What is a Working Student in Germany? How to apply!
It’s NOT an internship. Here’s what a “Werkstudent” really is plus a few tips on how to secure your first working student gig.
If you are a student in Germany and active or passive job hunter too, chances are high that you have seen open positions for “Werkstudent/ Werkstudentin” already. I was a working student too. Learn what it really means and how to apply like a pro, if you want to become a working student yourself. Views are my own.
Working Student: It’s NOT an internship!
No, not even a part-time one to be exact. Those a two different things, even if both are designed for students who are eager to learn and grow. However, it’s not uncommon to complete a full-time internship first and then transition to a woking student position. Many working students were interns before, it’s sort of a natural progression. You’ll also have high chances to land a full-time role or join a trainee program afterwards. The concept is somewhat similar to the American Co-Op with the major difference that it is usally a private endavour not connected to the curriculum of the program. So, there are usually no credits point and employers are not in touch with your school and vice-versa. Pro Tip: Make sure to follow companies on Instagram for jobs, events, and insights. Here’s a list of career profiles from consulting companies like McKinsey, Deloitte and more!
Working times are limited for Working Students
Working students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week and up to 40 hours during vacation time (no lectures). They are usally paid hourly, so you will generally earn money on the hours reported in the previous months. If you work less, you will be paid less. If you work more, you’ll get more. In many companies, the schedule is very flexible so it’s often up to the working students to decide on the days and working hours. Employers who hire working students know that their studies are the top priority.
You HAVE to be an enrolled student as a Working Student
Sorry, but a bootcamp or a crash course is not enough to be elegible. The contract can only be established if you are an actual student at an official university, pursuing a full-time degree (let’s say a Bachelors or a Masters). I’d recommend to approach your school’s career center for more details.
Resumé Tips to become a Working Student:
If this sounds like you and it’s your first time applying overseas, check-out the following tips for job hunting abroad.
- Attach your most recent certificate of enrollment. If you can’t proof that you’re a student at the time of application (or in the near future), you might be disqualified right away. Not every company will give you a second chance to submit missing documents.
- Make your education and ongoing/ upcoming degree clearly visible in the CV. Pro Tip: Include the expected end date of your studies as well (month and year is fine). Example: Expected Graduation: May 2023.
- Include projects, awards, volunteering, courses, and other activities that are connected to the job you’re applying for. This can be in a CV or as a seperate attachment or link, for example a portfolio with case studies or work samples. Did you know that you can join the Olympics in Los Angeles 2028 as a volunteer? Learn more and find out how to apply?
- You have worked in a supermarket or at a restaurant? Mention it! If you have limited work experience, don’t hesitate to also list previous jobs that have little in common with the desired working student position (in the first place). This includes summer jobs or seasonal jobs too. Always DO include them, unless you have a lot of experiences to choose from that fit even better. These kinds of jobs show various skills, for example customer interaction/experience, organization, knowledge of different goods…
- Add your transcript/ proof of grades and certificates from completed degrees or previous education (if applicable). Keep in mind: Working Student positions are designed for students only. A full set of documents leaves a great impression and highlights your enrollment status. Many companies will appreciate it, even if grades are often not the main factor when selecting candidates. Transcipts or certificates from high school are often not necessary, unless it’s specifically mentioned in the job description. Even if you are not satisfied with a grade, you should always submit the application!
- Share your preferred start date: When are you ready to work? Indicate your earliest availability in the CV, on the cover letter or even in a separate document or an email. Recruiters will appreciate it.
- Speaking about availability, you could also mention preferred working times in case you already have your schedule (please note: this is optional). This will bring you ahead of the game, however this becomes more relevant closer to the contract phase. Your availability is not set in stone and it’s totally fine to change it if needed, but it shows commitment and time management skills.
- Add any other documents required in the job posting. Sometimes, it seems like a lot, but submitting a full set of documents is highly appreciated. You have no idea how many candidates apply without including basic elements… The only exception would be the cover letter which tends to be optional nowadays (still expected by some companies). Please submit it only if it contains unique information that is not included in the CV.
When in Germany, make use of this great concept called “Working Student”. Managing your academic program AND a job at the same time is a challenge and that’s what makes it so valuable. It forces you to step out of your comfort zone and prioritize every single day. Having work experience early on will give your career a real boost. If you’re an ambitious and hard-working individual who is eager to grow professionally and personally, a working student position is for you! There’s a huge learning curve ahead and it opens many doors — at the same company and beyond.
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