A guest contribution from "WirSchreiben", the academic ghostwriter.

Where it's currently difficult to get a job - and where it's not

When training or studies are coming to an end, the start of a career is also imminent. Again a new phase of life, other conditions, changed challenges - however one can plan the job entrance in time and arrange thus also smoother. The job you are aiming for plays a key role in this respect. After all, there are not always attractive open positions that also offer the prospect of good earnings. In some professions, it is currently worthwhile to start a job, in others it is rather not. But the general rule is that the transition to a career is the conclusion of a series of steps that begins much earlier and should be well planned.

Embattled: Jobs in the humanities

A phenomenon that is not new is the fact that the humanities do not have much to offer their followers. University jobs for Germanists, art historians or archaeologists are thin on the ground and fiercely contested; moreover, employment is almost always temporary. Even a position at a regional association, museum or cultural institution is rarely permanent. As regrettable as this is, it remains difficult. It is practical to have learned something usable in at least one minor subject in order to have a second leg to stand on. For the time being, the situation will not change.

In demand: skilled workers, engineers, IT

The situation is different for all professions in which there is already a shortage of skilled workers or which are considered systemically relevant in some way. These include qualified professions in IT and communications, but also in management and logistics. Engineers of all kinds are also in demand. Engineering is a broad field, so specialists in photovoltaics and other sustainable energies are located here, but so is an MBA with a focus on healthcare management - both courses of study that can be transitioned quite seamlessly into a professional practice. Professions where it is easy to enter the job market can also be found in mechatronics, mechanical engineering and the medical professions - not just as a doctor, but especially in areas such as medical technology.

Preparation for job entry

In principle, the choice of degree program already sets the course for the future career. In many courses of study, however, specializations are then possible after the basic studies with their more general content. This applies equally to economics and engineering, but also to medicine and IT. The first semesters provide an overview and, at best, prospects for the desired job. An internship before graduation provides practical experience - so students can decide which job appeals to them. At the same time, it is a good opportunity to make contacts. In some cases, interns who match the company's requirements profile receive an early commitment for subsequent employment.

Prepare in good time for starting a job

Job entry is therefore not a one-off event, but merely the final step in a process that was set in motion when the decision to train was made. It therefore stands to reason that a timetable is a great help here. Later career starters should ask the question "Where do I want to be and when?" in good time and define the milestones that are important to them.

After all, only those who know what they want to achieve will be able to recognize opportunities along the way - and these can come up during internships, semesters abroad, or even casual networking on business portals such as Xing or LinkedIn. Choosing an in-demand profession undoubtedly helps, but those who have their hearts set on a degree in Indology can also land a good job with proper planning.

The degree helps with job entry

Unsurprisingly, the degree - and its grading - generally play an important role in getting into a job. A master's weighs more heavily than a bachelor's, but a very good bachelor's degree is more impressive than a master's by the skin of your teeth. Academic degree and quality complement each other and contribute to being shortlisted when several applicants are competing for the same job. A relevant topic is also very helpful.

If you deal with issues that are important and forward-looking for your future job while you are still studying, you can score points in your job search and application and stand out from the crowd of candidates.