Main Content

For many graduates, practical training after completing their studies is a good way to start their career and get closer to their dream job:

• Further training, e.g., in the consulting, business, media, and IT sectors, provides specialized skills. Further education and training are often acquired alongside employment (German: berufsbegleitend) and can lead to higher-level positions.
• A (shortened) apprenticeship (German: Ausbildung) before or after university can lead to an advantageous double qualification, for example in creative industries.
• Please note: If you hold a residence permit (e.g. for studying or for employment), you should always check with the Immigration Authorities first whether you are allowed to do this kind of further training or qualification! You are also welcome to seek advice at the International Office with questions regarding your residence permit.

In certain areas, this also includes voluntary traineeships (German: Volontariat) and trainee programs, which are considered part of academic vocational training. The qualification level of the completed degree is decisive here:

• Companies and institutions often offer trainee programs to bachelor's degree graduates as a form of career entry without prior experience. They are also possible with a master's degree and most common in the fields of business, economics and management.
• A Volontariat is usually a training program in the media and cultural sectors. As a Volontär, you gain valuable practical experience in the industry where you aspire to work in the future. Unlike an apprenticeship (Ausbildung), however, Volontariate are not strictly regulated by law. Usually, a Volontariat requires a higher degree and sometimes previous professional experience: You need to have very good specialist knowledge, e.g. a master's degree for a journalistic Volontariat or sometimes a doctorate for a Volontariat in a museum.
  Attention: Do not mistake a German Volontariat with the term "volunteer" in English. Volunteering and social engagement are something entirely different than a Volontariat!

Further information and job portals for trainee programs and Volontariate: 

• Inhalt ausklappen Inhalt einklappen Trainee programs

  A trainee program is a practical training in a company after graduating from university. It provides career starters with important knowledge and skills for the start of their career within a specific company. Trainees usually benefit from thorough training and close supervision. However, the term trainee is not protected, which is why there are no standardized guidelines.

  These websites describe in more detail what trainee programs actually are, in which sectors they are offered and what is expected of trainees (websites in German):
  - Information on trainee programs: Definition, types, procedure and expectations
  - What is a trainee? All the advantages and disadvantages

  Further job portals for trainee programs (websites in German):
  - trainee-gefluester.de
  - jobworld.de
  - trainee.de 
  - Job pages of the companies you are interested in

• Inhalt ausklappen Inhalt einklappen Volontariate

  Museums, galleries, heritage conservation, exhibition and auction houses, print and online media, radio and television stations as well as publishing houses usually require a Volontariat before a fixed position can be secured. Graduates who take up a Volontariat (German: Volontär*innen) are familiarized with all areas of the institution and are increasingly involved in responsible tasks.

  Volontariat positions are paid as an extended practical phase (usually two years), but not at the level of a full employee. Volontär*innen have a right to a good quality of this training phase, as exemplified for the art sector by the German Museums Association (website in German).

  For the journalistic sector, these websites offer good preliminary information and job advertisements (websites in German):
  - Volontariat: Definition, requirements, jobs
  - Is a Volontariat the most suitable path into journalism for me?

   Other job portals for Volontariate (websites in German): 
  - volo-werden.de
  - volontariat-jobs.de
  - radiojobs.de
  - Public TV and radio stations advertise their Volontariate positions directly