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However, this transition can also be hugely enjoyable. A whole new world lies ahead of you, and the opportunity to realize your potential in a very different way. Especially at the beginning of your career, the possibilities are endless: you will have plenty of opportunities to try out new things and question the old. Our message to you is clear: enjoy this special time and make the most of it!

You can start to prepare for the first steps in your career while you are still at university. We recommend taking an active role in student projects, gaining initial experience through internships and work placements, finding a suitable mentor and building your network. You could start by attending meet-ups at the students’ association or events hosted by the TUM Community.

Alternatively, you might decide to keep studying for a more advanced qualification. After all, there are plenty of good reasons to enroll on a master’s program. You can deepen your expertise and specialize in a certain field, which will increase your chances of reaching a management position in future and securing a higher salary. The same goes for a PhD: if you’re playing with the idea of studying for a doctorate, you should consider whether you enjoy taking responsibility and enjoy in-depth research. It would also be useful to reflect on whether you see your future in academia or a career in industry.

In any case, when it comes to searching for a job, it’s vital that you have an accurate picture of yourself and your abilities. Think about how well developed your qualifications are in terms of  specialist knowledge, methodological expertise, personal skills and social skills. In doing so, you will come to know yourself much better – which will help you to make clear-eyed decisions in your job search. You should review your assessment of yourself by speaking with contacts in your network. You can also ask your mentors for advice, speak with potential employers, check out online jobs portals and contact alumni in different fields and industries.

We often learn best from real-life examples, so we asked four alumni who studied electrical engineering, computer science, industrial engineering and business administration what their personal strengths are and how they apply them in their jobs.

In addition, TUM alumna Maria Sievert explains why she never considered the conventional approach to starting a career. Instead, she founded her own company – Inveox – with her former fellow student (and now her husband) while still at university. After all, this is another option open to you: just found your own company and become your own boss!