Career Service

CV-Working Session!

19.05.2026 | 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m. | Digital | Event language: English | Speaker: Désirée Krüger, Sarah Mickasch (Career Service)

Want to work on your CV but not sure if you're on the right track? Join our online session on Zoom – it’s super easy. The workshop will be conducted in English.

What to expect:
Together, we'll take a look at a real CV (from the group or a sample CV) and offer tips on formatting and design.
Afterward, you can ask individual questions in Breakout Sessions with a coach, or work on your own CV with peer support.

Tip:
Make sure to register in advance – in the confirmation email, you’ll find our step-by-step application guide on Moodle. You’ll get the most out of it if you bring a nearly finished draft of your CV!

You can register via our registration form to receive a reminder with the access details for the event. The Zoom access details will also be published on the website on the day of the event.

(Moodle: Career Service - https://moodle.hsnr.de/course/view.php?id=10790

Job Interview Training with AI & VR

July 3, 2026 | approx. 2–3 hours between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. | Future Work Lab in Krefeld | Event language: English

Whether you're preparing for your next job interview or are curious about AI and VR—you'll find both here. Choose a real job posting of your choice and email it to us in advance as a PDF at careerservice@hs-niederrhein.de

On-site, you’ll go through three mock job interviews:

1. With another person
2. With an AI avatar in a browser
3. With an AI avatar in VR

After each round: a short questionnaire, switching after about 30 minutes

Get ready for the job interview, gain confidence, and experience AI & VR.

You can register up to one week in advance using our registration form as a reservation. Since the number of spots for participants is limited, we recommend registering early. Please also email us the job posting you've selected to secure your spot.

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

Maybe it's because of your application. 
Your application is your calling card and is often the deciding factor in whether or not you’re invited for an interview. It’s crucial that your documents are convincing: from a well-structured CV to a cover letter that clearly demonstrates your motivation and suitability. Employers quickly notice whether you have really taken the time to research the company and the role, or whether your application consists solely of standard phrases.

Check out the International Career Service's Moodle course. Here you will find practical methods and tips for a successful application. For further tips or to clarify individual questions, you are also welcome to join our CV-Working Sessions. 

When should I start looking for an internship?

The later you start, the less likely it is that you will get the internship you want. As a rule, you should start looking for an internship six months before it starts.

How do I find companies that offer internships, part-time jobs or working student positions?

If you are looking for internships, part-time jobs or working student positions the job market is the right place for you. Here you will find current opportunities to get a taste of various professions and gain practical experience. Additionally, if you're interested in German-speaking job opportunities, feel free to check out our German job market.

Job fairs are also a great opportunity to connect with potential employers and expand your network. Check out our calendar for upcoming events.

Do I have to register as unemployed after my studies if I don't get a job straight away?

If you are not dependent on financial support from the Employment Agency, you are not obliged to register as unemployed. However, the employment agency can support you in your search for the right job. There is also the possibility that part of your application costs will be reimbursed.

Starting out in your career brings many challenges. Networking can be a great help.

Vacancies are often communicated and filled within one’s own circle before a job advertisement is even published. So, if you’re well-connected, people will notice you, and that can make all the difference at a crucial moment. A strong network opens doors that might otherwise remain closed.

Networking can therefore actively support your career path by helping you establish early contacts with companies, alumni and experts – both online and in person. You can do this, for example, via LinkedIn and other social media, professional associations, university and sports clubs, scholarship programmes, as well as job and career fairs.

Feel free to check out the Networking section of the International Career Service’s Moodle course. Here you’ll find further information and practical tips on networking.

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

Yes, the Career Service also offers support with this. If you are not sure whether your wording matches the job application or your personality, or if you need help preparing for an interview, you are welcome to contact the Career Service.

Check out the International Career Service's Moodle course. Here you will find practical methods and tips for a successful application. For further tips or to clarify individual questions, you are also welcome to join our CV-Working Sessions. 

What to do if you’re having study doubts?

There are plenty of alternatives to university study: you could consider other degree programmes at the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences or at other universities. If you’re thinking of entering the job market, options include company-based or school-based vocational training, or dual study programs.

For students who have decided to drop out, the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences offers individual counselling and coaching as part of the ‘Next Step’ project for students with doubts about their studies. Please feel free to contact Ms Kneisel to arrange a personal consultation!

A counselling session can also help clarify whether it might be beneficial to persevere, and whether credits from another degree programme or another university can be transferred. Or whether simply taking a break makes sense.

• Continuing your studies: Perhaps after taking a break. With renewed motivation and, where necessary, improved time management.
• Switching to a more suitable and interesting degree programme
• Transferring to a university with more suitable study conditions. Make sure to clarify the recognition of credits already earned beforehand!
• Withdrawing from your studies to enter the world of work, undertake vocational training or become self-employed. NEXT STEP offers a list of regional companies in the ‘Study Doubts’ Moodle course that provide dual training programmes and are explicitly open to applications from students who have dropped out!

Further information is available on the ‘Studienzweifel’ website: https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/studienzweifel/ or in the Moodle course: https://moodle.hsnr.de/course/view.php?id=11104 

How do employers react to someone dropping out of university?

There is no standard reaction! This is because your CV is open to interpretation. If there is a reasonable explanation for dropping out, this ‘flaw’ is not usually a problem. This is particularly true if you drop out early on, during the first few semesters.

If you drop out at a later stage, in some vocational training programmes, credits you have already earned will be transferred to the relevant training program and may lead to a shorter training period. Some employers specifically seek out students who have dropped out of university. It is important that you know your skills and strengths well and can articulate them, as every student brings knowledge, skills and experience from their time at university that are in demand on the job market.

