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Working in a different country is a fantastic opportunity – professionally and personally. But such a big step needs preparation. Here a a few aspects that are worth keeping in mind.
I have always seen myself working abroad.
Change has played an important role throughout my life. Already during my studies at the Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, I took part in an exchange and went to the Netherlands for five months. This allowed me to experience the culture and the country firsthand. It also left me keen on more work and life experiences in other countries than in Finland.
Thus, it's only consistent that I also start my professional life accordingly. In September, I will move from Finland to Germany to work in Hamburg for Nordic Minds – the next big change for me.
Why Germany?
Germany is the perfect option at this stage of my life and career. Not only do I already have some friends here that I met during my time as a student in the Netherlands – but Germany also features heavily in my thesis.
For my paper, I interviewed Finnish entrepreneurs who have internationalized their companies and moved into the German market. This gave me a lot of valuable insight into German culture and work-life. It also put me in touch with Marcus Honkanen from Nordic Minds and helped me navigate working with a Germany-based company.
Through my thesis, I understood how Germans conduct business and what they appreciate in business life. For example: Germans' trust is hard to win at first – but once it has been built, they will trust you completely.
When I asked the entrepreneurs why they wanted to internationalize in Germany, the most common answer was that Finland was simply too small. The same is true for me now. I feel that it is time for something new.
Yet the decision to take such a big step is only one thing; preparation is another.
How I prepare to move from Finland to Germany
First of all, I asked friends, colleagues, and other connections in Germany – specifically in Hamburg – for their experiences and advice. This was incredibly helpful in terms of managing my expectations and minimizing potential concerns. Personal knowledge and tips from someone you know are really precious. I value this information more than anything gathered through internet research.
That being said, I have been using the online apartment search to familiarize myself with the city and its different neighborhoods. This has helped me to picture myself there and thus to mentally prepare for my move.
Secondly, I started to learn German. Not just to be able to independently handle administrative tasks with local authorities and organize the practical side of things; the move greatly motivates me to learn the language – I will definitely benefit from it in many ways!
Also, I feel lucky to have many of my colleagues in Hamburg who can help me with difficult situations. I feel confident coming to Germany because of the “safety net”/my colleagues who are there to help.
What to keep in mind:
Here are some general aspects I think are worth keeping in mind when you think about living and working in a new country.
Choose a supportive employer.
Living and working in a different country can be a daunting prospect. As usual, the devil is in the details – such as local tax laws, leasing arrangements, health insurance, bank accounts… An experienced, supportive employer with a well-seasoned infrastructure in place can make a massive difference in terms of your experience.Understand the culture.
Culture varies from country to country and from company to company. I believe Germans are quite similar to Finns. So hopefully, there won't be any major cultural differences for me to handle. But depending on where you plan to go, the differences – especially regarding work-life balance – do exist. The better you know and understand them, the easier it will be. In any case, it’s crucially important to be prepared.Know the visa conditions.
Even if you have an employer who deals with most of the visa-related administrative aspects of your move – it is paramount to understand the rules and regulations that apply to you. Each country has different kinds of work visas. According to some, you’re only allowed to stay as long as you have this particular job with a specific organization. Also: make sure you know all the rules for travel. You want to avoid uncomfortable surprises at the airport when you return after the holidays.Don’t forget you’re human!
Work is neither the only reason for your move nor will it be the only thing you'll be doing while you’re there. It’s easy to get absorbed by the professional aspects, but don’t forget to make friends, find new hobbies, and enjoy your new hometown!Why living and working abroad is great
In my view, such opportunities provide so much value, professionally as well as personally.
Living and working in a different country helps you to grow as a person. I think you become more independent and self-effective. You gain so much by putting yourself into a new environment. So far, I haven't heard anyone doubting the experience to study or work abroad. Even if it’s just for six months, this will be highly appreciated by future employers.
Ultimately, I hope to gain deeper knowledge and experience in the field of executive search, since I will be closely working with more of my colleagues – not just remotely. Hopefully, I get to meet new people and make lots of new memories. I also hope to gain a good knowledge of the German language and culture. I’m very excited about this opportunity. If you have it too: just do it!
Lotta has gained professional insight as a volunteer, customer experience representative, and assistant at Slush, Nordic Business Forum and Castren & Snellman, among others. She burns for international recruiting and intercultural leadership and speaks Finnish, English, and Swedish. You can send her an e-mail here.