Working in Germany
Nov 18th, 2011, 04:43 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Working in Germany
Hi there,
I am new on this forum so I will shortly introduce myself. I am a 25 year old guy from Italy who has graduated and worked into the marketing area. Due to the ongoing downturn we are suffering in Milan I am figuring out a move in Germany where it seems it may be easier finding an entry-level position into the marketing/business field.
So far I heard that despite being the most exciting city, Berlin doesn't offer much regarding job opportunities since multinational companies have traditionally invested more in places as Hamburg, Munich Frankfurt or Cologne.
This has let me a bit upset as I really enjoyed Berlin when I headed there as a tourist and, unfortunately, I don't have a whole picture of Germany at all as I have never visited other towns.
Also, I heard Frankfurt is considered by most as boring and without much to do. Don't know about Cologne or Hamburg and I am afraid to make a wrong choice.
So, I would be really grateful if someone having a direct experience of living in Germany can give me some advices regarding life and differences among cities.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks and Regards,
Julian
I am new on this forum so I will shortly introduce myself. I am a 25 year old guy from Italy who has graduated and worked into the marketing area. Due to the ongoing downturn we are suffering in Milan I am figuring out a move in Germany where it seems it may be easier finding an entry-level position into the marketing/business field.
So far I heard that despite being the most exciting city, Berlin doesn't offer much regarding job opportunities since multinational companies have traditionally invested more in places as Hamburg, Munich Frankfurt or Cologne.
This has let me a bit upset as I really enjoyed Berlin when I headed there as a tourist and, unfortunately, I don't have a whole picture of Germany at all as I have never visited other towns.
Also, I heard Frankfurt is considered by most as boring and without much to do. Don't know about Cologne or Hamburg and I am afraid to make a wrong choice.
So, I would be really grateful if someone having a direct experience of living in Germany can give me some advices regarding life and differences among cities.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks and Regards,
Julian
Nov 18th, 2011, 05:44 PM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How's your German? To stand a reasonable chance of a job, you must be able to compete equally with German applicants for a job, and speaking the language fluently will be top priority.
You will find it difficult to get an entry-level job, because that's where most competition is and there are large numbers of young Germans coming onto the job market having obtained qualifications in specialist schools, colleges and universities.
As for cities outside Berlin, they all have their pluses and minuses, but your priority is to go wherever you can find a job. Munich is a very pleasant city and a top destination of choice for many Germans, where BMW cars are made. Stuttgart has many high-tech companies and car makers Mercedes Benz and Porsche.
As an EU citizen (?), you are allowed to use the services of German employment office (Arbeitsamt) located in each town where you get much help in finding and applying for jobs.
You will find it difficult to get an entry-level job, because that's where most competition is and there are large numbers of young Germans coming onto the job market having obtained qualifications in specialist schools, colleges and universities.
As for cities outside Berlin, they all have their pluses and minuses, but your priority is to go wherever you can find a job. Munich is a very pleasant city and a top destination of choice for many Germans, where BMW cars are made. Stuttgart has many high-tech companies and car makers Mercedes Benz and Porsche.
As an EU citizen (?), you are allowed to use the services of German employment office (Arbeitsamt) located in each town where you get much help in finding and applying for jobs.
Nov 18th, 2011, 05:51 PM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is much useful info in English about working in Germany as a foreign national in http://www.arbeitsagentur.de/nn_5724...glish-Nav.html
Nov 19th, 2011, 12:10 AM
#5
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Always wonder who keeps telling others that Frankfurt is boring. Is it those who stopped by on a bus tour for an hour, those who lived here,those on a layover at the airport, or just those who heard 2nd hand that there was nothing to see or do here?
Frankfurt is the most multi-cultural of all the cities in Germany and has a very lively atmosphere to it. Visitors often tell me it reminds them of Chigago. All you have to do is visit one of the many, many festivals here or even one of the daily farmers markets, or take a walk down the river. Culturally, it has a wide variety of world-class museums, concerts, etc. Historically, it is one of the older cities in Germany. The city is about 45 % green, has beautiful turn of the century residential neighbohoods with great pedestrian shopping streets.
