Foundations

• party-affiliated foundations
• foundations under public law
• business-related foundations
• charitable foundations (e.g. sponsored by religious organizations)
• operative Stiftungen
• Förderstiftungen

A distinction is made, for example, between project oriented foundations (e.g. Bertelsmann, which carries out its own projects) and scholarship foundations (e.g. Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes). Thus, the potential work opportunities also differ.

In project oriented foundations, specific projects are carried out. Expertise is often needed here. The chances of working in a position that has to do with a direct focus of study are good. But here, too, the tasks are varied. Examples: Commissioning and accompanying studies, conducting surveys, press and public relations, organizing events, creating, publishing and marketing publications.

In the scholarship foundations, employees are more likely to be sought in the areas of administration and coordination, but also specialists who make decisions about funding.

Get first-hand experience as
Intern, volunteer, working student (thesis), research assistant

Good to have
A master's degree is generally required for professional work in project oriented foundations. PhDs are also welcome. Internships at the respective foundation during your studies are a good way to start your career, since many positions are filled internally; only a few are advertised publicly. Otherwise, it is important to establish contacts through offers from foundations or, in case you have a scholarship, your own sponsorship.

You need specialist knowledge related to the project topic. It is also important to have initial project management experience through internships or part-time jobs.

You can find further information on the portal for foundations from the Association of German Foundations.

On gab_log, a blog from the Max Weber Foundation with the topic of humanities as a profession, you can also find internship reports and job offers.

Of course, foundations also have fields that almost every institution/company has: e.g. human resources and public relations.

Work in foundations many times involves a lot of research work.

• party-affiliated foundations
• foundations under public law
• business-related foundations
• ecclesiastical sponsoring foundations
• operational foundations
• Sponsoring foundations

A distinction is made between operational foundations (e.g. Bertelsmann, which carries out its own projects) and funding foundations (e.g. Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes, which awards scholarships). Thus, the potential work opportunities also differ.

In operational foundations, specific projects are carried out. Expertise is often needed here. The chances of working in a job that has to do with a direct focus of study are good. But here, too, the tasks are varied. Examples: Commissioning and supporting studies, conducting surveys, press and public relations, organizing events, creating, publishing and marketing publications.

In the funding foundations, employees are more likely to be sought in the areas of administration and coordination, but also speakers who make decisions about funding.

Work as
intern, volunteer, student trainee (thesis), research assistant

Requirements for starting a career
As a rule, a master's degree is required for professional work in operational foundations. Doctorates are also welcome. Internships at the respective foundation during studies are a good way to start a career, as many positions are filled internally, only very few are advertised publicly. Otherwise, it is important to establish contacts through offers from foundations or your own sponsorship.

You need specialist knowledge related to the project topic and initial project management experience through internships or part-time jobs in order to gain a foothold after university.

Further information on the portal for foundations and endowments, of the Association of German Foundations. Here, among other things, there is the possibility to search for foundations and a job market.

On gab_log, a blog from the Max Weber Foundation with the topic of humanities as a profession, you can also find internship reports and job offers.

Of course, foundations also have fields that almost every institution/company has: e.g. human resources and public relations.

Work in foundations sometimes involves a lot of research work.