Sina Coach

Berlin / Germany is Calling... Without a Diploma and basic German? Don`t worry, there are great job opportunities for Female Expat!

There are still career opportunities waiting for you. In this blog, I share with you 3 first hand tips from other female internationals who had to deal exactely with these two challenges however successfully made it in Germany careerwise.

“The descision to start a new carer journey here in Germany gives me again a positive vision for my life.“

1.

Tailoring Your Job Search: The Power of Skills, Not Just Diplomas:

Be strategic in your job search by targeting companies and industries known for their diversity and inclusivity. Explore opportunities in sectors where requirements about diplomas may be more flexible, allowing you to contribute your skills and talents effectively. Due to the present situaiton of shortagaes of skilled workers in Germany, there are as well several sectors such as education, social and tourism with interesting possibilities. Some of these sectors offer as well bilingual options to redirect your career here.

Tania`s Master`s Degree in Design from Latin America was only recognized as aprenticeship („Ausbildung“). However, this could not stop her turning her passion for design into a thriving side hustle in Germany’s creative industry. Seeking a new career path to improve her German language skills and secure a stable income alongside her entrepreneurial endeavors.Tania was looking for support and started a coaching journey with me. This supportet her transition into the social sector. After completing a rigorous training in elderly care, conducted entirely in German, she excelled and now eagerly anticipates embarking on her rewarding new career. Surprisingly, Tania discovered that her artistic talents could also be useful in her new role, allowing her to engage with elderly individuals through art therapy. Inspired by her experiences, Tania aspires to become a creative therapist, merging her passions seamlessly. Follow her journey on Instagram @pinateria74 and join her in exploring the endless possibilities that await through career coaching sessions.

2.

Embrace the „study again“ Journey and become a working student:

Study again at an university or at a Fachhochschule, sometimes even online, can be an option.The advantage is, by enroling in an universitiy program, you can apply for jobs called working student . There are as well several study programs in Berlin and overall Germany in English.There are plenty of job offers as Werkstudent in any field of studies and you get the chance to work for a company besides your studies. A disadvantage is, that the salary is on an entry level however it can open you great opportunities in the long run: As most companies offer their Werkstudent workforce, after finishing their degree, a fix term job.

Victoria decided for this career option: She entered in an english speaking University program in Business Administration. Besides studiying, she became a working student (in German so called „Werkstudent“) in an international company in the finance departement. Having finisher her studies recently, she still works as a professional for  the same company. Victoria`s story shows, that going back to university can offer you a prosperous career in the long run.

3.

Starting an apprenticeship

In Germany and several other european countries, exists the apprenticeship-education-journey young people do instead of studying for serveral years. It has become more and more popular to do an Ausbildung as well as an adult, being in the age of 40 or even a little older. So she started an Ausbildung as instead of going to an university has the big advantage that you gain much more practical experience and sometimes you can get a good job much faster. This concept however, in other countries is not so commen. Nevertheless, it can be a great opportunity to get work experience in a german or bilingual environment. Where you work several days a week for an employer and study once or twice a week, depending on the program. There are as well some programs of „Ausbildung“ where you go to school fulltime and you do internships for several months in between. There are some Ausbildung opportunities in the social sector that are bilingual which could be a great opportunity to enter in the german job market.

Maria Elena: Her university diploma was not fully recognized, however she had the german language skills already on a good level (B2). So she started as an Ausbildung educator („Erzieher“) in a bilingual child care institution. She entered with ease as the bilingual child care institiuion was in her mother tongue and in German. Besides working, she goes to school once a week. At her work place, she can improve her german language skills and still talk in her mother tongue partially. After finishing her „Ausbildung“, she already has plans to study part-time (besides her job) social studies. This example shoes, that with persistence you can step by step boost your career.

Conclusion:
Remember, Your Journey is Unique:

  • Don’t compare yourself: What worked for one woman might not work for another. Focus on your strengths and tailor your approach accordingly. And maybe take the chance to look for support in this process.
  • Be proactive: Research your field, connect with relevant professionals, and showcase your skills through self-assesment our coaching
  • Embrace the learning curve: Language acquisition and navigating a new system take time. Be patient, persistent, and celebrate your small steps of progress.

So, dear international friend, take a deep breath and silence those doubting voices. Berlin (and Germany) awaits your unique talents. Embrace the challenge for change and move confidentially with small steps towards your big career goal. Remember, your journey is just beginning, and it holds the potential for an extraordinary career adventure, diploma or not-and even with basic German skills!

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