Why have I only received rejections in my internship/job search so far?

Maybe it's because of your application. Keep in mind that you are advertising yourself with your cover letter. In addition to good grades and correct spelling, you should show in your cover letter that you have a clear idea of the job and that you are the right person for the position. In addition, the employer will notice if you have made an effort to get to know the company. Or if you send the same cover letter 50 times and only change the salutation.

When should I start looking for an internship?

The later you are, the less likely you are to get your desired internship. As a rule, you should start looking for a position six months before the internship starts.

Are there lists of companies that offer internships?

No, neither the university nor the employment agency provide such lists. But you have the possibility to get advice at the Career-Service. There you will also be shown the common search engines as well as the job exchange of the Agentur für Arbeit.

I am looking for a part-time job, who can I contact?

The Career Service also offers support in this area. Contacts to employers as well as suitable job offers can be searched for.

Do I have to register as unemployed after completing my studies if it doesn't work out immediately with starting a job?

If you are not dependent on financial support from the Employment Agency, there is no compulsory obligation for you to register as unemployed. However, the Employment Agency can help you find the right job. There is also the possibility that you will be reimbursed for part of the application costs.

When do I have to register as unemployed if I am dependent on financial support and what entitlement do I have?

To avoid a blocking period, you should register as a job seeker three months before the end of your studies. You are entitled to unemployment benefit I if you have been employed for at least twelve months during the last two years prior to becoming unemployed (and reporting it).

Do I have the opportunity to submit my application documents for review?

Yes, Career Service offers support for this as well. If you are unsure whether your wording matches the job application or your personality, or if you need assistance in preparing for an interview, please feel free to contact Career Service.

During the course of their studies, many students have doubts about whether they should continue studying and whether they have chosen the right studies. Approximately one quarter of each cohort ends their studies before graduation. This early exit is often experienced as a failure and is gladly delayed. If you find yourself in this situation, you should not make any hasty, spontaneous decisions. Dropping out or changing your studies should be well thought out beforehand.

For years, The Hochschule Niederrhein has had various counseling services that you can take advantage of if you are dissatisfied with your studies or have doubts about your choice of study.
A new addition since 2018 is the project "Next Step Niederrhein". There you will be supported in your personal decision-making if you are thinking about dropping out of your studies. Further info: www.next-step-niederrhein.de

What options do I have after dropping out of university?

There are many alternatives to studies: Other Degree programmes at the Hochschule Niederrhein or at other colleges/universities can be considered. For example, in-company or school-based vocational training or dual degree programmes are available for the transition to the job market. We are happy to help with this decision as to whether it should be a new studies program, an apprenticeship or a job through our counseling services at the Career Service of the Hochschule Niederrhein. A counseling session can also clarify whether it is not advantageous to persevere and whether credits in another studies or from another university can be credited. Or whether it simply makes sense to take time off.

• Continue studying: Possibly after a time out. With new motivation and, if necessary, with optimized time management.
• Change of course to a more suitable and interesting subject
• Change to a university with more suitable study conditions. Clarify the crediting of academic achievements/credits beforehand!
• Discontinuation of studies with entry into professional life, an apprenticeship or self-employment

For students who have decided to drop out of their studies, the Hochschule Niederrhein offers individual counseling and coaching as part of the "Next Step Niederrhein" project. Further information: www.next-step-niederrhein.de

In addition, the following Internet addresses can help with research:

www.studienabbrecher.com
www.test.de/Studienabbrecher

How do employers react to a dropout?

There is no one-size-fits-all response! This is because your resume is a matter of interpretation. If a dropout can be reasonably justified, then this "blemish" is usually not a problem. Especially if the dropout occurs at the commencement of studies in the first few semesters.

If the dropout occurs at a later point in time, then in some apprenticeships, credits already earned are also credited to a corresponding apprenticeship and can lead to a shortening of the apprenticeship period. Some employers are specifically looking for study dropouts. It is important that you know your competencies and strengths well and can name them, because every student brings knowledge, skills and experience from their studies that are in demand on the job market.

Ask the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and the Chambers of Skilled Crafts (HWK) specifically about special programs for dropouts and use the career counseling at the Career Service of the Hochschule Niederrhein or at the employment agency in your place of residence. They will support you with placement suggestions in your search for an in-company vocational training or dual studies program.

The "Job Exchange" on the website www.arbeitsagentur.de also offers you support in your search strategy.