Walter's inclination and talent for artistry and artisanship soon become evident. Though a good student, he leaves the public school in Schöneberg at the age of 14, and begins an apprenticeship in sculpture at the studio of Otto Rossius in Berlin-Steglitz, Brüderstraße. On the first of April in 1911 he aquires the examination certificate, which makes him a "Geselle" (‘journeyman’ = second level before 'master craftsman') of sculpture and stucco work with grade "Gut" (good).

His whole youth is already dedicated to the work that will be shaping his whole life. In later years, he will often quote the guiding principle of his teaching professor: "Talent is effort." Certainly a talent is perfected by practice.

Walter Schulze-Mittendorff 1911,
holding the examination certificate for journeyman

Examination certificate, April 1st, 1911