If you would like to find out more, or if you have any questions or concerns, please make use of the individual counselling and coaching services offered as part of the ‘Next Step’ project for students with doubts about their studies. Please contact Ms Kneisel to arrange a personal consultation!

You can also contact the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and Chambers of Crafts (HWK) to enquire specifically about programs for university dropouts, and make use of the career guidance offered by the Career Service at the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences or at your local Employment Agency.

Further information is available on the Studienzweifel website: https://www.hs-niederrhein.de/studienzweifel/ or in the Moodle course: https://moodle.hsnr.de/course/view.php?id=11104 

Dress to impress: Tips from the Career Service

1. Look at your industry / See what's trending in your field:

In traditional sectors like finance, a formal outfit is appropriate. In creative jobs or startups, business casual often works best, such as a blazer with jeans.

2. Understand the company culture:

Check the company's online presence: How do employees dress? What does the website or social media say about the style and culture? This will give you a sense of how to dress appropriately and make an impression in the industry.

3. Focus on colors and details:

Colors like blue, gray, and black look professional. Pastel shades can signal creativity. Avoid overly bold patterns. Well-maintained shoes and simple accessories complete your look.

4. Be yourself:

Your outfit should match not only the company but also your own personality. Choose clothes you feel comfortable in, ideally ones you've worn before. This way, you'll appear confident and authentic during the interview.

5. Think about your appearance in online interviews:

The first impression matters virtually as well. Choose tops in neutral colors without bright patterns that look good on camera. Ensure a clean background and good lighting, like a lamp from the front to avoid shadows.

A great impression starts with your outfit, but it's more than just clothing. How you feel is what you’ll project. Feeling unsure or want to prepare better? The Career Service can help you showcase your individual style and perfect your presence, such as in orientation coaching or check out more tips in the International Career Service's Moodle course.

Faculty 01 Chemistry

Professional associations:

Gesellschaft deutscher Chemiker (GdCh)
Link: https://www.gdch.de/

For career starters/students:

Junges Chemie Forum (JCF)
Link: https://jcf.io/ 

Faculty 02 Design

Professional associations:

Berufsverband Kommunikationsdesign (BDG)
Link: https://www.bdg.de/

Allianz Deutscher Designer (AGD)
Link: https://agd.de/

International Council of Design Associations (ico-D)
Link: https://www.theicod.org/en

Übersicht über Verbände im Bereich Design
Link: http://www.designlinks.de/verbaende/

Faculty 03 Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Professional associations:

Verein Deutscher Ingenieure e.V. (VDI)
Link: https://www.vdi.de/

Union Beratender Ingenieure (UBI-D)
Link: https://www.ubi-d.de/

Zentralverband Deutscher Ingenieure (ZDI)
Link: https://www.zdi-ingenieure.de/

Gesellschaft für Informatik (GI)
Link: https://gi.de/

Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau (VDMA)
Link: https://www.vdma.eu/ 

For career starters/students:

Junge GI
Link: https://junge.gi.de/

Faculty 05 Oecotrophology

Professional associations:

Berufsverband Oecotrophologie e.V. (VDOE)
Link: https://www.vdoe.de/ 

For career starters/students:

Young Professionals-Netzwerk
Link: https://www.vdoe.de/startseite/vdoe-netzwerke/youngpros-netzwerk/ 

Faculty 06 Social Sciences

Professional associations:

Deutscher Berufsverband für Soziale Arbeit e.V. (DBSH)
Link: https://www.dbsh.de/ 

Deutscher Berufsverband für Kindheitspädagogik e.V. (DeBeKi)
Link: https://debeki.eu/ 

For career starters/students:

Junger DBSH
Link: https://junger.dbsh.de/index.html

Frauen* DBSH
Link: https://www.dbsh.de/der-dbsh/frauen-dbsh.html 

Faculty 07 Textile and Clothing Technology

Professional associations:

Gesamtverband textil + mode
Link: https://textil-mode.de/de/verband/

Verband der Rheinischen Textil- und Bekleidungsindustrie e.V.
Link: https://www.vbu-net.de/mitgliedsverbaende/verband-der-rheinischen-textil-und-bekleidungsindustrie/ 

Faculty 08 Economics

Professional associations:

Bundesverband Deutscher Volks- und Betriebswirte e.V. (bdvb)
Link: https://www.bdvb.de/

Bundesverband Marketing Clubs e.V. (bvmc)
Link: https://www.bvmc.de/

Steuerberaterverband Düsseldorf e.V.
Link: https://stbverband-duesseldorf.de/startseite/

Deutscher Steuerberaterverband e.V.
Link: https://www.dstv.de/

Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer
Link: https://www.idw.de/idw/

ISACA Germany Chapter e.V.
Link: https://www.isaca.de/index.php 

For career starters/students:

Hochschulgruppen des bdvb
Link: https://www.bdvb.de/campus/

FrauenMarketing (bvmc)
Link: https://www.bvmc.de/verband/marketingfrauen 

Faculty 09 Industrial Engineering

Professional associations:

Verband Deutscher Wirtschaftsingenieure (VWI)
Link: https://vwi.org/ 

Faculty 10 Health Care

Professional associations:

Deutscher Berufsverband für Pflegeberufe - DBfK Bundesverband e.V.
Link: https://www.dbfk.de/de/

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Psychologie (DGPs)
Link: https://www.dgps.de/

Deutscher Hebammen Verband e.V. (DHV)
Link: https://hebammenverband.de/ 

For career starters/students:

Junge Pflege (DBfK)
Link: https://www.dbfk.de/de/dbfk/junge-pflege/

Jungmitglieder der DGPs
Link: https://www.dgps.de/die-dgps/jungmitglieder/

JuWeHen - Junge und Werdende Hebammen im DHV
Link: https://hebammenverband.de/junge-hebammen