Studying or working abroad experiences can provide many advantages, especially in a globalized world like today. Hence, SBM ITB collaborated with ITB IASM (Masters & Doctoral Alumni Association), German Alumni Association, and TUM SEED Center to hold a webinar entitled “Gaji 90 Juta di Jerman: Tips & Trik Studi dan Bekerja di Jerman” on Friday (14/1/2022).
This webinar presents two main speakers with different backgrounds: Ulrich Maas, M.Sc, a Global FP&A Specialists who is currently working in Geneva, Switzerland, and Fernando Adventius, ST, M.Sc., a graduate of the Master of Industrial Engineering Columbia IEOR, New York, who is currently working as an IT Project Officer in a major shipping company.
Ulrich mentioned many reasons to choose Germany as a place of study, one of which is because the quality of education in Germany is high and has been standardized, but the cost is relatively cheap. There are also many scholarships offered by both the German government and the private sector to help students focus on studying without worrying about the cost.
Another reason to choose Germany, according to Ulrich, is because of the excellent career and salary perspective. “Big international companies ranging from car-makers, manufacturers, high-tech, biotech, all exist in Germany. In addition, there are also many hidden champions in Germany, medium-sized but world leaders companies with unique services. These companies are still family-owned and desperately need human resources, such as smart people with international experience,” said Ulrich.
Ulrich then gave tips for working in Germany. According to him, it is rather challenging to get a job if you still live in Indonesia. It will be easier if you start by studying in Germany first. “Master’s education will also make recruiters more confident that you can do an excellent job. When in college, try doing werkstudent, students working for about 5-8 hours a week, or applying for an internship. Many big companies like Mercedes Benz need student workers. Apart from getting paid, this also increases the chances of being recruited to work full-time and get permanent positions,” said Ulrich.
In adapting, Ulrich suggests having an open mind to new things. You have to open your mind to something new and come with a free mind. It’s hard to live abroad if you have a rigid mind; you have to adapt. You don’t have to adjust to all cultures; take only the good ones. But the important thing is to open your mind. Also, meet and hang out with local people to get important information.
Fernando shares the same opinion about the importance of socializing with local people. “What I see is that most Indonesian students who live abroad mostly only interact with Indonesians; this is not recommended. If you’re looking to work abroad, try living with the locals. Networking is critical. Hang out with local people, understand the do’s and don’ts in the local culture, and improve your language ability. Many manners, customs, and rules are unwritten but important to keep. If we can’t get along and get into their culture, it will be difficult to get a job,” he stated.
Fernando also added that the reason for choosing Germany as a study and work destination is the quality of its education and robust manufacturing sector. Most of the machines in the world come from Japan and Germany; nothing can substitute the manufacturing technology in Japan and Germany. In addition, the German campus focuses its education on pragmatic & applicable aspects; the curriculum is also comprehensive and in-depth. Thus, the output of graduates is apparent. Not only theoretical but produce products. So, Germany is very suitable to be chosen to improve the quality of education and manufacturing.
