Professional experience was required everywhere, ideally several years.

How do you ever get started, I asked myself?

Where were the positions for young professionals – surely there had to be those?

Our text of the week explains why you shouldn't let this feeling discourage you.

Expert Stefan Gerth says: “Applicants don’t have to fulfill the profile 100 percent, that would be utopian.” And has tips on what you can write in an application if your CV is still rather short.

I hope you enjoy reading

Helene Flachsenberg

, editor of SPIEGEL Start

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Just don't be put off!

Even if you don't meet all the requirements in the job advertisement, it may be worth applying (symbolic image)

Photo:

Giorgio Fochesato / DEEPOL / plainpicture

This is how you write a good application - even without "relevant professional experience":

It's been a long time since your part-time job in the ice cream parlor, should you still mention it in your CV?

It depends, says application expert Stefan Gerth.

And explains why it's sometimes better to keep hobbies quiet.

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Two years after the first, the FDP has now presented a second Bafög reform to the federal cabinet

Photo: Hans-Peter Merten / Getty Images

The fairy tale of the better Bafög:

The FDP won many first-time voters in 2021 with the promise to make Bafög better.

Now the Education Minister has announced a reform that will not solve any of the pressing problems. 

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Students who have a difficult relationship with a parent sometimes face additional hurdles when applying for student loans (symbolic image)

Photo: Rocky89 / E+ / Getty Images

“I didn’t want him to know where I lived or what I was studying”:

For the regular Bafög application, both parents have to provide information about their income.

But what if that doesn't work?

Those affected report how the Bafög reminded them of old wounds - and how they got help. 

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Anna Werner: “As a producer you often have to be a problem solver”

Photo: Berlinale Talents

“During the last shoot I had to have a bite splint prescribed for me”:

As a producer, Anna Werner accompanies films from the initial idea to the cinema release and beyond.

Here she tells us how she solves crises on set.

And why it would be okay not to get rich with this job.