Finding a Job as an International Student & Balancing Study and Work | Kunal Gehlot

Becoming a working student in Germany...

can be both exciting and intimidating for international students. On one hand, it offers a chance to earn some money, gain industry exposure, and build valuable professional networks. On the other hand, the entire process, right from finding a suitable position to balancing your new responsibilities with academic commitments, can feel overwhelming. Having navigated this path myself, and gathered insights from peers who have done the same, I hope to demystify the journey and share practical advice on how you can secure a working student role and manage your time effectively.

⏱️ Timing is everything

The first essential step is to start applying as soon as you arrive in Germany. Recruiters and companies here often take at least three months, sometimes longer, to complete the onboarding process. In my case, it took four months from the time I first clicked “apply” to my actual start date. So, if your goal is to work while you study, there’s no such thing as being too early.

Applying should not be a one-off, single-click event; it involves sending out multiple applications, sometimes running into the hundreds. You might wonder if mass applying could look desperate, but the reality is that competition for these roles is intense. What truly matters is personalizing your cover letter and where possible, tweaking your CV so that it reflects the keywords and competencies that each specific job posting asks for.

💻 Using Appropriate Channels

From my personal experience, and from hearing my classmates’ stories, we had better success when we used official channels like JobTeaser, a platform provided by our career service department of the Business School. It consistently posts relevant new openings, many of which match the skills we develop in business school.

LinkedIn and Xing have also proven fruitful for many students, offering not just job postings but networking opportunities with professionals who might directly or indirectly lead you to a position. Applying through the company’s own website can sometimes yield even better results than third-party platforms because it shows a more direct interest in the organization. Meanwhile referrals, be it through acquaintances, alumni, or professionals you meet in events around town, are often the most powerful tool for getting an interview. In places like Aachen, where industry and academia intersect significantly, chances of meeting professionals in your field are high, so it helps to be proactive and, if needed, a bit “shameless” in asking for openings.

It’s also worth noting that the easiest way to find a position is to stay in your existing field of expertise. Most of my classmates ended up securing roles in departments related to their prior work experience. If you’re looking to pivot into a different industry, consider a job that bridges your existing skills with your future goals. The idea is to find a role where you can demonstrate competence in what you already know, while still gaining relevant experience for your intended career path. If you rush into a completely new role with no overlap, the chances might be slimmer, and the learning curve can be steeper.

When reflecting on the top platforms and strategies that helped us find our jobs, several names keep coming up. JobTeaser, LinkedIn, Xing, Indeed, StepStone, and going directly to company websites are the most common approaches. Tapping into your network for referrals is arguably the most powerful route, as a direct recommendation can sidestep the hiring maze in many instances. Beyond that, leaning on your Career Service Department and the various job fairs organized by the business school and the university can open doors to interactions with prospective employers who might not have considered your profile otherwise.

💬 "Sprichst du Deutsch?"

Another important point to consider is the language aspect. Germany has a strong preference for German-speaking candidates, and being able to show some level of fluency can set you apart from equally qualified but non-German-speaking applicants. Even if the role you’re applying for seems to function primarily in English, demonstrating an effort to learn German suggests you’re serious about integrating into the country’s work culture.

📄 The Curriculum Vitae

Beyond language, it’s crucial to craft a CV that immediately highlights why you’re a match for the specific job. Research suggests that HR professionals spend mere seconds scanning the top half of your CV, so the placement of your relevant experience and achievements can decide whether your application earns a second look or ends up in the rejection pile. Fortunately, the Business School has a dedicated Career Service Department where you can schedule one-on-one consultations. They can guide you on how best to structure your CV or write an effective cover letter, often drawing on their past experiences of helping someone with a profile similar to yours.

🗓️ Balancing Work & Study

Once you’ve landed a working student role, balancing your time is surprisingly manageable. German employers, particularly those who hire students, are generally understanding and respectful of the fact that your academic commitments come first. In many cases, you might even get to choose your own schedule or work remotely, logging hours when you’re free rather than following a strict 9-to-5 routine. For me personally, I started out working 14 hours a week, even though my contract allowed for up to 20 hours, simply because that’s what fit best with my coursework. You can discuss your weekly availability at the interview stage or negotiate it if your schedule changes down the line. Most employers are willing to be flexible about this because they want you to succeed, both at work and in your studies.

All in all...

being a working student in Germany is an incredibly rewarding opportunity. It not only helps you gain practical experience and a better understanding of German work culture, but it also allows you to earn some extra income while studying. The key is to start the search early, apply strategically, and remain persistent in the face of the inevitable rejections that come your way. Once you do secure that position, balancing work and study will likely be more flexible and accommodating than you might expect.

I also extend my gratitude to my classmates and friends, particularly Aditi Nair, Yash Saxena, and Siddharth Saxena from the MBA 24/25 batch for their invaluable insights and real-life experiences that enriched my own journey. If you make use of all the resources provided by your university, maintain a positive attitude, and put time into learning the local language, you’ll be well on your way to finding a fulfilling working student role that complements your academic life.

Picture: Kunal Gehlot