Studying at TUM and Landing Your First Job

If you're a first-generation student or someone who feels like they’re navigating the world without a map, this guide is for you.

When I first arrived at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), I didn’t have the roadmap, mentors, or connections that many others had. I was a first-gen, non-EU student from Albania, figuring everything out on my own, from applying to scholarships and managing finances to landing my first full-time role.

But I figured it out, and now I’m here to help you do the same. This ebook is the culmination of everything I’ve learned over five years of studying, exploring, failing, and succeeding. I joined the prestigious CDTM program, conducted research at Stanford University, secured €25,000 in scholarships, and started my career at Deloitte.

Whether you're starting your academic journey at TUM or preparing for your first job search, this book will help you get clear, stay confident, and take the next steps with purpose.

About Kei Hysi

I’m Kei Hysi, a Management and Technology graduate of TUM and a proud first-gen student. I’ve walked the path of uncertainty, self-doubt, and resilience, and built a roadmap I wish I had when I first started. During my time at TUM, I joined CDTM, conducted my master’s thesis at Stanford, and helped other students secure scholarships and opportunities. Today, I’m sharing that roadmap with you.

In this ebook, you will find:

Proven Strategies for Success: Learn the exact steps I took to win scholarships, thrive at Stanford, and land a consulting role at Deloitte.
Practical Tools: Cover letter templates, CV examples, a curated scholarship database, and step-by-step guides to help you stand out with confidence.
Writing Secrets from Stanford MBA: Precision writing tips that helped me and many others craft standout applications.
Career Design & Growth: Learn how to use Stanford’s “Designing Your Life” framework to build a career aligned with who you are and what you care about.

This book consists of more than 2200 pages separated into the following chapters:

Table of Contents:

Studying at TUM

My Guideline for Studying at TUM
Navigating Life as an International Student
Student Programs
Making it to the CDTM
Writing My Master’s Thesis at Stanford
Self-Initiating a Stay Abroad
Tips on Scholarship Application
Stanford’s Guide to Exceptional Writing
Financial Literacy

Landing Your First Job

Discovering Meaningful Work
Informational Interviews
LinkedIn Profile Basics
Understanding Career Paths: What I Wish I Knew Sooner
Master the Art of Job Hunting
Crafting a Professional Resume
Cover Letters That Work
Interviews
Evaluating and Negotiating Job Offers
Evaluating the Position
Ethics and Etiquette
Sample Emails
When You Get Rejected but Want to Try Again
Reaching Out When There’s No Open Position
The Ultimate ChatGPT Job Hunting Guide
Your First Job Is Not Your Final Job

Personal Notes.

Books You Must Read
Podcasts to Expand Your Horizons
Life Advice for Your 20s: Things I Wish I Knew Earlier
Exercises to Help You Design a Life That Feels Like Yours
Scholarship & Application Consulting Services
Thank You for Being Part of This Journey

Bonus: Academic Job Search in the US

Whether you're a TUM student, a first-gen student, or just someone looking for clarity in your academic or career path, this guide is your roadmap.

Let’s get started.

Buy this

Scholarship Database

A curated list of 33 scholarships categorized by field of study, level of education, and eligibility. This comprehensive database saves you time by providing direct links and essential information for each scholarship. (Estimated Value: €30)

CV Templates

Professionally designed CV templates that are tailored to meet the standards of top international organizations and universities. It’s easy to fill in, ensuring your CV stands out by highlighting the most relevant experiences and skills. (Estimated Value: €50)

Cover Letter Example

A real-life cover letter example that helped secure various opportunities. You can adapt this to your own experience and apply it to any scholarship, job, or internship application. (Estimated Value: €25)

Email Examples

A set of email templates for different situations, such as reaching out to mentors, following up after applications, and thanking interviewers. These templates will help you communicate professionally and effectively. (Estimated Value: €20)

Stanford MBA Writing Tips

The strategies shared in this section are derived from Stanford MBA classes, where the cost of a single class can exceed €15,000. These insights will help you craft compelling personal statements, cover letters, and emails. (Estimated value: €15000)

Career Growth Insights

Practical advice on navigating your career path, including Stanford’s Blueprint for Designing Your Life, a framework that helps you align your passions with your professional goals. Learn how to grow your network, prepare for interviews, and make strategic career moves. (Estimated Value: €100)