Careers

Become part of the global AHK network: We offer rewarding positions in an international environment with contacts in business and politics, exciting tasks, plenty of dynamism and the opportunity to take on responsibility and play an active role. Why not become part of the global AHK network: we offer rewarding positions in an international environment with contacts in business and politics, exciting tasks, plenty of dynamism and the opportunity to take on responsibility and play an active role.

The AHK network offers fantastic entry and development opportunities for career starters, as well as for talented people who have already racked up some professional experience, with the prospect of a long-term career in a varied, international and exciting environment.

The work involved in foreign chambers of commerce, delegations and representative offices is characterised by flat hierarchies and a close-knit spirit of cooperation with important decision-makers in both business and politics. Every day, experts with professional backgrounds spanning various fields and sectors work in effective teams with enthusiasm and ambition to support companies and ensure their success, in order to promote German foreign trade.

Our job advertisements

An AHK typically publishes its vacancies on its individual website and careers page. You can find a list of all AHK locations here. We recommend that you enquire directly with those AHK whose locations are suitable for you.

You will also find many current vacancies at the AHKs in our career portal. Jobs related to the AHK network – which are affiliated with the DIHK in Berlin – are also published there.We also occasionally advertise current vacancies via our LinkedIn channel.

Application process

Applications are submitted directly via the respective AHK location. All positions – with the exception of managing director and delegate positions – are advertised and filled by the AHK itself.

For all details concerning the application process, please contact the AHK issuing the call for applications. The documents required may also vary depending on the position. As a rule, the following documents must be prepared:

Comprehensive letter of motivation;
Informative curriculum vitae;
Proof of successfully completed studies/vocational training;
Relevant work or interim references to demonstrate previous professional experience and/or specific knowledge from the job advertisement in question.

Career FAQ

Which talents are we looking for?

Experience in the promotion of German foreign trade is generally desirable. However, please bear in mind that the requirements may vary depending on the job and the AHK: For example, experience from consulting and service positions may be required for positions in the DE-international sphere, while previous knowledge of event management and hospitality may be more decisive for the membership area of an AHK.

All positions in an AHK are advertised and filled by the AHK itself – including management positions and internships in the respective country. You should, therefore, obtain information on all requirements directly from the AHK issuing the invitation to submit an application.

The DIHK coordinates those appointments to the top management positions of the AHK, i.e. the managing director and delegate positions.

May I submit an unsolicited application?

We recommend that you enquire directly with the AHK (where the respective location is suitable for you) about the possibility of an unsolicited application. This includes unsolicited applications for management positions through to internships in the respective country, as all positions – with the exception of managing director and delegate positions – are filled by the AHK itself.

For direct applications to the DIHK, we ask for your understanding that we can only consider complete applications for current vacancies via the online career portal.

Unfortunately, we do not offer any recruitment services, i.e. we cannot fill positions in other companies in Germany or abroad. For job advertisements and offers in Germany, we recommend the state-funded job portal “Make it in Germany”, which offers a wide range of opportunities: Jobbörse (make-it-in-germany.com)there are also a large number of private job portals such as Indeed, Stepstone and many more.

Where (or at which AHK) can I undertake an internship?

Most AHK locations offer internships. All positions – with the exception of managing director and delegate positions – are advertised and filled by the AHK itself, including internships in the respective country.

We, therefore, recommend that you obtain information directly from your chosen AHK in those locations which are suitable for you. All information can be found on the Internet, on the pages of the respective AHK or, in some cases, on our career portal. You can find a list of all AHK locations here.

In most instances, a completed undergraduate or bachelor’s degree and a robust knowledge of the local language and/or English are required. As internships are usually in high demand, we recommend applying at least six months to a year in advance. However, information should always be obtained from the respective AHK, in particular, regarding application deadlines, procedures, etc. The length and content of the internship depend on the AHK’s location, as do the remuneration and visa conditions, as these aspects are subject to local legislation.

Where (or at which AHK) can I complete a traineeship (“Referendariat”)?

Some AHK locations offer the opportunity to complete a traineeship (a so-called “Referendariat”). All positions – with the exception of managing director and delegate positions – are advertised and filled by the AHK itself, including traineeship positions in the respective country. You can find a list of all AHK locations here.

In most cases, a good knowledge of the local language and/or English is required. We recommend an application lead time of at least ½ to one year. The length and content depend on the AHK’s location, as do the remuneration and visa conditions, as these aspects are subject to local legislation.