Employability (made) in Germany
Today’s graduates face new challenges as they start out in an increasingly global and digital world. Employers are looking not just for academic knowledge, but also for interpersonal skills such as the ability to communicate across cultures in global markets and to work well in international teams and across international borders. Prospective employees should also be confident and flexible and able to adapt easily to new situations.
Career skills learned abroad
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Many students talk of the skills they acquired outside of the classroom during a study semester or year abroad. The challenges of integrating into a new culture and new education system, and often living on their own for the first time, builds their confidence and makes them more well-rounded students. As part of an international community they are confronted with viewpoints different to their own, and being immersed in a foreign language makes them more self-aware, curious and open to new cultures.
Skills learned at a university of applied sciences
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Studying at a university of applied sciences adds a practical element to a study abroad experience. As the name suggests, the teaching and research focus on the application of knowledge. HAW Hamburg students have internships as part of their studies, and engineering and business students in particular complete their Bachelor's and/or Master’s thesis in industry.
The professors have worked in industry before joining the university, so students are offered an insight into real-life problem-solving in engineering and business management. Many professors maintain close links to industry, facilitating internships and research projects for Bachelor's and Master's students.
Lab work and projects are also important elements of the curriculum and enable students to apply the theory they learn in class and develop their teamwork, project management and communication skills. Study abroad students can experience and benefit from all these aspects during their study semester in Hamburg.
Download our brochure "Employability (made) in Germany"
Did you know?
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11%: A Gallup-Lumina study reported that only 11% of US business leaders strongly agree that US higher education institutions are graduating students with the skills and competencies their business needs. [1]
60%: A McKinsey & Company survey of young people and companies in nine countries stated that 60% of employers felt new graduates were not adequately prepared for the world of work, reporting gaps in technical skills and soft skills such as communication and teamwork. [2]
58%: In an AIFS Alumni Outcomes survey respondents said study abroad contributed to 'developing skills and intercultural competencies which contributed to obtaining my first job after graduation'. [3]
70%: In an IIE survey 70% of respondents said study abroad helped to significantly develop or improve their intercultural skills, flexibility and adaptability, self-awareness, curiosity and confidence. [4]
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[1] Gallup: What America needs to know about higher education redesign: A Gallup and Lumina study on post-secondary education – 2014
[2] McKinsey: Education to employment. Designing a system that works – 2013
[3] AIFS Alumni Outcomes report Phase II – 2018
[4] IIE Report: Gaining an Employment Edge: The Impact of Study Abroad on 21st Century Skills & Career Prospects – 2017
UAS7 Study & Internship Programme (SIP)
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HAW Hamburg is part of the UAS7 consortium and offers US students the opportunity to study and intern in Germany for a year. Students study for a semester at the HAW Hamburg and then intern in a company for a semester. The internship can be anywhere in Germany and it is the student's responsibility to find a company. UAS7 also offers travel stipends of 1,000 euros to participating students.
Students can also participate in the UAS7 IP (internship programme). The HAW Hamburg as well as the other UAS7 members offer short-term lab research projects in specific fields. Find out more about the HAW Hamburg IP opportunities.
To find out more, please visit the UAS7 Website.
