Exemplary Work Biographies and Career Paths

As the competencies of sinological study programs prepare for a wide array of professional careers , we would like to introduce some exemplary study and work biographies of our graduates. Among the about 800 graduates from our six study programs (Modern China BA (major and minor): MCBA; East Asia BA (minor): EABA; Chinese Studies MA: CSMA; China Business and Economics (MSc): CBEMSc; China Language and Economy (MA): CLEMA; Chinese Politics and Society (MA): CPSMA), we can identify three types of work paths: students that stay in the field, either academically or continue their career with a close China connection; students that use their China competence to enter the job market, but the career path then takes them to other fields or regions; students that switch to completely different fields. On average, graduates from CBEMSc or CLEMA typically enter a business career, while CSMA or CPSMA students more often choose a career in academia or public institutions. However, the below list shows that career paths are not predetermined and CBEMSc or CLEMA students can also choose an institutional or academic career, just as CSMA or CPSMA graduates might prefer a professional goal in business. Graduates usually have been able to find a first position within less than a year after graduation. Depending on individual decisions and career options, about one-third of the graduates have once or more than once changed their employer. For foreign students in our international programs who want to integrate into the German job market, it is highly recommended to gain a basic command of the German language.

The list below of career paths does not claim to be complete or fully representative, but rather intends to allow a glimpse into possible jobs that have been chosen by or become available to our graduates. The following examples are sorted along the lines of the above-mentioned typologies.