Home City and Country: Brisbane, Australia
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Systems Engineer, Boeing Australia
How has studying business in Germany enriched your learning experience? Coming from Australia, but working in a global company for most of my career, I always wanted to expand my learnings and test some of my theories about how business, innovation, and people could work best together. With a background in engineering, Germany always fascinated me as a leader in deep tech research, robotics, and space. Would my learnings in Australia surrounding the intersection of technology and innovation apply on a global stage? Ultimately, studying in Germany has given me the confidence to answer that question – yes! I have learnt so much more by testing my perspectives and skills on a global stage and realize that people are at the heart of all the most complex problems and inclusive solutions. Not to mention, I got to enjoy more opportunities, meet new people, and try new cuisines!
What has been the toughest transition to living in Germany so far? What have you done to overcome this difficulty? The toughest transition has been living so far away from my amazing support system of family and friends in Australia. Doing a full-time MBA is intense, both in time and mental load, and I have found it really challenging to stay in touch. In Australia, I regularly saw friends for trivia nights, walks, and shared meals. These things are a lot harder to do when you aren’t in the same location, let alone time zone. It’s still something I struggle with even after a year of moving here. However, my current tactics for improving are the following: scheduled calling times, leaving voice notes, and generally reducing my social media use to focus on meaningful connections. I still haven’t nailed it, but I think it will always be a work-in-progress.
What school service has been the most helpful in transitioning to living in Germany? How has it helped you adapt? The biggest realization I had transitioning to living in Germany was that I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I knew that every country had its own way of operating, but it has been another thing to learn the rules as an immigrant wanting to establish myself in a new country. So many things are similar, yet different – health care, pension systems, freelancing, finding a rental, TV tax, liability insurance, unspoken bike rules, and many more. This was anxiety-inducing! However, due to our small class size, I have been able to receive personalized care and always had someone to talk to when I was struggling. Whether this was the MBA Program Leads who went for walks with me when I was working through the decision of my summer program, or my career counselor who listened to my rants and helped connect me and expand my networks here in Europe. I am especially grateful for the support of ESMT’S career services in giving some of their time to help my partner with their job search.
What has been the most interesting cultural nuance of people living in Germany? Why has this struck you? There have been so many moments of learning about how culture influences work and relationships, and vice versa! Two examples that stand out to me are:
I have the impression that workplaces are understanding of when you need to take time off work or are sick and need to go to an appointment. People generally understand that it is hard to get appointments, and I find that people have responded with very direct and sincere “Gute Besserung” (well wishes).
Secondly, the concept of “Genuss”! I still don’t know the exact connotations in English, but my understanding is that it is enjoyment for enjoyment’s sake – something I am actively trying to do more of.
Are you seeking a Visa to work in Germany after graduation? If so, what obstacles have you faced and how did you overcome them? Germany offers strong opportunities for career changers through an MBA, which is why I chose to study in Berlin. After graduation, students have up to 18 months to secure employment and transition to a work visa. One challenge is navigating the different visa pathways and understanding how they align with individual career plans, which is why I recommend speaking directly with ESMT about common options.
My experience in corporate innovation in Australia gave me the confidence to move beyond a purely technical engineering path and explore roles in innovation and emerging technologies. Over the past year, I’ve focused on building new professional networks and am excited to pursue opportunities in Berlin, such as launching a startup, working in venture building, or corporate venture capital. My goal, wherever I land, is to support diverse founders tackling complex global challenges.
What have you done to make it easier to make friends with people from outside your home country at business school? What I love about ESMT is that I know every person in my class of ~30 people, forming deep connections with people from around the world. When meeting people from other European and US business schools, I realized that this is a unique and uncommon opportunity. Whether we have commonalities or differences, being in a smaller cohort has meant that we actively are looking for our cohort’s strengths and leveraging them despite our differences. I have had hard, wonderful, and open conversations that I think are less accessible in large homogeneous groups.
Unfortunately, I cannot change the grey and dreary winters that make it harder to make friends; however, summer opens everything up! I have joined sports clubs, moved my body with friends, jumped in different lakes, gone to different performances, and tried new things. Something amazing about Berlin is that everyone can find a community, as there are so many different types of people living here.
What piece of advice would you give to an international student looking to study in a German graduate business program? Do it! Berlin is both beautiful and ugly, structured and scrappy, grey and bright, and my life is richer for being here! As someone who believes that the intersection of diversity and innovation is where magic things lie, it is the perfect place to build my learning foundations.
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