01/09/2008 | Success Stories, MBA Careers

Exploring Germany: study-related internships

By: Juliane Adameit, D.E.A., USA-Interns Program, Steuben-Schurz-Society e.V.

For 60 years, the Steuben-Schurz-Society e.V. Transatlantic Internship Program, has been bridging the gap between Germany and America. QS TopMBA.com speaks with students who have experienced the culture of these transatlantic contemporaries.

Studying may be theoretical, intercultural understanding may be challenging and foreign countries may be too far away to get really acquainted with. The US and Germany are among the most important trade partners, and in the era of globalization, transatlantic or international experiences are a basic element of a successful career. Being familiar with different cultures, values, and languages is a truly enriching and almost indispensable tool for the younger academic generation to cope with the challenges and expectations of the future.

As the oldest German-American friendship organization in Germany, the Steuben-Schurz-Society e.V. provides internships on a non-profit transatlantic level between both countries. Students get an in-depth view into the professional world before they start to work in their chosen fields, not to mention, an experience in Germany or the US. The program is constantly extending its network to more employers, partners and universities, motivating students to experience the opportunity the organization offers.

Brett Pawielski

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Campus
Stevens Point in Wisconsin/ USA
I am an intern at a small engineering firm that deals mostly with building technology such as heating and electrical systems. The company works with renewable energy and energy efficiency technology on a regular basis, which makes it a perfect fit for me. I have always wanted to work with such projects, and this internship has given me the opportunity to do so. Working in a small firm means that I have many different responsibilities, and it also means that I am learning all the time.

Every day brings something new, from making energy-use simulations to editing architectural drawings. I have even attended a few meetings, which were especially challenging for my technical German knowledge. Everything considered it has been a wonderful experience. And without the Steuben-Schurz-Gesellschaft it would have never happened.

Derek Crow

Southern Ilinois University
Carbondale in Ilinois/ USA
I work as an intern at a public relations agency. Since joining this agency, I have gained much experience in the exciting world of public relations, helping support our team by our main clients, a German sparkling wine producer, and a bilateral international organization. I was able to participate in many projects. The wine client enjoys the largest market share of German sparkling wine producers; therefore there is never a boring moment in the agency. Through the preparation of press kits, press notifications, and presentations there is always much work to accomplish. Working with my colleague is what I enjoyed most when I had the opportunity to accompany him on photo shoots.

This is usually a beginning point in a press notification and one gets to see the opportunity of how the public will be notified of new offers and products. Through the international organization I was able to support the agency, the Frankfurt chapter president, by events, press notifications, and other tasks. I was also involved in a large event that took place in the headquarters of one of the banks in Frankfurt and I was able to assist in many preparations. It has been an inspiring experience to work in the agency and in Germany.

Johnathan Gast

UC Hastings College of Law
San Francisco in California/ USA
The Steuben-Schurz-Gesellschaft's Deutsch-Amerikanisches Praktikantenprogramm provided me with the opportunity to work for three months in Frankfurt at one of the finest international law firms in the world. Being able to work day in and day out with leading minds in the legal profession on projects for world renowned businesses is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. It presented me with the opportunity to not only learn the fundamentals of the legal practice but also the inter-workings of international transactions. Furthermore, it challenged me to engage my co-workers in their native language, thereby strengthening and expanding my business German vocabulary and legalese.