an Ausbildung (vocational training) in Germany depends entirely on your personal goals, academic background, and language proficiency.

#Master's Education (English or German)

Advantages:

• Academic Depth and Specialization: Master's programs deepen your undergraduate education and allow you to specialize in a specific field.
• Higher Starting Salaries: Generally, graduates with a master's degree receive higher starting salaries than bachelor's graduates and can achieve faster career progression.
• Research and Development Opportunities: A Master's can be a stepping stone for those wishing to pursue a doctorate and opens doors to a career in research.
• International Perspective: English master's programs allow you to study in an international environment and meet people from different cultures.
• Flexibility: English master's programs offer a way for those who do not speak German to study in Germany.

Disadvantages:

• Longer Duration: It usually lasts 2 years, which means a longer period of education.
• Intense Academic Workload: Courses, projects, and thesis writing require intensive academic work.
• Financial Burden: Living expenses and tuition fees (even if there are no fees at public Universitäten) may require savings or loans.
• German Barrier (Social and Career): Even if you pursue an English master's, not knowing German can create some difficulties in daily life and job searching.

#Ausbildung (Vocational Training)

Advantages:

• Practice-Oriented: Ausbildung offers intensive practical experience alongside theoretical education. Students sign a contract with a company, receiving both training and a salary.
• Quick Job Placement: The post-graduation employment rate is quite high, as companies tend to employ the personnel they have trained themselves.
• Permanent Stay in Germany: The chance of permanently working and living in Germany after an Ausbildung is high.
• Financial Independence: Since a salary is received during the training period, one can be more financially independent. This can be attractive for students who say, "I have to work while studying to support myself."

Disadvantages:

• High German Requirement: At least B2 level German proficiency is mandatory for most Ausbildung programs. Communication at the workplace and vocational school is entirely in German.
• Lower Starting Salaries: Starting salaries are generally lower compared to master's graduates.
• Moving Away from Academic Career: It is not suitable for those aiming for an academic career.
• Long Duration: It usually lasts 2 to 3.5 years.

Which is Easier? The answer to "Is a Master's or an Ausbildung easier?" varies from person to person. For someone with high German proficiency who wants to acquire a practical profession, an Ausbildung might be an "easier" and faster path. However, for someone with an academic background, no German proficiency, and aiming for an international career, an English master's might be more suitable. From a language barrier perspective, an English master's program might be more accessible than an Ausbildung for someone who doesn't speak German. However, it should be remembered that both paths have their unique challenges and requirements. When making a decision, you should thoroughly evaluate your own goals, language proficiency, financial situation, and interests.

#Learning German While Doing an English Master's: A Necessity or an Opportunity?

While it is possible to pursue an English master's in Germany without initial German knowledge, you should view learning German during this process as an opportunity rather than a necessity.

• Facilitating Daily Life: Knowing German makes your life easier in every aspect, from grocery shopping to doctor visits, banking transactions to participating in local events, and helps you feel more independent.
• Social Integration: Learning German plays a key role in forming German friendships, understanding the local culture more deeply, and feeling "at home" in Germany.
• Career Opportunities: As mentioned before, German language skills are essential for pursuing a career in Germany and accessing a wide range of job opportunities. Learning German while doing an English master's will give you a significant competitive advantage in your post-graduation job search.
• University Support: Many Universitäten in Germany offer free or affordable German courses for international students. These courses can usually be taken at the beginning of your program or throughout the semester. This is a great opportunity to develop your language skills alongside your academic program.
• Practical Opportunities: While living in Germany, you will have the opportunity to practice the German you learn in daily life. This accelerates your language learning process and makes it more enjoyable.

Remember, learning German is a process, and the earlier you start, the richer your experience in Germany will be. Even attending a few hours of German classes per week or using language learning apps while your English master's program is ongoing will make a big difference in the long run.

#After an English Master's

After receiving admission to a master's program:

• Sperrkonto Guide — Prepare 11.904€ for the visa.
• Compare Cities — English programs are concentrated in major cities: Berlin, Hamburg, München, Frankfurt.
• DAAD Scholarships — DAAD Master scholarships are open to English programs (EPOS, Helmut-Schmidt).

#Conclusion

Germany continues to be a global magnet for its quality of higher education and the opportunities it offers to international students. The answer to the question, "Is it possible to pursue an English master's in Germany without German?" is a clear "Yes!". Thanks to Germany's internationalization strategy, thousands of English master's programs are available for students without German language skills.

However, there are things you should know on this journey: while English programs open academic doors for you, learning German is a great opportunity to fully open the doors to life in Germany and especially to your post-graduation career. The role of German is undeniable, from overcoming bureaucratic hurdles in daily life to integrating into the local culture, and gaining a competitive advantage in internships and job searches.

Remember, ApplyToGerman (AlmanyaUni) is with you every step of the way. You can find all the information and support you need on