Master thesis in Germany
Writing your master鈥檚 at a company 鈥� Pros and cons
What must you keep in mind when writing a master鈥檚 thesis at a company? 漏 fizkes / iStock.com
Companies have long since recognised the potential of Master's graduates. A growing number of companies are offering students the opportunity to put their specialist knowledge to practical use already before completing their studies - by writing their Master thesis at a company.
Updated: 2025-01-15
By: Katharina Jedlitschka; translation DACHA Media
Master鈥檚 thesis: At a company or at the university? 鈥� Pros and cons
Those who have completed their bachelor鈥檚 and are pursuing a master鈥檚 face a choice similar to that of doctoral students and postdocs: remain in the university or go into private industry? It is a question primarily faced by students of economics and STEM subjects. For students at universities of applied sciences (HAW), completing a master鈥檚 at a company is the standard path.
Both approaches have pros and cons. The decision should first and foremost depend on the personal goals one is pursuing with the master鈥檚 thesis.
- Will the master鈥檚 thesis have a strong practical focus?
- Is it important that the master鈥檚 thesis solves a specific problem?
- Is earning money during the writing phase of importance?
- Should the master鈥檚 thesis serve as a career starter?
If all of these questions are answered with 鈥測es,鈥� then it makes sense to write the master鈥檚 thesis at a company. While master鈥檚 theses at the university can also have practical relevance, candidates generally have more latitude when it comes to choosing a topic. In private industry, the master鈥檚 thesis should have a relevant application, such that the economic aspect also plays a role. Ultimately, the master鈥檚 thesis provides the company in question with an answer to a concrete problem and can, for example, optimize operations.
Master鈥檚 thesis at a company: Consider options and advantages
More and more students are interested in writing their master鈥檚 thesis at a company, and an increasing number of companies have begun offering such a possibility. Those interested in pursuing this path, however, should definitely determine well in advance if their university allows it. It is advisable to take a look at the university鈥檚 examination regulations or inquire in person.
If writing a master鈥檚 thesis at a company is an option, students should carefully weigh the pros and cons. In cases where the company pays a good salary, it can be extremely tempting, but the primary factor in the decision should be one鈥檚 own enthusiasm for the topic in question. Spending six months on a subject one is not fully committed to can be tortuous 鈥� despite the healthy bank account. Last but certainly not least, it is important to bear in mind that the master鈥檚 thesis must meet two sets of requirements: those of the company and those of the university.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of writing a master鈥檚 thesis at a company is that it can chart a course to a successful career start. Professional relationships are established and the company becomes familiar with the student鈥檚 skills over the course of several months. Furthermore, the company generally benefits from the successfully completed master鈥檚 thesis and is therefore interested in continuing the relationship.
How to find a company for a master鈥檚 thesis
It is vital that good chemistry exist between the student and the company so that the master鈥檚 thesis can be successfully completed. Because finding the perfect enterprise is not always easy, it is important to start the search and the necessary research early on. Sufficient time should also be reserved for the process of applying, interviewing and negotiating in addition to consultations with the respective supervisors.
There are a number of pathways for finding a suitable company:
- Online job listings and exchanges such as 兔子先生: Companies place ads for jobs linked to degree theses, usually for pre-established topics.
- Job fairs: Preparation is key. Bringing along a list of companies one wishes to speak with along with application materials is a must! Appropriate clothing is likewise essential.
- Companies also use their own websites and social media channels to search for master鈥檚 degree candidates.
- If a candidate already has a concrete idea for a topic, sending in an unsolicited application to a company for which the idea is relevant is also a possibility.
聽It is a good idea to inquire in advance if master鈥檚 theses have already been written at the company in question and how the experience was for the students. Does the company provide sufficient support? Are the work requirements appropriate?
Applying to write a master鈥檚 thesis at a company
The specific structure of the application depends on the type of job being applied for. Every application, though, should include a curriculum vitae and a cover letter, in which the candidate鈥檚 motivation and qualifications are clearly presented.
Advertisement
Master鈥檚 thesis at a company: How it works
An entire semester 鈥� six months 鈥� should be reserved for the master鈥檚 thesis. Some universities allow for extensions, though this option should be explored well ahead of time. Several important elements must be established before these six months begin.
- Topic search and selection
- Adviser search
- Establishment of structure
- Establishment of timeline
- Official registration
Timetable and supervision
It is particularly important that the timetable and the topic are balanced. In the interest of the company, the master鈥檚 thesis should address an important problem. But it cannot be so broad that there is a risk of running out of time. To avoid such an eventuality, students must discuss with the company in advance just how detailed their treatment of the topic will be and what the timetable will look like. It is also important for the company to have a clear understanding of the internal resources the master鈥檚 project will require so that plans can be developed in a timely manner.
Effective advising during the master鈥檚 thesis is also important for students so they don鈥檛 veer off track and have a clear point of contact at their side should they run into difficulties, both in the company and at the university. In this model, students should have two advisers, with the university adviser in the leading role.
It is up to the student to determine whether the actual writing of the thesis takes place only after the research has been completed or begins before that. Plenty of time should be allowed for editing, printing and binding.
What鈥檚 in the contract? Working hours and salaries
A full-time position or internship of 40 hours per week? Half as many hours in a working-student position? A completely different arrangement? There are a variety of different models when it comes to employment during a master鈥檚 thesis. Precisely how working hours are structured depends on the respective agreement between the student and the company and should be clearly laid out in the contract. One option, for example, is to be employed on a full-time basis with the company and write the master鈥檚 thesis outside of working hours.
Pay also varies. Those writing their master鈥檚 thesis at a company cannot expect a top salary, but neither should the work be voluntary. The company, after all, benefits from the work. Ultimately, remuneration depends on a number of factors including industry, company size and company location. Frequently, it is between 500 and 1,500 euros per month. The highest salaries tend to be paid in the automotive industry.
Important information for BAf枚G recipients: Germany鈥檚 federal financial aid office BAf枚G considers pay received while writing a thesis in a company as an education allowance. The salary received will be averaged out over a 12-month period. Should remuneration exceed the allowance limit of 481.82 euros per month, the difference will be deducted from the financial aid received from BAf枚G.
