International students: Magdeburg's way into the career!

International students: Magdeburg's way into the career!

Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, 39015 Magdeburg, Deutschland - The Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg started the pilot phase of the new career certificate on April 14, 2025. The aim of this innovative program is to prepare international students for the German labor market. As part of the “Fit for Career Start” project, 25 Bachelor and Master students from English-language MINT courses will be given the opportunity to develop and deepen their linguistic and professional skills in order to facilitate their career entry into regional companies. The need for well -trained specialists is high in Germany, and the DAAD emphasizes the growing skilled worker.

The program is carried out in close cooperation with the regional economy and systematically promotes linguistic, intercultural and professional skills of the participants over a period of up to four semesters. This includes an intensive German course that not only strengthens language skills, but also promotes the cultural understanding of the students. Workshops that deal with soft skills, application strategies and interviews complement the curriculum. The “German Labor Market & Networking” module is particularly exciting, which offers students an insight into the legal framework and corporate structures in Germany.

Diverse support offers for international students

An ambassador program enables direct contact with potential employers, which is a valuable opportunity for many students. In addition, an interactive format with different practical exercises is offered as part of a summer school. Another important event will take place on April 23, in which international students are prepared for the challenges of the regional labor market. The aim of this workshop is to collect requirements and hurdles for the group and find suitable solutions.

ayna toyjanova, a master student, expresses grateful about the opportunity to take part in the program and emphasizes the self -confidence obtained through the various training courses and workshops. The rector of the university, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jens Strackeljan emphasizes the importance of the program, especially against the background that over 400,000 international students in Germany only remain in the country after completing their conclusion.

support from the fit program

The FIT program, which is financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and implemented by the DAAD, aims to support international students throughout their qualification path. It is important to create the necessary study conditions in order to facilitate integration into the specialist course and the transition to the German labor market. In the coming years, a total of 89 projects at German universities will pursue these goals.

In order to counter the shortage of skilled workers in Germany, the DAAD demands more international students to win as specialists. According to a DAAD position paper, the number of international graduates who live and work in Germany can be doubled to around 50,000 by 2030. In this context, it is important to increase the number of international students and to integrate these students into the labor market through closer cooperation between universities and business.

The career certificate of the Otto von Guericke University is an important step in the right direction. The first programs begin in the winter semester 2025/26 and are offered twice a year at the beginning of the semester. Participation is open to international students with at least A2 knowledge of A2 that intend to stay in the region. The participants are selected by a letter of motivation, a questionnaire and a personal conversation. The comprehensive support for the group of 25 students is ensuring that they are well prepared for the requirements of the German labor market. For the career certificate, the DAAD provides funding of € 1,190,000.00.

Further information on the initiatives of the DAAD and to support international students can be found at the following links: Unimagazin.ovgu.de , daad.de-FIT program , and daad.de-specialist paper .