At least, it’s back in business for Sage Corps.
As of Summer 2022, our Berlin program is running once again. Demand has been incredibly high for European placements this year and with so many of the top destinations almost at capacity, we felt it was the right time to bring the German capital back into the fold.
Put simply, we adore Berlin.
This enigmatic city has been through a lot but has emerged from some of history’s most turbulent periods with character etched into every nook and cranny of its gritty cityscape. It’s clear that history is on every corner, but it’s not dwelling on the past. It’s the party capital of Europe, a center of experimental arts, and, importantly for you, the number one startup city on the continent.
There are a million reasons to choose Berlin for your Sage Corps Internship, but let’s start with the obvious. As much as living in Germany will be an amazing adventure, you’re still heading out on an internship. The goal of a placement is to gain valuable experience that you can take with you as you progress in your career. It’s your first true taste of life outside of the classroom, and believe us when we tell you it can be transformative.
Berlin grabbed the top spot on Startup Heatmap’s rankings for best startup cities. It’s been pipped this year by London (Brexit gave it some gusto), but still came out on top of several categories that factored into the rankings. The most telling of those was its popularity score. It stole almost 40% of the entire voting pool for best city. Even if the other metrics meant it lost out on the top spot, industry insiders still view it in extremely high regard.
Berlin Interns during a Sage Corps Orientation session
But what does that mean for you?
It means you’re in the center of the startup world. You’re going to experience what it’s like to work in a dynamic atmosphere where new businesses are flourishing, struggling, thriving, growing, evolving…the list goes on. Startups drive industries forward and are often a glimpse into the future.
Interning in Berlin isn’t just work experience. You’re temporarily stepping into an infinitely incomplete puzzle and getting to work alongside the exciting minds trying to solve it.
Oh yeah, it looks good on your resume too…
If it wasn’t enough to intern at the center of the startup universe, you’ll also be living in the center of one of the most historically significant cities in the world. It also happens to be the nightlife capital of Europe. Rampant experimental art scene? Check. Culture on every corner? Check. Diverse and proud? Check check check.
THE COST OF LIVING IS A BIG DRAW
The cost of living in Berlin is comparatively low compared to many other European cities, including some on our list, so as you’re planning the financials for your internship keep in mind that your dollar will go much further here than in Paris for example. Since your accommodation is covered in your internship fees, budgeting for food, travel, and fun are your big considerations.
Considering Berlin was named the most fun city in the world by the Telegraph recently, there’s a lot of reasons why that little bit of extra spending money will mean that bit more to you.
WORLD-CLASS NIGHTLIFE AND PERFECTLY POSITIONED FOR TRAVEL
If you’re into nightlife, maybe your extra pennies will let you experience some of the world’s best electronic music clubs, where revelers are cutting shapes until the early hours of the morning. Many of the clubs are located in repurposed industrial warehouses and factories, long since abandoned from Berlin’s time under Soviet rule.
It also works as an excellent base for seeing some more of Europe. Berlin is literally at the border of eastern and western Europe, and although the Wall fell decades ago, you’re perfectly located to experience the best of both sides of the continent. Weekend train rides could take you to Poland in the East. A western adventure offers the rest of Germany or even France or the Netherlands. Europe is extremely well connected and Berlin serves as the perfect center point for exploration in your free time.
IT’S FOR EVERYONE
Inside the city, you’ll find a diverse population. The startup scene has drawn hundreds of thousands of foreigners from all walks of life making the city and the business scene particularly varied. 68% foreign-born founders and close to 20% of the startup founders are female according to Startup Heatmap. The city consistently ranks as one of the most inclusive cities in the world helping make it a safe and supportive place for young people to grow into themselves.
Berlin’s reputation as a tolerant city makes it a huge draw for immigrants around the world seeking a safer life where they are free to express themselves in the manner they’d prefer. Melting pots always lend to an exciting experience, where values and understanding can be challenged on a daily basis, and Berlin thrives on that.
Photo from CoWomen in Berlin, a community club & coworking space for women on the rise.
TASTE TRUE WORK-LIFE BALANCE
To swing back around to work, getting to grips with work-life balance might be a shock to you. In Germany, a lot of emphasis is placed on striking a healthy middle ground between the two. Employees are required to receive at least four weeks of holiday leave a year, and 40 hours is the legally mandated limit that employees can be asked to work. German employers are even banned from emailing their employees after hours unless it’s a complete emergency.
It might clash with your own understanding of a work-centered life in the US where extra hours are lauded, but embracing the pace of this work environment might help you set standards for your own future. Sure an internship is about work experience and building skills you can carry with you. But don’t overlook the glimpse into working life you’re being offered in regards to your own hopes and aspirations. There are some truly life-changing nuggets of wisdom in those moments.
So if Berlin sounds like it might be for you (trust us, it’s for you), reach out for more info or apply now to get started on the process. Our late application date is March 15th, but we’d strongly advise you to get the ball rolling before then if you want to secure a spot for Summer 2022.
