Postgraduate Study in Germany
Employment Prospects
The German economy is undergoing somewhat painful restructuring at the moment, and unemployment levels are high. However, all things are relative. Despite the doom and gloom, the German economy remains the third largest in the world. There are still opportunities for graduates in manufacturing areas such as telecommunications, motor vehicles and chemicals and also in the financial services sector.

As German graduates tend to be that bit older, sometimes Irish graduates can be seen as young or inexperienced by German employers. Fluent written and spoken German is generally necessary. Irish and other English-speaking graduates often find work as language teachers or assistants while they search out more permanent professional positions.

Work placements and internships are very common in the German education system - particularly on more vocational courses and at the Fachhochschulen. International businesses with German operations can be a potential employment opportunity for Irish graduates with German qualifications. Irish and EU students are free to stay and work in Germany after graduating, but other international students must apply for a work permit. German social employment laws mean that the working week is relatively short [35 hours] and workers are generally well looked after.