Step by step: How does a 9th-grade student find a suitable Schulpraktikum placement?

Finding a Schülerpraktikum: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Think about your interests
Before you start searching, ask yourself:

• Do I prefer hands-on work or office work?

• Do I like dealing with people or with machines/devices?

• Do I want to try medicine, teaching, programming, carpentry, sales…?

Tip: Don’t look for the “best” place—look for the place you “want to try.”

Step 2: Start early

• Most schools set the internship date 3–6 months in advance.

• The earlier you start, the better your chances of getting a good place.

Step 3: Prepare your application folder
Not officially required, but recommended:

• A short cover letter (Bewerbungsschreiben) explaining who you are and why you chose that place

• A simple CV (Lebenslauf) with your info + school grade + hobbies

• A copy of the school letter confirming you need an internship (Erklärung der Schule)

Note: If you want, I can prepare a suitable template for your letter and CV.

Step 4: Search using these sources

Step 5: Contact companies
When you find a suitable place:

• Call or send a polite email

• Introduce yourself and mention:

  • your name, grade, school

  • why you want to intern there

  • internship period (start and end date)

  • that you can send your CV and letter

Step 6: Follow up smartly

• No reply? Call again after 3–5 days

• Rejected? Don’t give up—keep searching

• Accepted? Ask for written confirmation (Praktikumszusage) to hand in to the school

Step 7: Send the confirmation to the school
Once you receive the Zusage:

• Give it to the teacher responsible for internships (Praktikumsbeauftragte/r)

• The school may later send an evaluation form or guidance documents

Quick summary of steps:

• Decide what you like

• Start early

• Prepare letter & CV

• Use all search sources

• Contact politely

• Follow up

• Send the confirmation to the school

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ـ* The writers and editors team at the website strives to provide accurate information through extensive research and reviewing multiple sources when writing articles. However, some errors may appear or some information may be unconfirmed. Therefore, please consider the information in the articles as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.