Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg not only wants to educate international talent, but also to attract them to the region and keep them there. The example of Adeel Inayat Asim shows that this is possible: he came to Magdeburg from Pakistan, studied electrical engineering at the University of Magdeburg and now works as an electrical engineer in an industrial company in the region. The certificate programme ‘FIT for Career Start’, part of the DAAD programme FIT – Promotion of International Talent for Integration into Studies and the Labour Market, played a decisive role in his journey.
The certificate programme is aimed at international Bachelor's and Master's students and spans several semesters. It provides targeted preparation for the German job market with language courses, intercultural training, application workshops, networking opportunities and practical modules. The aim is to strengthen the linguistic, intercultural and professional skills of the participating international students in order to increase their chances of finding a job in the region. ‘In the FIT programme, I learned how to apply for jobs professionally, how to present myself in interviews and what companies in Germany expect. This has obviously significantly improved my chances on the job market, because I quickly found my first job in the final phase of my studies,’ says Adeel Inayat Asim with a smile.
Luiza Sant Anna Düsedau, who is responsible for the programme at the International Career Service at the University of Magdeburg, also emphasises the importance of the certificate: "Programmes such as “FIT for Career Start” are key to making it easier for international students to transition into the German labour market. We not only support international students as best we can, but also regional companies that want to hire international students, for example through joint workshops and advisory services."
Magdeburg has long since become a new home for Adeel Inayat Asim: the good quality of life, career prospects in industry and integration into the local community have convinced him to stay here. ‘Magdeburg not only offers career opportunities, but also an environment in which I feel comfortable and can continue to grow,’ he says.
He encourages other international students to learn German early on, take advantage of programmes such as FIT, and gain practical experience. ‘It's also important to build networks, stay active, and be patient,’ Adeel concludes.
The application period for the ‘Fit for Career Start’ programme in the summer semester 2026 for international students ends on 8 February 2026.