The Project
The BRICKS Project:
Your Pathway to a Career in Germany
The BRICKS Project at the University of Hohenheim is a unique career qualification program designed to support international Master’s students in their transition from university to the German job market.
By participating in BRICKS, students gain essential, job-relevant skills and earn a certificate that enhances their appeal to employers. The BRICKS Certificate offers a structured, modular approach to career preparation, with five key BRICKS focusing on language, culture, specialized knowledge, employability, and application skills. More than just a credential, it showcases a student’s motivation and commitment, giving them a competitive edge in the German job market.
The program also fosters partnerships with employers, provides additional seminars, and opens doors to valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders, including through trade fair visits.
Join BRICKS and build the foundation for a successful career in Germany!
BRICKS Certificate – Let’s get started!
When is the best time to start preparing for a career in Germany? During your studies!
To start successfully on the job market after graduation, you should already lay the foundations during your studies. The BRICKS Certificate is structured to help you systematically build and demonstrate the skills required for professional success in Germany.
How does the certificate work?
The BRICKS certificate consists of five BRICKS:
German Language Proficiency:
Build a strong foundation in German, essential for professional success in Germany.
Intercultural Competence:
Embrace both your own culture and key aspects of German culture, crucial for daily life and professional interactions.
Employability Skills:
Develop skills that will help you succeed in both academics and your career. Complete at least two courses.
Specialized Skills:
Develop key competencies demanded by employers in today’s evolving work environment.
Career Entry:
Prepare for a successful start in the German job market by refining your profile, crafting German-style applications, and learning how to begin your professional journey in Germany.
Each module includes various seminars and courses that you need to successfully complete in order to receive the certificate. Here you can see what’s required:
German Language Proficiency:
UNIcert® I (B1) (minimum requirement)
UNIcert® II (B2) and UNIcert® III (C1) are equally valid
Intercultural Competence:
At least one course from the course offerings provided in this BRICK.
Employability Skills:
At least two courses from the course offerings provided in this BRICK.
Specialized Skills:
At least one course from the course offerings provided in this BRICK.
Career Entry:
Completion of the Bootcamp “Your German Career Path”.
Employability Skills
Choose at least two courses:
✓ Work Smarter and not Harder with Time and Self-Management Essentials
✓ From Classroom to Career Success with Lifelong Learning and Mental Strategies
✓ Beyond Words: How to Communicate and Persuade Your German Colleagues
✓ Working in Germany: A Practical Guide to Professionnal Success
✓ Stop Delaying, Start Doing: Bild Productive Habits for Success in Studies and Career
Career Entry
✓ Bootcamp „Prepare Your German Career Entry“
Specialized Skills
Choose at least one course:
✓ Project Management
✓ Design-Thinking
✓ Climate Action Simulation (Systemic Thinking)
German Language Proficiency
✓ Language Courses
UNIcert®I (B1) (minimum requirement)
UNIcert®II (B2) and UNIcert®III (C1) are equally valid
Intercultural Competence
Choose at least one course:
✓ First steps to Intercultural Competence
✓ Communication skills for international students
✓ First cultural insights into the German workplace
✓ Deutsch für Praktikum und Beruf
✓ Der Standort Deutschland und ich
✓ Deutsche Sprache und Kultur
Click on each bricks to get detailed information about the course offering
I. German Language Proficiency
1. How does this BRICK benefit my career prospects in Germany?
German language proficiency is a key to accessing opportunities in German companies, where German remains the primary language in most workplaces. For international students, mastering the language at an advanced level enhances daily interactions and broadens career prospects. The better your German, the more doors will open in the job market:
C2:
- Career opportunities: Excellent. Virtually all professions are accessible, including those requiring nuanced and precise language skills.
- Possible professions: Executive roles and other highly specialized leadership positions.
- Advantages: Full integration into the German job market, including the most demanding professions.
- Salary level: Very high.
C1:
- Career opportunities: Outstanding. Grants access to most qualified professions that involve regular interaction and professional communication.
- Possible professions: Healthcare, academic professions, administrative and leadership roles.
- Limitations: Some professions (e.g., law or journalism) may still prefer near-native proficiency (C2).
- Salary level: High.
B2:
- Career opportunities: Strong. Sufficient for many qualified jobs that require regular interaction and professional communication.
