Electrical Engineering

When Tarun Joshi arrived in Germany in 2024, he brought with him not only a bachelor’s degree from India but, more importantly, curiosity, drive and the hope of new career opportunities. Today, the young engineer works for Arnstadt-based battery manufacturer CATL andsay she feels fully at home– both professionally and personally. “I’m proud to work for the world’s largest manufacturer of high-performance batteries. This is a tremendous opportunity for me,” he says.

Getting Started in Germany: Support for Newcomers

From his very first months in Germany, Tarun Joshi received extensive support and guidance from his new employer. “The HR department and my supervisor were incredibly helpful in getting me settled in and finding an apartment,” he recalls. “My team was also very welcoming. They helped me develop new technical skills and also integrate culturally.” At CATL, Joshi’s responsibilities range from maintenance tasks to production support–work he finds “exciting and very varied”.

Motivated by Work-Life Balance

What particularly drew him to Germany was the prospect of a good work-life balance. While work can still be very demanding in Germany,employees are entitled to 20 days’ holiday a year; many companies offer even more. Typical working hours range from 38 to 40 per week. “My main reason for coming here was to have a calm, relaxed lifestyle. Working hours in India are very different, and life is often a lot more stressful there.” The adjustment, however, came with challenges. “In India, almost everyone speaks English, as they do in major European cities. But here in Arnstadt, many people speak only German. That was particularly difficult at first.” The colder weather also took some getting used to. Still, Joshi did not let these obstacles discourage him. Today, he enjoys both his work and the lifestyle that Germany offers.

Travelling in Germany

Tarun is particularly drawn to Germany’s major cities. “Berlin fascinates me with its vibrantmusic and cultural scene, and I love Leipzig and Dresden for their history and stunning architecture,” he says. In his free time, he enjoys travelling and exploring new places,and he especially values Germany’s excellent transport network: “I love the autobahns and wide variety of travel options. You can travel anywhere quickly. There are numerous train routes and long-distance coaches, and travelling here feels safe.”

Advice for Others: Learn the Language and Build Networks

For anyone planning to come to Germany like he did, Joshi’s top advice is simple: learn German. “That’s the most important thing– for work, but also for navigating everyday life.” He also recommends connecting early with initiatives in India that can help open doors to opportunities in Germany. “And of course, make use of platforms like LinkedIn. It’s straightforward, and most interviews can be conducted online.”

Future in Germany

Joshi’s plans for the future are clear: he intends to stay in Germany. “In the short term, I want to improve my German and make more friends. In the long term, I hope to improve my career opportunities and maybe move into management. I also dream of one day building my own home here and bringing my wife to Germany.

He hopes his journey might inspire others: “Especially now, when Germany is looking for skilled workers from around the world, this is the best opportunity to start a new life here.”

Translated from German by Sue Pickett