Have spoken to a number of people who said when they heard they were being transferred to Frankfurt, were told the same things as you, that it was boring and people felt sorry for them. All have said after only 6 months that they had fallen in love with the city and truly have no idea why this myth is perpetuated.
Frankfurt is the most multi-cultural of all the cities in Germany and has a very lively atmosphere to it. Visitors often tell me it reminds them of Chigago. All you have to do is visit one of the many, many festivals here or even one of the daily farmers markets, or take a walk down the river. Culturally, it has a wide variety of world-class museums, concerts, etc. Historically, it is one of the older cities in Germany. The city is about 45 % green, has beautiful turn of the century residential neighbohoods with great pedestrian shopping streets.
Have spoken to a number of people who said when they heard they were being transferred to Frankfurt, were told the same things as you, that it was boring and people felt sorry for them. All have said after only 6 months that they had fallen in love with the city and truly have no idea why this myth is perpetuated.
Nov 19th, 2011, 05:05 AM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you all!
It seems you have confirmed my vibes about Berlin as unsuitable for job hunting and I am also happy I got some positive opinions about Frankfurt!
With regard to Alec's questions: I cannot speak German at the moment that's why I will take a beginner course once I will be settled. And yes,I am an EU citizen. That was a great problem for me when I was living in Australia for not having the full work permit. Luckily this won't matter now
Thanks again and regards!
Jo
It seems you have confirmed my vibes about Berlin as unsuitable for job hunting and I am also happy I got some positive opinions about Frankfurt!
With regard to Alec's questions: I cannot speak German at the moment that's why I will take a beginner course once I will be settled. And yes,I am an EU citizen. That was a great problem for me when I was living in Australia for not having the full work permit. Luckily this won't matter now
Thanks again and regards!
Jo
Nov 19th, 2011, 05:43 AM
#8
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 9,017
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fodorites are mostly foreign (US) tourists or army staff, how would they know how to find work in this country? Wrong forum!
>I cannot speak German
>25 year old guy from Italy who has graduated and worked into the marketing area
Completely useless in any company, not even as waiting staff. You cannot speak and write the language, you have no skills. You can't offer anything. If you're lucky, you can get a job in the room cleaning business 3-4.50€ per hour max. Just another foreigner being subsidized by the public. If that's it for you, come here and try to find work.
>I cannot speak German
>25 year old guy from Italy who has graduated and worked into the marketing area
Completely useless in any company, not even as waiting staff. You cannot speak and write the language, you have no skills. You can't offer anything. If you're lucky, you can get a job in the room cleaning business 3-4.50€ per hour max. Just another foreigner being subsidized by the public. If that's it for you, come here and try to find work.
Nov 19th, 2011, 05:47 AM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Logos999
Sorry I cannot understand your point.
No skills? so all those who has worked into a global marketing for one year have no skills? I met many people in my own country who could barely speak Italian and they managed to find a job. Also I have been contacted in the past by some German recruiters for marketing positions where German was unnecessary.
I usually accept all advices but I think you can't be more wrong.
Sorry I cannot understand your point.
No skills? so all those who has worked into a global marketing for one year have no skills? I met many people in my own country who could barely speak Italian and they managed to find a job. Also I have been contacted in the past by some German recruiters for marketing positions where German was unnecessary.
I usually accept all advices but I think you can't be more wrong.
Nov 19th, 2011, 05:54 AM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 9,017
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You're living in a dream world, if you actually believe you'd be able to find a paid job in marketing. I'm just telling it as it is. But then you'll find out for yourself and learning is always good. I have a business in Germany. You need to know what you get yourself into. This isn't Italy.
Nov 19th, 2011, 05:57 AM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well it's supposed to be better since Germans usually have a higher fluency of English and the country is surely more multicultural.
I don't think it would be easy but I heard of many people who weren't fluent and they made it...
I don't think it would be easy but I heard of many people who weren't fluent and they made it...