- Possible professions: Customer-facing roles, e.g., in sales, tourism, or administration. Technical professions, provided sector-specific terminology is understood. Qualified positions in international teams or companies where German is important but not the sole working language.
- Limitations: May not yet suffice for highly demanding professions (e.g., executive or academic roles).
- Salary level: Medium to high.
B1:
- Career opportunities: Moderate. Allows basic workplace communication and integration into semi-skilled jobs.
- Possible professions: Internships or trainee positions, especially in international companies. Elderly care or caregiving, service staff in restaurants, retail sales in smaller shops.
- Limitations: Language skills are not yet sufficient for professional jobs or team-oriented roles that rely heavily on communication in German.
- Salary level: Low to medium.
A1–A2:
- Career opportunities: Very limited. Suitable for simple jobs that require minimal communication.
- Possible professions: Jobs where language skills are not a primary requirement – casual or unskilled labor: manual work, factory work, warehouse jobs, cleaning, kitchen assistance, seasonal work such as harvesting or agricultural tasks. Positions in international companies where English is the main working language.
- Limitations: Communication with German colleagues or customers is highly restricted.
- Salary level: Low.
2. What do I need to complete this BRICK successfully?
To successfully complete this BRICK, you must pass at least the certificate UNIcert® I (B1).
Completing a higher level of German language proficiency, such as UNIcert® II (B2) or UNIcert® III (C1), is highly recommended, as it significantly enhances career opportunities in Germany. They can also be applied towards the BRICKS certificate.
If you don’t have a UNIcert® certificate yet, but can already demonstrate German language skills, you have the option to request a UNIcert® certificate. Please contact the Language Center in this case (see point 5).
More information about the UNIcert® certificate 🡪
https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/en/language-center-language-tests-unicert#jfmulticontent_c434025-3
3. How does it work?
The Language Center at the University of Hohenheim offers a wide variety of German courses at different language levels. Simply choose the course that fits your current level.
If you already have an advanced level of German, please contact the Language Center (see point 5) for a mandatory level assessment beforehand.
The typical language course progression is the following:
- A1.1 – Beginner: Start learning basic communication
- A1.2 – Beginner: Start learning basic communication
- A2.1 – Elementary
- A2.2 – Elementary: Improved communication
- B1.1 – Intermediate
- B1.2 – Intermediate: Stronger fluency
- B2.1 – Upper Intermediate: Solid understanding and communication
- B2.2 – Upper Intermediate: Enhanced fluency and comprehension
- C1.1 – Advanced: Complex communication and comprehension
- C1.2 – Advanced: High-level proficiency and confidence
4. When is the best time to take these courses during my studies?
There are two types of courses:
- Intensive courses: These courses are offered before the start of each semester (winter and summer). For one month, you will have German lessons every weekday for a few hours.
- Semester courses: Throughout the semester, you can attend a German course once a week for a few hours.
The course structure is designed to offer flexibility and continuous progress in your German language learning. If you’re a beginner and just about to start your studies at the University of Hohenheim we recommend to follow the following course structure:
Intensive online course (only for beginners) to lay the foundation of your German skills
Level after completing this course: A1.1
(start this course before your studies in Hohenheim from home)
Intensive courses on campus
Level after completing this course: A1.2
Semester course to further develop your language skills, held once a week
Level after completing this course: A2.1
Option to take up another intensive course during the break for accelerated learning
Level after completing this course: A2.2
Continue your language journey with another semester course
Level after completing this course: B1.1
Another opportunity for an intensive course to refresh and build on your skills
Level after completing this course: B1.2
Begin a new semester course to further refine your language proficiency
5. How can I sign up for the courses?
Further information about the individual courses, along with the option to register, can be found on the website
https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/language-center.
Questions? Get in contact with the Language Center:
https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/en/language-center.
II Intercultural Competence
1. How does this BRICK benefit my career prospects in Germany?
Feeling at home in a new country requires more than just knowing your way around the local supermarket—it’s about building a network of good friends and getting a handle on the cultural landscape. Intercultural competence is crucial for success in Germany, where understanding local customs and communication styles enhances workplace interactions.
2. What do I need to complete this BRICK successfully?
To successfully complete this BRICK, you must enroll in at least one of the courses offered (you are welcome to attend additional courses).
