Author: Fany Sorel Nguewo Sob

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Recap 11.07.2026 | How to Build a Network for your First Job in Germany | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

On July 11, the FIT program hosted the interactive workshop "How to Build a Network for Your First Job in Germany", led by career consultant Britta Bollermann. The session equipped international students with practical networking strategies to help them successfully enter the German job market and discover opportunities beyond traditional job advertisements.

Topics covered included:

  1. Making the most of LinkedIn and other professional networking platforms
  2. Building authentic relationships with recruiters and professionals
  3. Combining online networking with offline opportunities
  4. Understanding the hidden job market in Germany
  5. Using coffee chats and unsolicited applications strategically
  6. Applying elements of the Life/Work Planning method to career development

An additional highlight of this workshop is the online follow-up session, where participants will reflect on their progress, set a personal networking goal, and use the WOOP method to create an actionable plan. The focus is on turning knowledge into practice—for example by attending networking events, initiating coffee chats with professionals, or practicing networking conversations with professors.

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Recap15.05.2026 | Employability Training | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

📅 Date: Friday, 15 May 2026
🕘 Time: 16:00-20:00
📍 Location: Room details will be communicated per Email to all participants  a few days prior tot he Workshop

The Employability Training workshop focused on strengthening participants’ career readiness through self-reflection, practical exercises, and targeted employability development. The interactive session encouraged participants to assess their current professional profile and gain a clearer understanding of how their skills align with labor market expectations.

Throughout the workshop, participants explored their individual strengths, identified areas for further development, and reflected on personal, interpersonal, and subject-related competencies relevant to their career goals. Special emphasis was placed on understanding workplace skills that are valued within different industries and on developing strategies for continuous professional growth.

Key topics covered included:

  • Assessing employability profiles and career readiness
  • Identifying strengths and development areas
  • Reflecting on professional and interpersonal competencies
  • Understanding industry-relevant workplace skills
  • Aligning personal competencies with job market expectations
  • Defining practical next steps for career development

The session was facilitated by Manuel Löffler, an experienced consultant specializing in team development and leadership. Drawing on his international background in environmental sciences, human resources, and organizational development, he provided participants with practical insights and an engaging learning environment that combined clarity, reflection, and actionable career guidance.

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Recap 16.05.26 Workshop: Job Hunt Boot Camp | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

📅 Date: Saturday, 16 May 2025
🕘 Time: 09:00 – 14:00

The Job Hunt Boot Camp provided participants with practical tools and strategies to strengthen their job search and improve their competitiveness in today’s labor market. The workshop combined hands-on exercises, expert guidance, and personalized feedback to help participants present themselves more effectively throughout the application process.

During the session, participants worked on refining their CVs, strengthening their personal branding, and preparing for interviews and professional presentations. Interactive role-play exercises and group activities encouraged the development of communication, teamwork, and self-presentation skills in realistic job-search scenarios.

A central component of the workshop was the analysis of real job postings, enabling participants to better understand employer expectations and tailor their application materials strategically. Participants also explored methods for improving self-leadership, critical thinking, and goal-setting in order to support long-term career development.

Key topics covered included:

  • Creating effective CVs and developing a professional personal brand
  • Practicing interviews and presentations through role-play exercises
  • Strengthening communication and teamwork skills in group settings
  • Receiving individualized feedback on application documents
  • Analyzing job advertisements to tailor applications effectively
  • Developing self-leadership, critical thinking, and career planning strategies

Participants were encouraged to bring a relevant job posting and their current CVs to receive targeted feedback during the workshop. In addition, an online follow-up session offered further opportunities to continue refining job-search strategies and exchange progress with peers.

The workshop was led by Manuel Löffler, an experienced consultant specializing in team development and leadership. With expertise spanning environmental sciences, human resources, and organizational development, he combined practical insights with an empathetic and engaging facilitation style throughout the training.