Nov 19th, 2011, 06:16 AM
#12
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 9,017
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are always a few people that make it, you never hear about the other thousands that don't. If you don't expect any pay in the first year, if you're good, someone may even take you. If not it's just bye bye. (=Generation Praktikum) If you just had some "usable" skills to stay afloat. Painting, car repair, carpenter, things you do with your two hands.
Nov 19th, 2011, 07:00 AM
#13
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,214
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I doubt people who don't speak Italian will find a job in marketing in Italy. How are they supposed to communicate with the company's customers?
Languages are valued high in Germany. All people with a higher education have learned at least two foreign languages in school. If a German moves abroad, acquiring skills in that country's language is the most natural thing for him/her to do and not doing so is considered a wasted chance and disinterest in that country's culture - but we just as well expect people who want to move to Germany to learn our language.
Start learning the language now, don't wait until after your move. You will need skills in German when dealing with local authorities, landlords, neighbours, greengrocers, bus drivers, caretakers... everywhere in daily life. The unemployment rate is not as high any more as it was a few years ago, but it is still high enough and you'll have to compete with candidates who are fluent in German.
Listen to the locals...
Languages are valued high in Germany. All people with a higher education have learned at least two foreign languages in school. If a German moves abroad, acquiring skills in that country's language is the most natural thing for him/her to do and not doing so is considered a wasted chance and disinterest in that country's culture - but we just as well expect people who want to move to Germany to learn our language.
Start learning the language now, don't wait until after your move. You will need skills in German when dealing with local authorities, landlords, neighbours, greengrocers, bus drivers, caretakers... everywhere in daily life. The unemployment rate is not as high any more as it was a few years ago, but it is still high enough and you'll have to compete with candidates who are fluent in German.
Listen to the locals...
Nov 19th, 2011, 07:29 AM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It depends on which company you work in. Multinational businesses offer opportunities for English speakers even though they are just a few. And I can tell you I have been contacted a couple of times by German employers who were well aware that I couln't speak German.
I will surely take a course, but in the meantime I will rely on my Italian, English and Spanish. Three languages should not be that bad I guess....
I will surely take a course, but in the meantime I will rely on my Italian, English and Spanish. Three languages should not be that bad I guess....
Nov 19th, 2011, 07:36 AM
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am considering also Netherlands, yes. Actually I just lived a couple fo months in UK and I don't feel it would suit me. London is too crowded and I think competition is really high...
Hetismij2, Have you got any suggestions about webpages where I may find job opportunities?
Thanks and Regards
Julian
Hetismij2, Have you got any suggestions about webpages where I may find job opportunities?
Thanks and Regards
Julian
Nov 19th, 2011, 08:41 AM
#18
Completely useless in any company, not even as waiting staff. You cannot speak and write the language, you have no skills>>
logos, of course i defer to your knowledge of the working environment in Germany. however, my DH's experience was that some years ago he worked in Paris in an entirely English-speaking environment; I have an american girlfriend who worked for an american bank in germany with little or no german.
however, they were both recruited outside those countries, in the UK/US. if you are serious about doing this, Julian, make sure that what you are going to is a proper job, not the sort of thing that Logos is talking about. trade magazines [english ones possibly] might be a good starting point.
logos, of course i defer to your knowledge of the working environment in Germany. however, my DH's experience was that some years ago he worked in Paris in an entirely English-speaking environment; I have an american girlfriend who worked for an american bank in germany with little or no german.
however, they were both recruited outside those countries, in the UK/US. if you are serious about doing this, Julian, make sure that what you are going to is a proper job, not the sort of thing that Logos is talking about. trade magazines [english ones possibly] might be a good starting point.
Nov 19th, 2011, 09:04 AM
#19
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 18,001
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have a look at http://www.undutchables.nl/ for a start. I'm sure if you Google you will find more.
Nov 19th, 2011, 10:06 AM
#20
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 9,017
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Can't you call a pimp a pimp anymore? Those folks are out there, in real life and you'd better know about them. There are pimps in any kind of business. Should you better call them counselors, when in fact they are just ...
Shaking head in disbelief...
Shaking head in disbelief...
