A Step-by-Step Guide through the Work-Abroad Process

Work-Abroad Program – an opportunity to intern at companies, institutes, or non-profit organizations in Germany

Once you have decided to explore internship possibilities in Germany at the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures, what are the next steps?

1. Complete the application for the year in which you want to do an internship in Germany.

2. Look at the list of participating companies. This is a partial list of companies have participated in the past. There is a more extensive list, which can be consulted for other opportunities. Research the companies you might be interested in.

3. Make an appointment with the Director of the Work-Abroad Program, Ruth Sondermann and discuss your findings and wishes.

4. Send all application material to the Director for review and suggestions.

5. The Director will assist with all application related material, as well as visa and work-permit questions and internship offers as well as housing questions.

6. Once the applications have been sent, students need to wait for offers.

It is advisable to send more than one application. Harvard Students are competing with German students for competitive internship places at German companies.

To increase the chances of getting an internship, students should apply to approximately 5-10 companies.

7. Internship offers are usually extended end of March. Some companies interview over the phone. Mock telephone interviews in English or German can be practiced with the Director.

8. Once an internship offers has been accepted, and the terms discussed, it is expected that the student follows through.

9. Depending on student’s legal status, the student might need a visa or work-permit or a waiver-of- work-permit. These legal issues will need to be addressed with the Director of the Work-Abroad Program.

Besides the application process itself, you might find the following tips useful.

1. Be prepared

Start your internship with a clear set of goals and expectations in mind. Being a Harvard student offers you many opportunities. Why Germany? How does this internship fit in with your overall goals? It is o.k. to “explore” a career, but

you should also aim for a solid understanding of your role before you accept the internship. What kind of skills would you like to acquire during this internship? What kind of skills would you like to expand on?

What knowledge do you hope to gain? Do you want to learn more about the day-to-day operation of a company? Or do you want to learn something very specific?

2. The first day on the “job”.

Please understand that an internship is not a “job” or a permanent position. Rather an internship allows you to learn – meaning that the internship host is investing in you and your future – possibly without an immediate return on his investment, However, German internship hosts and Harvard Alumni enjoy connecting with Harvard students and learning more about Harvard and your skills and input. It should be a mutually beneficial relationship.

Before accepting the internship you should ask: What types of projects will you be expected to work on? What type of training and feedback would I like to receive, and how often? Not all internship hosts know in advance exactly the kind of work you will be doing. Or they had a project in mind, but when the time of the internship comes, the project has changed. Therefore, already on your first day at the internship place try to sit down with your supervisor/host/mentor to clarify mutual goals and expectations.

Be professional ~ be punctual ~ meet your deadlines ~ maintain a positive attitude ~ and learn.

Before, during and after your internship, the Director of the Work-Abroad Program is here to help.

Please do not hesitate to contact:

Ruth Sondermann (MBA)