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Recap 31.07.26 | Workshop: Strategic Job Search | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

On July 31, the FIT program hosted the workshop "Strategic Job Search", led by Sandra Bolesch, Career Coach and Certified Trainer for Intercultural Competences. The workshop introduced participants to the key elements of a successful job search in Germany and helped them better understand how the German labor market works.

The session covered important legal aspects of working in Germany, explained how companies typically fill vacancies, and presented the most relevant online job portals for finding internships and graduate positions. Participants also learned how to use LinkedIn strategically to build a professional network and explored the importance of their own "micro cosmos"—the personal and professional contacts who can provide valuable support during the job search.

In addition, the workshop encouraged students to look beyond job descriptions and consider whether a company is the right fit for their own values, goals, and career aspirations. By combining practical job search strategies with networking techniques and self-reflection, participants gained a clearer understanding of how to approach their career planning in Germany in a focused and strategic way.

As part of the Employability Pass, the workshop counted for 2 points in the category Career & Networking.

Featured image by Vlad Deep on pexels.

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Recap 14.04.2026| Online Workshop: AI in Job Applications | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

ChatGPT & Co.: How to Use Artificial Intelligence for Your Applications

On April 14, 2026, the interactive online workshop “ChatGPT & Co.: How to Use Artificial Intelligence for Your Applications” brought together students eager to enhance their job application strategies with modern AI tools.

Click here to open PDF slides from the workshop.

The session focused on how tools like ChatGPT can be applied effectively to improve CVs, cover letters, and interview preparation. Beyond technical usage, the workshop emphasized the importance of maintaining authenticity and aligning applications with expectations in the German job market.

Participants gained hands-on insights into:

  • creating strong, personalized application documents
  • using effective prompts to get better results from AI
  • matching their profiles strategically with job postings
  • preparing for interviews through realistic AI-based simulations

A key highlight was the practical, interactive approach. Students were encouraged to work directly with their own materials—such as CVs or job postings—throughout the session. At the end of the workshop, they had the opportunity to test the tools independently and receive individual feedback on their results.

The workshop was led by Tanja Herrmann-Hurtzig, who brought over 30 years of experience in human resources. She shared valuable insights into employer expectations and guided participants in defining application strategies that truly reflect their strengths and career goals.

Overall, the workshop provided not only a solid introduction to AI in the application process but also concrete strategies to make applications more effective, targeted, and confident.

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Finding a Student Job: A Quick Guide from One International Student to Another

Welcome to Siegen! By now, you’ve likely started settling in and are gearing up for your upcoming semester. As classes will begin soon, you might be thinking about how to make the most of your time here, whether that means earning some money, gaining work experience, or preparing for your future career. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started on the job search.

What do I need to pay attention to?

Before you start working, check that you’re legally allowed to work. As an international student from a non-EU country, you can work a maximum of 120 full days or 240 half-days per year. Exceeding these limits can have legal consequences.

Where can I find a job?

Your university’s career services are the best place to start. Check out the   Jobvermittlung (Job Placement Office),  Praktikumsbüro(Internship Office for Faculty I), and the university’s application portal for current job offers. You can also look on external job portals like:

Where can I get help?

Book an appointment with the Career Service for personalized job search advice. The International Office’s FIT project also offers workshops and networking opportunities.

Can I balance a job with my studies?

Yes! Many employers offer flexible hours that fit around your classes. However, aim for 10-12 hours per week to avoid affecting your studies.

How do I find a job in my field?

  • Google companies in your field and check the career section of their websites for job listings.
  • Consider unsolicited applications: I found my internship  for my bachelor’s degree by reaching out directly to companies in my field listed in the Gelben Seiten.

Do I need to speak German?

Jobs in Germany usually require at least B2-level German. Learning the language will greatly improve your chances of finding work and integrating into the community.Check the Language Center  for German language classes. However, you can occasionally find some opportunities in Siegen that require only English or minimal German on websites like  indeed.com,  Arbeitnow and  English Speaking Jobs in Germany.