The following courses are available (in English):
- First steps to Intercultural Competence
- Communication Skills for International Students
- First Cultural Insights into the German Workplace
(auf Deutsch):
- Deutsch für Praktikum und Beruf
- Der Standort Deutschland und ich
- Deutsche Sprache und Kultur
The following list of seminars is provisional and my be adjusted as the project progresses.
3. How does it work?
The courses are offered regularly and each semester. Simply choose the course that appeals to you the most and register for it.
4. When is the best time to take these courses during my studies?
The courses are offered regularly, giving you the flexibility to choose one that suits your schedule.
5. How can I sign up for the courses?
Further information about the individual courses, along with the option to register, can be found on the website
https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/language-center.
Questions? Get in contact with the Language Center:
https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/en/language-center.
III Employability Skills
1. How does this BRICK benefit my career prospects in Germany?
2. What do I need to complete this BRICK successfully?
To successfully complete this BRICK, you must enroll in at least two of the courses offered (you are welcome to attend additional courses).
The following courses are available:
- Work Smarter with Time and Self-Management Essentials
- From Classroom to Career Success with Lifelong Learning and Mental Strategies
- Beyond Words: How to Communicate and Persuade Your German Colleagues
- Working in Germany: A Practical Guide to Professional Success
- Stop Delaying, Start Doing: Build Productive Habits for Success in Studies and Career
The following list of seminars is provisional and my be adjusted as the project progresses.
3. How does it work?
4. When is the best time to take these courses during my studies?
5. How can I sign up for the courses?
https://weiterbildung.uni-hohenheim.de/#!public
Questions? Get in contact with the CareerCenter:
https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/cch
IV Specialized Skills
1. How does this BRICK benefit my career prospects in Germany?
2. What do I need to complete this BRICK successfully?
To successfully complete this BRICK, you must enroll in at least one of the courses offered (you are welcome to attend additional courses).
The following courses are available:
- Design-Thinking
- Project Management
- Climate Action Simulation (Systemic Thinking)
The following list of seminars is provisional and my be adjusted as the project progresses.
3. How does it work?
4. When is the best time to take these courses during my studies?
5. How can I sign up for the courses?
Further information about the individual courses, along with the option to register, can be found on the F.I.T. platform:
https://weiterbildung.uni-hohenheim.de/#!public
Questions? Get in contact with the CareerCenter:
https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/cch
V Career Entry
1. How does this BRICK benefit my career prospects in Germany?
2. What do I need to complete this BRICK successfully?
To successfully complete this BRICK, you must complete the Bootcamp “Prepare Your German Career Entry”.
This Bootcamp consists of three days:
- Day I: Personal Insights for Career Clarity
- Day II: Creating a Powerful Self-Brand and Learning Job Search Essentials
- Day III: Application and Interview Training
The following list of seminars is provisional and my be adjusted as the project progresses.
3. How does it work?
The Bootcamp is offered regularly. Simply sign up and get started.
4. When is the best time to take these courses during my studies?
5. How can I sign up for the courses?
Further information about the individual courses, along with the option to register, can be found on the F.I.T. platform:
https://weiterbildung.uni-hohenheim.de/#!public
Questions? Get in contact with the CareerCenter:
https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/cch
Participation
As long as you are enrolled at the University of Hohenheim, you can take part in the project. To work towards the BRICKS certificate, it’s enough to sign up for the respective courses – no official registration is required.
If you’d still like to receive more information about the project and the certificate, feel free to sign up
Important note: By registering here, you will not be automatically enrolled in the courses offered within the 5 BRICKS. Enrollment must be done separately through the FIT platform and the Language Center (see information in point 5 in each BRICK).
How to Receive Your Certificate
BRICKS - CERTIFICATE - TIMELINE
No Fixed Timeframe
There is no set deadline for completing the BRICKS certificate. The seminars are offered regularly, so feel free to adapt them to your own pace and integrate them into your personal schedule and availability.
The timeline represents an ideal scenario and can serve as a guide. Keep in mind that you can complete the certificate at your own pace.
Guides
The BRICKS project, in addition to the certificate, offers an extensive support network. Through three comprehensive guides, you will find all the essential information to support you at every stage of your studies and during the transition to the German job market.
FAQ
Got questions? Find all the answers in the FAQ section
