Mechanical Engineering

Sagar Vemula likes doing things for other people. As a mentor, he helps skilled professionals from abroad gain a foothold in Germany. He also volunteers with Hiob, an organization that provides help for the homeless, handing out food and clothing to those in need.“I find working at Hiob fulfilling,”he says.He sees social engagement as an integral part of life in Germany.“It’s a good way to meet people and make new contacts.”

Vemula has been living in Germany since 2013. He now works as a process engineer in battery cell production at the firm PowerCoin Salzgitter. “It wasn’t easy at first. I came to Germany on my own and had to overcome many obstacles,” reports Vemula. Registering with the authorities, sorting out insurance coverand opening a bank account were difficult but doable. “I would always ask if I was unsure – and always received help.”

Integration through language

Vemula firmly believes that anyone wishing to live and work in Germany needs to learn the language. “Especially in technical professions, you need German to be able to discuss your work with colleagues,” he explains, adding that language is also the key in everyday life, when meeting with friends or engaging in voluntary social activities. That’s why he recommends starting to learn German as early as possible – ideally before arriving in the country. Building a network is equally important in his view: “In a community you meet people with experience in different areas.That makes it easier to get settled.”

Giving orientation and providing opportunities

That’s why Vemula is involved in the VDIXP and project run by the Association of German Engineers(VDI). It matches international skilled professionals up with experienced mentors. The tandem partners meet regularly to talk about applications, the employment market, careers and integration. Vemula mentors migrant engineers on issues such as applying for a job, assessment centres, German work culture and conduct at the workplace. “I wanted to pass on my experience – and XP and offered me just the platform to do so,” he says. The exchange helps not only the mentees but also him: “I’ve been able to expand my network and gain new perspectives.”

Pursuing a career with initiative and single-mindedness

One reason why Vemula has been so successful in pursuing his professional career in Germany is that he demonstrated initiative early on–in his applications, for example.“I sent off unsolicited applications for jobs and got a really good response,” he explains.

An unsolicited application involves applying to a company even if no vacant positions are advertised there. Rather than waiting for a specific job to become available, you get in touch yourself – sending in a CV and persuasive cover letter that explains why you’d be a good fit for the company and which skills you can offer.

That was an important strategy for Vemula: “Many firms are open to employing motivated skilled staff even if no job is currently being advertised.” This approach to applications can really open doors, especially in high-demand sectors such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or renewable energies.

The appeal of the energy sector for specialists

These days Vemula works in a key sector for the energy transition, specializing in renewable energies and electric vehicles. As a process engineer, he coordinates the production of battery cells for car batteries, which play a vital part in the energy transition.“Germany is an attractive location for research and production. Skilled professionals are in demand.”

What impresses him most about German work culture is the clear way people communicate: “At meetings everyone contributes their ideas and gives feedback.”Initiative and the ability to work independently are core skills: “You can make suggestions and be creative.”

Another thing that is different in Germany to the way things are done back in his home country is the way work is organized.“30 days of paid holiday, a great work-life balance and good opportunities for career development–that all came as a pleasant surprise,” recalls Vemula.He appreciates this a lot, as it gives him the freedom to pursue his voluntary activities and hobbies.

Translated from German by Chris Cave