Prospects after graduation

Alumni.Story

From India to a career in Germany

Mohammed Juned Pathan came to Germany from India to study for a BSc in Industrial Engineering at FHM Frechen. Today, he works as an IoT solutions expert at ENERVIE Service GmbH in Hagen, a long-standing partner of FHM. We spoke to him about his experiences.

Mr Pathan, why did you decide to pursue this degree?
I was specifically looking for a degree programme that offered a good mix of engineering and economics, and FHM stood out in this regard. The curriculum is practical, industry-based and offers strong links to businesses. Fortunately, some friends of mine had already studied there and told me how much the lecturers care for each student individually. That made my decision easier.

How did FHM help you get your internship at ENERVIE?
The FHM's corporate network was a tremendous help both in finding an internship and in starting my career. My lecturers not only advised me, but also put me in touch with industry professionals. In fact, my professor, Prof. Dr. Kornelia Drees, recommended me for the internship at ENERVIE. She even accompanied me to the interview and organised everything. This opened the door to my career, for which I am very grateful.

What professional and personal experiences did you gain during your internship?
Professionally, I was able to gain practical experience in many exciting projects and learn how to use industry-standard tools. Personally, I greatly improved my teamwork and communication skills and learned a lot about German work culture – especially how important coffee breaks and punctuality are!

You have made the transition to a permanent position. What are your current responsibilities?
I supervise projects on site to identify opportunities for optimisation. A large part of my work involves managing our IoT platform, monitoring data flow and ensuring the reliability of the systems. I am also responsible for the implementation and commissioning of IoT projects and hardware. In the future, I would like to develop further within the company and see myself in a role with even more responsibility.

What cultural differences have you experienced compared to your home country?
One major challenge was the direct and structured communication style in Germany. Here, people say exactly what they mean – which felt unusually direct to me at first. In addition, the work culture in Germany is very organised and places great emphasis on planning and punctuality. In my home country, things are often a little more flexible, so it took me some time to adjust. But now I really appreciate this efficiency and the clear expectations.

What specific tips would you give to international students?
I recommend that students use the practical phase to gain in-depth professional experience. This gives them valuable insights into the job market. They can attend seminars, events and job fairs, network with industry professionals on LinkedIn and use the FHM network. I also advise them to actively integrate themselves into German culture.

What you need to know

Residence & Job Search

If you come from a third country, you have the option of obtaining a residence permit valid for up to 18 months to search for qualified employment in Germany. During these 18 months, you may take up any type of employment. Please note that this type of residence permit cannot be extended. The following requirements must be met in order to obtain an 18-month residence permit:

Proof of successful completion of studies
Proof of health insurance coverage
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses

Before submitting your application, check with your local immigration office to find out which documents you need to bring with you. To ensure a successful job search, you should put together attractive application documents to present yourself to potential employers in the best possible light. Through the FHM network, you have the opportunity to get to know potential employers while you are still studying, to work there and to optimise your application documents through extracurricular events.

Self-employment after graduation

Paths to starting a business

There are many reasons to become self-employed in Germany. If you are interested in doing so, you can contact a start-up advisory service. If you come from a third country, you will need a residence permit depending on your business plans.

When studying at the FHM, starting a business is an important part of the curriculum. Start-up modules are included in every degree programme. This ensures that you are well prepared to take the step into self-employment.

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