Further studies in Germany: How to search and apply for MSc/PhD

I receive inquiries from interested students or parents asking for opportuities for further studies for their children or family.

1. German Education is mostly Tuition-fee FREE.

2. Most information about study programmes and their requirements are freely avaibale and you don't need a paid consultant to guide you.

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A guide on study in Germany

Studying in Germany quick guide

I get asked the same question everyday. I'm sure anybody who studies or works in Germany gets it too.

"Please help me look for a scholarship in Germany".

Well that's the question.

It may come in different ways. But the bottomline is the same: "I wish to study in Germany but I don't know how to go about it".

I don't know but in the age of the internet people should spend more time searching than reading useless posts on social media. I left active university a year ago.

Aisuru.

I've shared this simple guide. It's helped a number of you get progress on your quest to pursue further education in Germany.

But we've a unique problem with Kenyans. We're not a reading society. Perhaps we're a listening society.

Because even though I share this simple guide, I still get people who come back asking me where to begin. Yet it says it clearly!

Please note. Going abroad, especially to Germany, for further education, is NOT an event.

It's a PROCESS. One that takes time, patience and costs money.

So don't wake up now and expect to get an admission letter in January.

You need at least three, six even twelve months of preparation. Plan early and stop behaving like a baby. Nobody will babysit you out here.

Here's is my guide.

You have asked me for help with scolarships. Germans are keen on REQUIREMENTS, be careful to read instructions and provide ALL documents, if they require them certified make sure they are. Mind deadlines too. Actually DAAD Regional Office for Africa in Nairobi has done a superb job in providing Info and you can stay up to date by liking their Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/DAADNairobi). Also consider liking the very useful page Mkenya Ujerumani.

Ideally note the following.
1. Education in Germany is free. As in you don't have to pay any tuition.

2. The cost of living is high, that is what you would need help with. Plus you may need to pay other fees, probably up to 1000€ per semester.

3. To begin with, look for a course of interest. Use this link https://www.daad.de/deutschland/studienangebote/international-programs/en/.

SIMPLE GUIDE. Choose a course which is RELATED to your previous degree, Germans don't understand why Kenyans switch from one field to another and that determines your chances of gaining admission!

4. Create your CV online usinf this link (https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/editors/en/cv/compose) and then download and send it to me to check. Do some cleaning by removing the Europas logo in the header. Save the file with Surname_CV. Mind first impressions. Keep it lean. You don't need to fill it with unnecessary Info. Only that which is useful for your application.

5. Once you have found your course of interest, go to the course/university website and READ the requirements, note DATELINES and applications datelines. Pay attention to requirements.

6. Get back to me with firm decisions on WHAT you want to study and WHERE you wish to study it.

7. Perhaps I'll guide you from there. Or you'll get help from those who have gone through a similar process.

You'll need a motivation letter. I'll expand later on what you need in one such.

Kindly do me a favour. READ the contents. I am pressed for time.

Using LinkedIn for job search and CV creation tools

Whether you are interested in a internship or a new challenge, you need to search for suitable openings in the job market. LinkedIn offers a useful functionality to search for and apply for openings that are posted on the jobs section. To leverage LinkedIn, you may reach out to your connections in the hiring company.

But you need self-introduction. 

Create a CV for job applications or self-introduction.    

Watch my guide

LinkedIn profile updates: Mind your image!

Social Media is more than Facebook and Twitter. LinkedIn, Xing and ResearchGate are some of the more serious professional networking social media channels.

LinkedIn is a living CV. It needs to speak to people who visit without you talking to them.

I give tips on how to ensure your profile speaks for you and helps you attract recruiters and networks. 

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How to EFFECTIVELY use the LinkedIn Referral for job applicants (Dos & Don'ts)

Tips for Job-seekers on using LinkedIn.

This forum is powerful. It is your CV, as I have said before. It allows you to link with very useful resources at "no fee" (except perhaps the cost of your data!).

Jobs are posted each day and some are obviously attractive.

They are competitive.

LinkedIn, I am told, allows you to reach out to people working in those companies, who are on your connections, for support regarding your application.

It is OK to ask for recommendations from your connections if you are applying for a job in a company.

BUT.

I think it would be of great help NOT to simply apply the LinkedIn template.

That is LAZY. In my opinion.

IF I wanted a job at company A, and I have a connection on LinkedIn who worked there, I'd write a PERSONAL introductory note, explain to the connection WHY I fit the profile being sought and request a referral.

IF you drop requests on people using generic templates, be sure that the person you are asking to vouch for you KNOWS you well enough to speak on your behalf. IF Not, do a brief CV of yourself.
Honestly, being a connection of LinkedIn is no more than "Accept Connection Request" for a lot of people. Passive relationships.

We hardly KNOW our connections. Maybe we "Know About" them.

That is NOT enough if you wish to be supported. You have to make a case for yourself.

DO

• Introduce yourself, especially focusing on your career path and relevance to the job you're applying for and for which you seek "campaign support"
• Do a brief CV of yourself to offer talking points if your connection wishes to speak to the hiring manager about you (you don't want him/her to lack what to say about you).
• Tell your connection WHY you are fit for the job. Remember there are many more connections using that same route to seek help. Why are you better than them?
• Figure out how you would like someone to present themselves to you IF you were the one being asked for support.

DON'T

• Assume. Assumptions are dangerous. Don't assume that casual social media knowledge is enough to get a positive nod and support
• Take anything for granted
• Think you are the ONLY person asking for help!

Take every opportunity as an interview. You would like to be supported by someone who is clear that you take the application seriously and that you don't just ask them for help simply because LinkedIn nudged you to do it.

I hope this helps and happy job-hunting.