Step 3: Obtaining Information on Potential Employers

All job seekers should plan their choice of employment carefully; ideally they should give thought to this during the course of their studies. This all takes time, and you should not underestimate this fact. All people have high potential in their own way. It is important to get a realistic picture of yourself. There is often a gap between how young professionals who are entering the market perceive themselves and the perception of others. You should, therefore, obtain feedback from other people and compare this to the image you have of yourself. This helps greatly.

Bremen is the sixth largest industrial location in Germany; a compact city with short traveling times and a high standard of living as well as affordable rental rates for housing and real estate prices. If you take the cost of living into account, you will quickly notice that you can earn good money in Bremen. With respect to this, we do not have to hide behind other large German cities.

Shipping, ports and high-tech shipbuilding are naturally the classic industries for a maritime location, such as Bremen and Bremerhaven. In addition, the worldwide second largest automobile factory from Mercedes-Benz is located here – with over 12,500 employees, the largest private company in the region. Besides the maritime and automotive industries, wind energy and aerospace belong to important fields of economic activity. The food and beverage industry is also notable. No other city in Europe has such a variety of products and trademarks in this field of industry as in Bremen and Bremerhaven.

There are many possibilities for this. A sensible idea to me would be to gain an overview of the economic development in Bremen and the region. The following questions could be of further help: how are the individual industries developing? What is the current situation? Which companies are active outside of the region, nationally or perhaps internationally? Which areas of responsibility could fit the skills I have acquired during my studies or link in with a job that I have already had? What do I find exciting?

You can find the answers in the business section of the local newspapers such as Weser-Kurier and TAZ and for Bremerhaven in the Nordsee-Zeitung. Also Wirtschaft in Bremen, a monthly published magazine of the Chamber of Commerce Bremen (Handelskammer Bremen) or the magazine Wirtschaft Bremen & Bremerhaven offer many references and exciting articles.

Besides Bremen, the metropolitan region of Bremen-Oldenburg or the Industrie- und Handelskammer Stade für den Elbe-Weser-Raum offer good possibilities.

Supra-regionally, it is worth looking at Wirtschaftswoche or the Handelsblatt, Financial Times, the business section of ZEIT or the FAZ.

When I know more precisely which industries come into question for me, it is worth it to research the internet and look directly at companies, the databank REGISonline or the portal Great Place to work.

Many job advertisements can be found directly on the websites of companies. There, you learn a lot about the mission statement of companies and their current and planned projects. You can also find valuable information and data on companies on the portal Make it in Germany. There, you can find detailed information with regard to each federal state.

It depends on the industry and the concrete job advertisement. In the creative industry, you have more leeway than in a conservative métier.

International crises naturally have an impact on businesses. For an export-oriented economy, such as Germany, this cannot be avoided. Most companies, however, know how to deal with this and cope with the risks.

Yes, German is a must, if you want to consider working here. I would like to recommend to every international student to start learning German as early as possible. It will also help you to integrate and to make new friends in Germany.

Today, all communication channels play a role and should, therefore, be taken into consideration. Job search involves meticulous work and preparation that already begins with your job research.

The best is when you become active. The person who sits at home and hopes to be found has poor chances. Pick up the phone receiver and inquire at the human resources department if they need personnel and if an unsolicited application would have a realistic prospect of success. Naturally, the well-known little bit of luck plays a role when searching for a job. However, you can work on this.

Simply enter “Jobmessen Bremen” in the internet search machine. You will be amazed at all the information you can find there. At the University of Bremen, the Praxisbörse, a job fair, always takes place in May. This is a great opportunity to talk to representatives of companies from Bremen and the region.

Moreover, the Chamber of Commerce (Handelskammer) offers various events on economic topics. Interesting information and projects can also be found at I2B, follow their reports there!

Until recently, the problem of a shortage of skilled personnel was only known in a few fields – particularly in mechanical engineering and with engineers. Today, almost all industries of the German economy are affected by a lack of qualified employees. Companies do not complain as much about the quantity as about the quality of job applicants.

The companies are reacting with measures for additional training and further education. They are developing concepts to improve the balance between work and family life. Also older employees are being encouraged to stay longer at their companies. The appeal as an employer is a further component. Last but not least, more and more skilled workers are being recruited from abroad.

In times of an economic upswing, it is totally normal that the search for skilled workers is stepped up.

The answer is no rather than yes. Only in a case of emergency should you apply, for example, if this is necessary to finance your livelihood. A graduate who is a foreign national from a non-EU country has 18 months to find an appropriate job. After that, you risk losing your residence permit. Therefore, you should focus your entire efforts on searching for a job.

Note from the Career Service: We would like to add, it may depend on your situation. Sometimes, it can make sense to gain additonal knowledge in a new field or to show your motivation in an internship which could open new doors for you!

Also in this case, you should inform yourself at job fairs, internet portals or directly at companies. The international offices at universities can give you valuable information and tips on this issue. The golden rule applies: keep your eyes and ears open and become active yourself. Nothing comes from nothing!

We do not find jobs for skilled workers and university graduates. There are others who can do this much better, such as, the employment agency, private recruiting consulting companies or headhunters. If you, however, would like to become self-employed or start up your own business, then we are glad to help you with your company start-up. On the whole, the topic of company start-ups and self-employment is not sufficiently embedded in the minds of foreign students.