Any advice for international students?

Aim for a part-time job related to your field to gain valuable experience. If you don’t have work experience yet, consider unpaid internships. By your third or fourth semester, you’ll likely be in a better position to land a relevant job.

Good luck with your job search and career start!

Fany Sob

Check out another job-search related article here.

 

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Yes, German CVs Still Require a Photo!

 

One of the most unique aspects of the German job application process is the requirement for a photo on your CV. While a profile picture may be considered optional or even unnecessary in many countries, it is a key element in Germany. Your photo provides a quick glimpse into your personality and can give insight into your level of motivation.

The Importance of Your Expression and Posture

The way you present yourself in the photo plays a significant role in conveying aspects of your personality. For example, a gentle smile can suggest friendliness and openness. However, your expression and posture should also align with the type of job you’re applying for. In certain industries, such as finance or law, a more serious or professional demeanor might be more suitable.

The Photo Should Be Professional

When it comes to the photo itself, professionalism is key. Your clothing should match the industry you’re applying to. For instance, if you’re applying for a job in banking, finance, or law, wearing a suit would be appropriate. For most other jobs, a neat, clean, and ironed shirt should suffice. The goal is to look polished and put together, but still approachable.

What About the Size of the Photo?

In terms of size, the photo should be passport-sized (roughly 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) and should be placed at the top of your CV. Make sure the photo is clear and high-quality, as a blurry or poorly lit image can leave a negative impression.

In Summary:

To sum it up, your CV photo should be a professional, clear image where you are dressed appropriately for the job you’re applying for and wearing a friendly, approachable smile.

Quick Tip: Professional application photos can be quite costly. However, you can attend workshops or events offered by the FIT Project, where you might receive a €100 voucher to use for your professional application photos.

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Recap Workshop: Employability Assessment Training | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability


On November 14, 2025, participants attended an interactive in-person workshop designed to help them assess and strengthen their personal employability profile.

Led by employability and personal development expert Manuel Löffler, the session offered a mix of expert input, guided reflection, and collaborative exercises to support students in understanding their strengths, competencies, and development needs.

Highlights included:
✅ Assessing one’s current employability profile and identifying relevant strengths and areas for improvement
✅ Reflecting on personal, interpersonal, and professional competencies
✅ Learning which skills and attributes are especially valued in different industries
✅ Understanding how to align one’s individual profile with career goals
✅ Defining practical steps to further develop key competencies and boost employability

Participants immediately put their insights into action — from evaluating their current skill set to identifying concrete development steps for their future careers. By the end of the workshop, students left with greater self-awareness, practical strategies, and renewed confidence to strengthen their employability profile and move forward in their professional journey.

🎓 As part of the Employability Pass, this workshop contributed 2 points in the category Soft Skills & Employability.

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Recap 29.11.25 Workshop: Challenges of Working Internationally in Germany | FIT: Soft Skills & Employability

 

On November 29, 2025, participants took part in an interactive full-day workshop focused on understanding and navigating intercultural communication in the German academic and professional context.

Led by intercultural business communication trainer and coach Gertrud Goudswaard, the session combined expert input, hands-on exercises, and guided reflection to help students build confidence in working across cultures.

Highlights included:

✅ Understanding how cultural values influence communication, teamwork, and leadership

✅ Exploring eight key dimensions that shape collaboration in international business environments

✅ Reflecting on one’s own cultural background and broadening intercultural awareness

✅ Learning strategies to prevent and resolve misunderstandings in diverse settings

✅ Practicing how to adapt communication styles in writing, meetings, and negotiations

✅ Discussing personal questions and real-life challenges related to working in Germany

Participants actively applied their new insights — from analyzing cultural differences to experimenting with communication approaches tailored to the German work environment. By the end of the workshop, students left with greater cultural awareness, practical communication strategies, and more confidence in navigating intercultural situations.

🎓 As part of the Employability Pass, this workshop contributed 2 points in the category Soft Skills & Employability.