International Office
Bridge2Success Workshops Summer Semester 2025
Workshops
How to Enter the German Job Market - A General Overview about the Application Procedure (EN)
Monday, 7 April 2025 | 16:00 - 18:00 | Campus Rheinbach (G106) | Sandra Bolesch
Tuesday, 8 April 2025 | 16:00 - 18:00 | Campus Sankt Augustin (G114) | Sandra Bolesch
This workshop offers an essential guide for international students aiming to enter the German job market. You will gain valuable insights into German labor laws, discover how to navigate job opportunities, and learn how to effectively network. From crafting your application documents to acing your interview, this session provides the tools you need to succeed in securing your first job in Germany. Drinks and snacks included.
Understanding the German Job Market (EN)
Thursday, 24 April 2025 | 16:00 - 18:00 | Campus Sankt Augustin (G114) | Suzan Scheffen
Explore key sectors and regional strengths of the German economy, understand workplace culture and labor market dynamics, and discover opportunities across corporate, SME, and start-up structures, including Germany’s unique "hidden champions". Drinks and snacks included.
Group Coaching: Application Documents - The Cover Letter and CV (EN)
Monday, 5 May 2025 | 16:00 - 18:00 | Campus Sankt Augustin (G114) | Sandra Bolesch
This group coaching session focuses on creating impactful application documents for the German job market. You will learn how to craft a compelling cover letter that answers key questions like "Why am I the perfect fit?" and "What sets me apart from other applicants?" Additionally, we will explore how to tailor your CV and supporting documents (such as certificates and transcripts) to the specific job and company itself, emphasizing the importance of presenting only relevant qualifications with a personal touch. Drinks and snacks included.
Individual Coaching: Application Documents (EN)
Thursday, 8 May 2025 | 15:00 - 19:00 | Campus Sankt Augustin (E221) | Suzan Scheffen
Learn how to create a German-style resume, understanding tabular vs. chronological formats and essential elements like personal information, work experience, and skills. Discover how to tailor your resume and cover letter to specific jobs, use keywords effectively, quantify achievements, and create a strong first impression. The session also covers navigating German job portals, applying directly to companies, and when and how to write a compelling cover letter.
Group Coaching: Job Interview (EN)
Thursday, 5 June 2025 | 16:00 - 18:00 | Campus Sankt Augustin (G114) | Antje Schultheis
Job interviews can be challenging, especially in a foreign country. This workshop is designed to help international students in Germany prepare effectively and confidently for job interviews. You will learn how to prepare your job interview and in particular your self-presentation pitch and how to handle common and tricky interview questions concerning your skills, experience and working methods. We will also cover cultural expectations in German workplaces and strategies for making a lasting and professional impression. Drinks and snacks included.
Individual Coaching: Job Interview (EN)
Thursday, 12 June 2025 | 15:00 - 19:00 | Campus Sankt Augustin (E221) | Antje Schultheis
Job interviews can be challenging, especially in a foreign country. This individual coaching is designed to help international students in Germany prepare effectively and confidently for job interviews. You will learn how to prepare your job interview and in particular your self-presentation pitch and how to handle common and tricky interview questions concerning your skills, experience and working methods.
Design Thinking (EN)
Thursday, 26 June 2025 | 16:00 - 18:00 | Campus Sankt Augustin (G114) | Kerstin Schickendanz
Students will be able to explain the Design Thinking process and describe the differences to traditional innovation methods. They will develop the ability to apply the first three phases of the design thinking process (understanding, observing, defining) to a concrete problem in order to develop innovative start-up ideas. Drinks and snacks included.
Self-Employment in Germany - Legal, Tax and Financial Basics (EN)
Thursday, 3 July 2025 | 15:30 - 17:30 | Campus Sankt Augustin (G114) | Kerstin Schickendanz
This 2-hours workshop is aimed at aspiring self-employed individuals, founders, and entrepreneurs who are planning to start a business in Germany or are already self-employed. It provides fundamental knowledge on the legal, tax, and financial aspects of self-employment.
By the end of the workshop, participants will:
- Understand the legal foundations of self-employment in Germany, particularly the differences between freelance and commercial activities, and be able to choose the appropriate legal form.
- Gain knowledge of tax requirements for the self-employed, including income tax, trade tax, VAT, and the tax deductibility of business expenses.
- Develop a basic understanding of the various financing options available for self-employed individuals and start-ups in Germany, including bank loans, grants, and venture capital, and be able to critically assess these options. Drinks and snacks included.
Intercultural Training and Education (EN)
Thursday, 10 July 2025 | 10:00 - 16:00 | Campus Rheinbach (G106) | Taiwo Fagbemigun
This interactive Intercultural Training and Education Workshop is designed to help international students develop cultural awareness, effective communication skills, and adaptability while studying in a new country. The training fosters a deeper understanding of different cultural perspectives, promotes inclusion, and provides practical tools for navigating social, academic, and professional environments.
Using non-formal education methods, participants will engage in hands-on activities, discussions, and real-world simulations to learn by doing. The training will focus on experiential learning, self-reflection, and peer interaction to create a fun, engaging, and transformative experience. Drinks and snacks included.
„Investing time to prepare for a position and write a good motivation letter and CV helped me in receiving more call-backs.”
Sogol Haghighat - Research Engineer @ Fraunhofer IAIS, NetMedia Department | Master in Autonomous Systems (2019)
