Studying with a practical focus and gaining early insights into the job market: for many students at Goethe University Frankfurt, this is part of reality. 65.4% of graduates completed an internship or a practical semester during their studies, as shown in the KOAB-Cooperation Project for Graduate Studies’ analysis of the combined graduating cohorts of 2021 to 2023.
The level of practical experience is particularly high in degree programs where mandatory internships are part of the curriculum. For state examination programs nearly all graduates gained practical experience during their studies. Entire practical semesters are a central component of teacher education programs.
Practical experience also plays an important role in both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs:
58.3 % of bachelor’s graduates and 54.9 % of master’s graduates completed internships or practical phases during their studies. Mandatory internships often play a decisive role, with their share ranging from around 40 % in master’s programs to up to 93 % in state examination programs. At the same time, many students take advantage of the opportunity to complete voluntary internships: in bachelor’s and master’s programs, 22 to 24 % of students do so, some in addition to a mandatory internship.
Internships also pay off beyond the study stage. For about a quarter of graduates, one of the internships they completed directly led to a job – a clear indication that practical experience is a key steppingstone for starting a career.
Support and Services at Goethe University
Goethe University actively supports students in finding internship opportunities and transitioning into the job market.
The Career Service job portal regularly publishes current internship listings. Additionally, Career Service organizes job fairs where students can connect directly with companies and learn more about internships.
Students interested in internships abroad can reach out to Luisa Döhner (auslandspraktikum@uni-frankfurt.de) at the Global Office.
International students can contact the International Career Service Rhein-Main or the DAAD for information about internships.
Specific details about practical phases in teacher education programs.
Information on mandatory internships for the state examination in law.
