If you want to orientate yourself professionally as a student, there are essentially three options available: an internship, work as a working student or a trainee program. There are often misunderstandings regarding these terms. What exactly is behind them? We bring light into the darkness once again.
Interns: From school to workbench
An internship is an activity designed to give schoolchildren and students practical experience in their possible future career. A two- to four-week student internship allows the student to experience their dream job in practice, question it and, if necessary, make a different decision if the job doesn't suit them after the practical insight. A student intern is not entitled to any remuneration; donations from the company in question are considered recognition or reimbursement for expenses.
A student internship usually lasts from at least four weeks to half a year . It can be completed as a company internship in one go; alternatively, there are also regular practical days as part of your studies. The student internship serves to gain practical experience in your specialist area parallel to your studies. While years ago, student interns were literally exploited by companies (several internships in a row with little or no remuneration, 'generation internship'), in times of low birth rates, companies increasingly have to come up with new ideas to recruit good young talent - this is especially true for Financial sector. For example , HORBACH Wirtschaftsberatung GmbH has a website with several offers for future interns or trainees.
Working students: studies plus job
Working students are students who are enrolled at a technical college or university and at the same time work in their specialist area for a maximum of 20 hours a week for pay , often working full-time during the lecture-free period. Working students often receive support from their employer for their bachelor's or specialist theses. Ideally, the theoretical knowledge acquired can be immediately applied to practical work.
Trainees: Training on the job
Anyone who has already completed their university studies can start their career as a trainee in a company. As a young talent, you are gradually built up: you go through various departments according to a specific plan and often attend various seminars and networking events. A trainee program can last 12 to 24 months and is paid . The programs are often used for the internal training of future managers or specialists.
Three options as a student.
