‘Get curious’: Expert advice on how to change careers in Germany

In a generation defined by "polycrisis" – from geopolitical tensions to the rapid deployment of AI – the German labour market is in a state of flux.

For non-native speakers, the "walk-in" roles of a decade ago have either evaporated or seen significant salary stagnation.

Yet, where there is volatility, there is opportunity. According to a recent StepStone study, 73 percent of employees in Germany now consider switching jobs at least once a month, up from 64 percent in 2024.

If you are feeling stuck, now might be the time to embrace the "uncomfortable" and pivot.

A shifting landscape

The Local spoke with career coach Stephen Nock of &joy Coaching. This year, Nock has seen project managers evolve into sales associates, automotive engineers pivot into construction, and a pastor who leveraged former accounting experience to work in banking.

"Increasingly, what my colleagues and I see is a shift toward more ‘existential’ motivations in career changes and away from ‘soul searching’-esque job searches," said Nock.

"What my own clients tell me they value most is being able to stay calm and enjoy their life in the midst of change, rather than feeling overwhelmed and fearful," he added.

Easier said than done, perhaps. But there is plenty of support available. 

Step 1: The personal inventory

Before anything else, it’s time for some soul-searching. Finding out what gives you fulfillment generally is a good place to start, as well as understanding the things about your current work or life situation you want to change. 

Nock suggested challenging the traditional "career narrative" that many internationals cling to.

"I’d ask: do you need to think of your career as a journey with a cohesive narrative, or might you focus on getting ‘just a job,’ which is a social responsibility to be able to cover one’s cost of living?" he said.

READ ALSO: Why demand for 'career-changers' is rising sharply in Germany

For many, identity is tied to the office, but changing tracks requires a new perspective.

"Get curious about what you might enjoy. Your next job (or career) might be tucked inside what you do or have done outside of work in the past," said Nock.

For example, asking yourself when you last felt happy and fulfilled, and digging into the circumstances around that could help you narrow down a direction. Were you surrounded by people? Creatively stimulated? Travelling the world?

Likewise, think about the moments when you were most unhappy or unfulfilled. Was it stress, loneliness or a lack of direction? These insights could provide a clue about what kind of role might suit you best. 

It’s also useful to think about what you want your life to look like in the next five, ten and 20 years, and then to work back from there.

For example, if financial stability is the most important thing to you, pursuing your passion in copywriting might not be the wisest move (trust us). Or, if you want to start a family in the next five years, switching to a career in the military might hinder that. 

Step 2: The Agentur für Arbeit is your friend

Germany is unique in its level of support for career changers, provided you know the magic words.

Book a consultation with the employment agency (Agentur für Arbeit) via phone or the online booking service, as there are many different kinds of support available for career changers. 

Issued by the Jobcenter (Arbeitsamt), an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein) can cover 100 percent of the costs for retraining (Umschulung), including travel and childcare.

The Agentur für Arbeit also supports job coaching and planning for self-employment via the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss). This generous grant provides a monthly payment to those starting their own self-employment roughly equivalent to what one would receive when unemployed, plus an extra payment to cover health insurance, for around half a year. 

READ ALSO: 'Amazing opportunity' - Germany's little-known grant for the self-employed

mein NOW is a new national online portal designed to help you find advice, funding, counselling and retraining options, from both private and state companies, in one place.

Step 3: Where to train

If you secure a Bildungsgutschein, several German institutions specialise in helping career changers break into new professional fields.

IU Academy: Specialising in IT, Design, Health, and Marketing, they offer modular digital programs available at over 600 locations across Germany.

neue fische: This provider focuses on Coding and Data Analytics, offering high-intensity bootcamps designed for those pivoting into the tech sector.

MIQR: This institute specialises in vocational rehabilitation and supporting those with migration backgrounds.

Code Institute: Focused exclusively on Software Development, they provide online coding bootcamps tailored specifically for career changers.

READ ALSO: 'Get uncomfortable' - 5 expert tips for job hunting in Germany

But be discerning. With recent bankruptcies in the sector, Nock advised caution. "I always encourage clients evaluating training courses to be very mindful of the track record of success, how the courses are designed, who the trainers are [and] what other students have gone on to do."

And word of warning for those looking toward academia: In Germany, most Master’s degrees are "consecutive".

Unlike in the US or UK, you generally cannot study a Master’s in Psychology if your Bachelor’s was in History, for example. 

Instead, you may have to start back at the Bachelor level or look into guest auditor (Nebenhörer) programs. These allow non-students to sit in university classes for free or for a small fee.

You won’t be officially enrolled at the university, but Nebenhörer classes are a great way to up your knowledge on a topic that interests you, make connections with students and course leaders in that area and some will provide a certificate upon completion.

It’s worth reaching out to course coordinators directly to see what is available. 

Step 4: Regional support and the "Hidden" market

Don't ignore local initiatives. In Berlin, JOB POINT offers free consultations, while Munich provides the MBQ and "Make it in Munich."

For those needing language help, Nock recommended Social Bee, noting that "integration resources have been cut, so people with a migration background may need to look beyond the state for support."

READ ALSO: 'Helping people succeed' - The German non‑profit offering free language lessons

To the relief of many a job-seeker, he also suggested looking beyond LinkedIn. One of his clients even built a tool called JobLyst to filter job boards.

"There are even so-called hidden job markets, and second- and third-degree connections are very important to finding work. Your friends’ friends and former colleagues are probably your shortest path to a referral or opportunity," he said.

Key vocabulary

Bildungsgutschein – An education voucher that covers 100 percent of retraining costs.

Gründungszuschuss – A government startup grant for those transitioning from unemployment to self-employment.

Umschulung – Full-scale retraining for a new profession, usually leading to a formal German qualification.

Quereinsteiger – A "lateral entrant" or career changer moving into a field they weren't originally trained for.