Career change as a publishing clerk

Career change paths

• Head of sales

  Also: Team leader media sales

  With on-the-job trainingPromotion

  As head of sales you lead a sales team, plan targets and territories, look after major customers yourself and report to management.

  What you bring:

  You sell services to business customers, negotiate prices and contracts, and work toward targets and closings.

  How to get there:

  This usually happens internally after successful years in sales, often starting as team leader. Management and sales seminars of a few days to a few weeks prepare you for it. One recognized further training that fits is certified senior business specialist (Wirtschaftsfachwirt) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). You can do it alongside your job and fund it through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with people

  €7,515gross per monthMedian salary

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• Online marketing manager

  Also: Marketing specialist

  With on-the-job training

  In marketing you plan campaigns, manage advertising budgets across online and print channels, evaluate results and work with agencies.

  What you bring:

  From selling ads or advertising space you know advertising formats, reach, target groups and the advertisers' point of view.

  How to get there:

  Companies and agencies hire salespeople with media experience for marketing roles and give them on-the-job training (Einarbeitung). Certificate courses in online marketing take a few weeks to a few months. For jobs with more responsibility, some employers expect further training in marketing or a university degree.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an officeHome office possible

  €5,385gross per monthMedian salary

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• Event manager

  Also: Event organizer

  With on-the-job training

  As an event manager you plan concerts, conferences or company events, book the program, venues and technology, calculate costs and coordinate the schedule on site.

  What you bring:

  As a booker or agent you know artist contracts, technical requirements and how to coordinate with organizers.

  How to get there:

  Organizers, venues and event agencies hire career changers who have industry contacts and give them on-the-job training (Einarbeitung). You can earn a recognized qualification as event management clerk (Veranstaltungskaufmann) through vocational training (Ausbildung), or through the external exam (Externenprüfung) after at least four and a half years of suitable work. Evening and weekend work is part of the job.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsLots of contact with people

  €4,165gross per monthMedian salary

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• Key account manager

  Also: Field sales representative

  With on-the-job training

  In sales at a manufacturer or wholesaler you look after business customers in a territory or an industry, hold sales conversations and plan promotions together with inside sales.

  What you bring:

  You win business customers, negotiate prices and contracts and look after customers over the long term.

  How to get there:

  Companies in other industries hire experienced salespeople and train them on their products for a few weeks. You are usually expected to have a class B driving license and be willing to travel. Look for a permanent position, because as a self-employed commercial agent you usually work on commission only.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with people

  €5,550gross per monthMedian salary

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• Software account manager

  Also: Sales manager for digital services

  With on-the-job training

  At software and platform providers you win business customers, present products online and on site, and look after existing customers to secure renewals and expansion.

  What you bring:

  You sell services to business customers, take quotes through to the contract and work with key figures and customer databases.

  How to get there:

  Software providers hire experienced salespeople from other industries and give them a few weeks to a few months of on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in the product and sales methods. Technical understanding and often English are expected, and part of the pay usually depends on results.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleHome office possible

  €6,745gross per monthMedian salary

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• Real estate agent

  Also: Leasing manager

  With on-the-job training

  As a real estate agent you market apartments, houses or commercial space, hold viewings and support buyers, sellers or tenants up to the contract.

  What you bring:

  You can win customers, present offers and negotiate contracts through to closing.

  How to get there:

  Brokerage offices, property developers and housing companies hire salespeople from other industries and give them on-the-job training (Einarbeitung). To work as an agent on your own you need a permit under § 34c GewO, but no expertise exam is required for it. The vocational training (Ausbildung) as real estate clerk (Immobilienkaufmann) gives you a solid foundation.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Fixed daytime hoursLots of contact with people

  €3,940gross per monthMedian salary

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• Temporary staffing consultant

  Also: Recruiter

  With on-the-job training

  As a staffing consultant you win companies as customers, look for suitable candidates, interview them and support them during their assignments.

  What you bring:

  You approach people actively, hold many conversations a day and can sell and negotiate.

  How to get there:

  Temporary staffing firms and recruitment agencies like to hire salespeople from other industries and give them a few weeks of on-the-job training (Einarbeitung). You can earn a recognized qualification through vocational training (Ausbildung) as personnel services clerk (Personaldienstleistungskaufmann). After a few years in HR work you can take the further training course for certified HR specialist (Personalfachkaufmann) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office

  €4,046gross per monthMedian salary

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• Fundraiser

  Also: Sponsoring manager

  With on-the-job training

  In fundraising or sponsoring you win companies, foundations and private individuals as supporters of nonprofit organizations, culture or sports, develop partner packages and maintain the relationships.

  What you bring:

  You win business partners, present offers convincingly and build long-term contacts.

  How to get there:

  Associations, foundations, cultural institutions and sports clubs hire sales professionals for sponsoring and major donations and give them on-the-job training (Einarbeitung). Part-time courses in fundraising at professional associations and training providers take a few months. Jobs exist, for example, at large aid organizations, universities and professional sports clubs.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with people

  €5,318gross per monthMedian salary

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• Accounts payable accountant

  Also: Accounts receivable accountant, Invoicing clerk

  With on-the-job training

  In accounting, exactly this part of your work becomes the main focus.

