Working in Germany: how to get a graduate job in Munich

Sponsored by EU Business School

Recently graduated (or about to) and looking for work in Germany? Over the years, Munich has established itself as a traditional yet modern city, open to ideas and innovation, offering a world-class business education, and frequently topping surveys and rankings as one of the world’s most livable cities and best student cities.

It has also been named a top-20 city for employer activity, and boasts some of the lowest unemployment figures not only in Germany, but in all of Europe, making it one of the most attractive cities in the world for graduates looking for work.

If you’ve got your sights set on starting your career in Munich, keep reading…

Having a degree is essential

Graduating from a German university or business school can open many doors to the German job market.

EU Business School, which has its German campus based in the Theresienhöhe district of Munich, prides itself on its wide range of degree programmes aimed at fostering innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and leadership – all of which are critical attributes in an ever-changing, globalised business world.

Make the most of internships, networking events and career services during your studies

Undertaking an internship during your studies can be a great opportunity to gain valuable insights into the German working environment, learn from industry leaders, and boost your career prospects all at the same time.

EU Business School’s dedicated Career Services Department supports students seeking internships and provides professional and individual career advice and guidance, including one-to-one tutoring and training workshops.

Students at EU Business School in Munich are also introduced to prestigious international organisations and their leaders through talks, seminars, workshops and company visits as part of the curriculum, which puts the emphasis on experiential learning. Recent speakers have included Steve Davis of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and José Manuel Barroso, former prime minister of Portugal and president of the European Commission, who is now the Chair of Gavi, the vaccine alliance.

What’s more, the school’s 27,000 strong alumni network spans the globe, a worldwide network of professionals who provide mentorship, support and access to job opportunities.

An updated CV, professional headshot and a strong cover letter are really important

This may be obvious, but it’s also an often overlooked element of the job hunting process. It’s often also mandatory to include copies of your education certificates along with your application.

If your application is successful, you may be invited to an interview. You may also be required to sit an aptitude test and/or attend an assessment center (depending on the role you’re applying for), so be prepared to travel if and when you’re invited.

EU Business School’s Career Services Department offers support, advice and practical workshops on CVs and interview preparation, among other useful topics to ensure students are winning candidates.

Make sure you are eligible to work

EU citizens and those from the European Economic Area (EEA) have the same access to the German job market as German nationals. Graduates from other countries have the option to apply for a job-seeker visa valid for up to 18 months after graduating for the purpose of finding employment.

One thing to be aware of is that you must apply from within Germany: if you apply from outside Germany, the job-seeker visa is valid for only six months. You can find up-to-date information on the official government website.

You can also contact your home nation’s embassy for more information about eligibility to work and visas.

Look at what jobs are most in demand

Business is an integral part of Munich’s identity.

The city plays host to an array of major tech, engineering, finance, automobile, and electronics companies, like BMW, Allianz and Microsoft. Not to mention its flourishing start up scene (which is often backed by local venture capital players), where 20 percent of the country’s most successful startups are headquartered.

EU Business School is proud that 93 percent of its graduates find work within six months and 20 percent become entrepreneurs.

This makes Munich quite the catch if you’re on the lookout for an opportunity in one of the city’s well-established industries or start ups.

Having a good grasp of German can help improve your chances of securing a job

If you’ve studied at a German university or business school, it’s more than likely you will already have a decent grasp of the language – even if it’s just the basics. But if you’re serious about getting a job in Munich, then you should also be serious about learning the language to a decent standard.

German is spoken in most companies and, depending on the job role, a higher level of language proficiency may be required. However, some larger international companies have more relaxed language requirements and commonly use English in and around the office.

But, even if you don’t need to prove your knowledge of German for your job, it looks good on your CV, it can improve your chance of success, and prospective employers will be able to see that you’re committed and have made an effort to learn the language.