If you want to find an internship, use several routes at the same time: job portals and career pages for advertised positions, your university’s internship board, and targeted unsolicited applications to companies that really interest you. You convince employers when your cover letter and CV are clearly tailored to exactly this position. An internship can also be the first building block for starting your career (in German), so it is worth searching with a clear goal.
Key points at a glance
- First clarify the field, the period and the learning goal. For a compulsory internship, your study and examination regulations set the framework.
- Combine job portals, career pages, your university’s internship board and your network. Unsolicited applications fill the gaps.
- The cover letter is short, names the period and the area, and links two or three of your experiences to the tasks of the position.
- Before you accept, check the contract, the pay and the insurance cover. Whether minimum wage applies depends on the type of internship.
Which internship suits you?
Before you write applications, you need three answers: In which field do you want to gain practical experience, in which period do you have time, and what do you want to be able to do at the end? Anyone who says “marketing” but does not know whether that means social media, market research or event planning will inevitably write general applications. Concrete learning goals, such as a specific tool, customer contact or first project responsibility, make your cover letter more tangible.
If the internship is part of your degree, check your study or examination regulations first. They state what the university requires in terms of duration, supervision and proof. How long an internship may last and how it is paid is explained in the article on legal questions about internships (in German).
The size of the company also shapes what you take away. Large corporations often have fixed processes and several departments you can get to know. In start-ups and medium-sized businesses you are usually closer to real tasks and take on responsibility sooner. Both have their value. What matters is that the choice fits your goal.
Where can you look to find an internship?
There are five routes to an internship place, and they combine well.
| Search route | When it pays off | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| General job portals and professional networks | You want to see many advertisements at a glance | Search for “internship” plus field and location, and set up an email alert |
| Career pages of companies | You have employers you would like to work for | Check regularly, some positions appear only there |
| Career service and internship board of your university | You are looking for subject-related places or a compulsory internship | Ask lecturers and chairs for contacts too |
| Network of fellow students, alumni and acquaintances | You want places that are never advertised | Say specifically what you are looking for. More in the article networking during your studies (in German) |
| Unsolicited application | The company fits, but there is no advertisement | Be targeted and address a named contact, see the next section |
If you want to go abroad, also search through your university’s international office. Clarify your insurance cover in good time, as insurance for an internship abroad (in German) follows its own rules.
How do you write an unsolicited application for an internship?
An unsolicited application for an internship works when it reads like an answer to a question the company has, not like a form letter. The more precisely you name the area, the period and what you bring, the easier it is for someone in the company to decide whether they can plan you in.
- Choose a company whose products, projects or values you can explain in two sentences.
- Find the responsible person via the website, the career page or a professional network. If in doubt, a short call to the HR department helps.
- Name the area you want and the exact period, for example “internship in marketing from 1 March to 31 May”.
- Explain what you bring and what you want to learn. A specific project or a publication by the company shows that you have looked into it.
- If you have not heard back after about two weeks, follow up politely by email.
What belongs in the cover letter for an internship?
The cover letter for an internship fits on one page and is addressed to a specific person. The subject line names the position, for example “Application for an internship in sales”, ideally with a reference number. In the first sentence you explain why you are applying exactly here. The main part links two or three of your experiences to the tasks of the position, and the closing names your earliest start date and your willingness to attend an interview.
An example of an opening: Lea is in her 4th semester of business studies and applies for a position in controlling. She writes: “In my seminar on cost accounting I analysed a case study using Excel. I would now like to deepen this work using the real figures of your company.” The sentence shows subject relevance and motivation without empty phrases such as “I read with great interest”.
You will find further sample wording for cover letters and applications for working-student positions in the article applying as a student (in German). For your CV, the article on the student CV (in German) helps. For both documents the same applies: error-free spelling and a structure that refers to the position.
How does the interview work and how do you prepare?
Often a short phone call comes first, then an interview on site or by video. Research the company, read the advertisement again and prepare a short explanation for each station on your CV. Also prepare your own questions, for example about typical tasks, supervision and the team. A detailed guide with typical questions is in the article on preparing for the job interview (in German).
After the interview, a short thank-you email is customary. If you receive a rejection, you may politely ask for feedback on what you could do better next time.
What should you clarify before accepting?
Have the tasks, duration, working hours, pay and contact person confirmed in writing. Pay depends on the type of internship. A compulsory internship under the study or examination regulations is exempt from minimum wage. A voluntary orientation internship is exempt for up to three months, provided that your course does not require a compulsory internship and the company was not your employer before. After graduation, minimum wage also applies for internships of up to three months. An overview is offered by the University of Göttingen (in German).
Your health insurance may also change because of the internship. The article health insurance during an internship (in German) explains what applies to you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find an internship?
Use several routes at once: job portals, career pages of selected companies, the internship board and the career service of your university, and your network. Add targeted unsolicited applications. The clearer your field and your period, the faster you find suitable offers.
How do I write an unsolicited application for an internship?
Write to a specific person, name the area and the period, and explain why you want this particular company. Support your suitability with one or two experiences from your studies, projects or part-time jobs. Attach your CV and relevant certificates.
How long should a cover letter for an internship be?
One page is enough. You do not need more space if every paragraph has a purpose: opening with the reason, main part with experiences and link to the position, closing with the start date. Do not repeat your CV, set priorities instead.
Which portals are there for finding an internship?
General job portals and professional networks list many internships. In addition there are the career pages of individual companies and the internship boards of universities. Specialised portals exist for individual industries, so a look at your department is worthwhile.
What you should do now
- Set the field, the period and two learning goals, and check what your study regulations require.
- Set up search alerts on two job portals and check your university’s internship board.
- Write a list of five companies you would like to work for and find a contact person for each.
- Create a CV and a cover letter that you adapt for each application.
- Before accepting, clarify the contract, pay and insurance cover.
Related articles
- Internship during your studies: compulsory, duration and pay (in German)
- Applying as a student: cover letter, working-student job and internship (in German)
- Student CV: how to build it step by step (in German)
- Planning your career during your studies: steps from the first semester (in German)
- Internship after graduation: minimum wage, social security and exceptions (in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This article provides general information and does not replace individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