  What you bring:

  You are confident with invoices, receipts and office software, and you know the processes in the company.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in accounting, often supplemented by a financial accounting course that includes accounting software. The course usually takes a few weeks to a few months.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,010gross per monthMedian salary

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• Payroll accountant

  Also: Payroll clerk

  With on-the-job training

  In payroll accounting, this accuracy and discretion are the core of the work.

  What you bring:

  You handle confidential data carefully, work to deadlines and use office software confidently.

  How to get there:

  Take a payroll course at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or a training provider. It usually takes a few months. You also get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in the payroll software.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,010gross per monthMedian salary

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• HR clerk

  With on-the-job training

  In the HR department, you also deal with employment contracts, vacation, sick notes and applications.

  What you bring:

  You manage files, prepare letters from templates and handle data confidentially.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in the HR department, often supplemented by an HR administration course lasting a few months.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,513gross per monthMedian salary

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• Executive assistant to the managing director

  Also: Management assistant

  With on-the-job trainingPromotion

  As an assistant to the management you also take on projects, minutes and the preparation of meetings.

  What you bring:

  You organize appointments, mail, filing and communication reliably and know what has to stay confidential.

  How to get there:

  You get there with a few years of office experience, via an internal application or a change of employer. Alongside your job, the further training course for certified senior specialist for office and project organization (Fachwirt für Büro- und Projektorganisation) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) helps. It usually takes one to two years and can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €3,810gross per monthMedian salary

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• Doctor's secretary

  Also: Medical secretary, Ward secretary

  With on-the-job training

  In the secretariat of a clinic or practice, you also deal with medical terms, doctors' letters and billing.

  What you bring:

  You write letters, organize appointments and files, and stay friendly on the phone.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in the clinic or practice. A course on medical terminology and billing, usually lasting a few weeks to a few months, makes entry easier.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office

  €3,270gross per monthMedian salary

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• Citizens' office clerk

  Also: Vehicle registration office clerk

  With on-the-job training

  In the citizens' office or the registration office you process applications for ID cards, registrations or vehicles.

  What you bring:

  You are confident with forms, data and regulations, and you explain processes to customers in a friendly and clear way.

  How to get there:

  Some municipalities hire office staff for the citizens' office or the registration office and give them on-the-job training (Einarbeitung). Often, however, administrative training is expected, or administrative course I (Verwaltungslehrgang I) is required after hiring. What exactly applies is stated in the job ad.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office

  €3,822gross per monthMedian salary

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• Purchasing clerk

  Also: Purchasing planner

  With on-the-job training

  In purchasing you also compare prices, negotiate terms and keep an eye on delivery dates.

  What you bring:

  You collect quotes, write orders, check invoices and keep in contact with suppliers.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in purchasing, often starting as a clerk. Later, you can take part-time further training in purchasing and logistics at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,200gross per monthMedian salary

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• Law firm secretary

  Also: Paralegal (Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte)

  With on-the-job training

  In law firms and notary offices, you also handle written submissions, deadline monitoring, client contact and law firm software.

  What you bring:

  You write letters confidently, keep files and appointments, and work precisely with deadlines.

  How to get there:

  Law firms also hire office staff as secretaries and give them on-the-job training (Einarbeitung). You pick up knowledge of the respective field of law in everyday work. You can earn a recognized qualification through retraining (Umschulung) as paralegal (Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte), which usually takes about two years and can often be funded through an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office

  €3,421gross per monthMedian salary

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• Clerk at a health insurance fund

  Also: Customer adviser in social insurance

  With on-the-job training

  At health insurance funds, pension insurance or accident insurance providers you check applications for benefits, process contributions and advise insured people.

  What you bring:

  You process applications, maintain data, keep deadlines and patiently explain to customers what is missing.

  How to get there:

  Some health insurance funds and insurance providers hire office staff with commercial training and train them in-house, often with courses over several months. Others, however, expect vocational training (Ausbildung) as social insurance specialist (Sozialversicherungsfachangestellte) or offer it themselves. The job ad states what applies.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office

  €3,964gross per monthMedian salary

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• Financial accountant

  Also: Balance sheet accountant

  With further trainingPromotion

  You already bring care with figures and deadlines from your office work.

  What you bring:

  With a commercial foundation and experience in accounting, you can prepare monthly and annual closings and take over tax topics.

  How to get there:

  First gain experience in accounting, then take the further training course for certified balance sheet accountant (Bilanzbuchhalter) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). It usually takes about two years alongside a job and can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). You are admitted to the exam with completed three-year commercial vocational training (Ausbildung). Without it you need at least five years of work experience, mainly in finance and accounting.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,010gross per monthMedian salary

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• IT support specialist

  Also: IT specialist for system integration

  With retraining

  In IT support you help colleagues with software, devices and access.

  What you bring:

  You work with office software every day, know the typical problems users have, and explain patiently.

  How to get there:

  You can do retraining (Umschulung) as IT specialist for system integration (Fachinformatiker für Systemintegration), which usually takes two years and can often be funded through an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,400gross per monthMedian salary

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Salary: median of all full-time employees in the job, gross per month excluding special payments, as of April 2025. Half earn more, half earn less. Source: Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), table 62361-0030, license dl-de/by-2-0. Assigned to the jobs by quereinsteiger.de. No guarantee of accuracy.