Things I Wish I Knew About Finding the Right Job as a Student in Germany

When I first arrived in Germany, I had no idea how to find a job. All I knew was that I needed money to survive fast. I ended up working at McDonald’s. While that job helped me in some unexpected ways, I later discovered there were better options out there. This is the advice I wish someone had given me earlier.

Starting with Urgency (and Zero German)

I didn’t speak any German when I landed in Germany, and that made job hunting feel impossible. So, when I saw that McDonald’s was hiring and didn’t require fluent German, I applied immediately. I got the job and they put me in the service section, where I had to speak with customers… in German. It was terrifying at first.

But I’ll never forget one of the managers. Every time I panicked and told her, “Ich verstehe nicht” (I don’t understand), she just smiled and said, “Frag nochmal” ask again. She pushed me to try. Because of her, and because of that job, I learned how to survive in German. I wasn’t fluent, but I could manage conversations. That confidence came from the fast-paced, rea life situations I faced every day.

What I Gained and What I Didn’t

Working at McDonald’s taught me more than just language. I got used to pressure, developed teamwork skills, and met amazing students who helped me grow. But it wasn’t easy. The job was physically and mentally exhausting. The shifts were irregular, and worst of all it had no connection to my studies.

Why Working Student Jobs Are Better

At the time, I didn’t even know there was something called a Werkstudentenjob a working student job designed specifically for university students. These jobs are part-time, better paid, and have fixed hours. Most importantly, they’re usually related to your field of study.

That means:

• You are able to gain relevant experience that boosts your CV
• You might build a professional network
• The environment is often more respectful of your student life and mental health

In Germany, employers value practical experience so having a working student job during your studies can make a big difference after graduation.

Where to Find These Jobs

Here are some places I would recommend:

• LinkedIn (set filters to “Werkstudent”)
• Indeed.de
• Stepstone
• Your university’s job portal or career center
• Sometimes even Facebook student groups though that’s less reliable

My Final Advice

Don’t rush into the first job you find even if you feel desperate. There are better options, even if they take longer to find. I’ve been applying for working student positions for over seven months now. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

If I could go back in time, I’d start looking for a student job from day one. So if you’ve just arrived in Germany start now. Take your time, stay hopeful, and remember: you deserve more than just getting by.