Relocation: Trust that the right opportunity would come at the right time

Foreign professionals experience how challenging it can be to get used to daily life in Germany, e.g. receiving a parcel or dealing with German bureaucracy. Our colleague Sindhu tells us more about her way from the vibrant IT hub of Bangalore in India to the technological landscape of Germany. Let’s dive into her story.

How did you get interested in working in Germany, Sindhu?

I was always attracted by international career prospects. Originally from Bangalore, India’s IT hub, my interest in technology began at an early age, sparked by my first encounter with a computer at the age of 11. After working in India’s automotive industry for 5-6 years, including at Daimler, I sought new horizons. I learned German in my spare time, recognizing its importance for Germany’s professional landscape. Although I faced the challenge of finding a job without a European work permit, I persevered due to my fluency in German and desire for international experience.

How did you get in touch with valantic, Sindhu?

I came across a vacancy at valantic and contacted Shahin, one of the directors. To my surprise, Shahin replied within 10 minutes and asked if I would like to have an impromptu chat. Our conversation felt more informal and friendly than an official interview. It was amusing because my nephew had changed the background of the video call to a Lego theme. Shahin’s reaction was so positive, he said it was a nice background and suggested I should keep it. His friendly demeanor during the call put me at ease. Overall, I found the application process at Valantic to be very pleasant.

What were your criteria for choosing the right company and then choosing valantic?

My initial conversation with Shahin did not come across as a sales pitch, but rather as a genuine interaction! valantic’s welcoming atmosphere made me feel at ease during our communication. Despite hearing negative experiences from two friends already working at German companies, I trusted my instincts and positive feelings about the opportunity!

Have you been in Germany before you moved to Germany?

During my time at Daimler, I spent two months here in Germany. Given my familiarity with the language, my previous work at a German company like Daimler, and the fact that PLM is a German-centric field, Germany seemed like a natural choice for me.

What did your friends recommend you for your move to Germany?

They warned me about the amount of paperwork involved in moving to Germany. While my friends had to manage everything on their own, I was lucky enough to have the support of valantic’s relocation agency. Unlike other agencies that only help with the paperwork, valantic’s agency provides comprehensive support, including welcome transfers, temporary accommodation and assistance in finding permanent housing. Their attention to detail even extended to meeting me at Stuttgart station on arrival, demonstrating their commitment to taking care of every aspect of the relocation process.

Were there positive surprises, Sindhu?

I have heard before that older Germans are grumpy, but I experienced that older Germans are so much more welcoming.

Were there surprises, which were not so positive?

I was lucky enough not to have many negative experiences. However, I did have one problem when the landlady of my temporary accommodation withheld the deposit. Fortunately, the agency had advised me to take pictures of the accommodation beforehand, so I had evidence to help resolve the situation. The agency also helped me with any legal problems that arose. What I appreciate most about Martina, Shahin and the company is their genuine concern for personal matters. Shahin, in particular, kept checking in with me to see if I was OK, showing a level of care that was very friendly and welcoming.

Sindhu, what is different with actually living in Germany?

When I first moved to Germany, there were a few things I was unfamiliar with. For example, I wasn’t aware that DHL parcels require the recipient’s name to be written next to the doorbell for delivery. However, the cultural manager and the team at valantic were incredibly patient and supportive, providing me with all the information I needed to ensure smooth parcel deliveries in Germany.

Sindhu, how did it happen, that your husband also works for valantic?

My husband’s German company transferred him to Germany for a temporary period of six months. During his time here, he noticed a vacancy at valantic, but it required a knowledge of German. Nevertheless, he decided to apply and sent in his CV. Surprisingly, valantic considered him for a different role that didn’t require German, and he now works in FSA testing and support.

What would you say to your younger self?

When I was looking for a job, it was a stressful time full of rejections due to visa concerns that left me feeling discouraged. I had always dreamed of working abroad and thought it was my ultimate goal. However, I learned to relax and trust that the right opportunity would come at the right time. One important lesson I’ve learnt about emigrating is that it’s easier to find a job if you’re already living in the country than if you’re looking from abroad. Having a local address can make a big difference when applying for jobs. Many companies require a valid visa, although they may not mention it in the job description.

What would you wish for generally?

German bureaucracy can be overwhelming for many foreigners. I would like the foreigners authority to work more efficiently and respond more quickly. Waiting 1.5 years for my Blue Card in Stuttgart was quite a challenge. It feels unfair to spend the night in tents, only to be unable to get into the immigration office in the morning for lack of tokens. Fortunately, valantic’s appointed agency handles all communication with the foreigners authority on my behalf.

Thank you for your time and your insights Sindhu. It was a pleasure to talk to you.

As Sindhu reflects on her journey, she acknowledges the challenges and joys of building a new life in a foreign country, like Germany. With valantic’s support, her transition to Germany has been met with warmth and support, making her feel valued as an employee and cared for as an individual. As she continues to navigate the intricacies of her new home, Sindhu’s optimism and resilience serve as a beacon of inspiration for those embarking on similar journeys.