Jobs for the younger set in Berlin

Hi all-

I lived in germany as a high school exchange student several years ago, and I'm now looking to move back abroad. I'm interested in going to Berlin (I was going to move to DC, until I realized it's cheaper to live in berlin). I was wondering if it's possible to find a job with my skill set, or what kind of qualifications I would need to find a job there. I've got half of a poli sci BA completed, with a lot of classes in business/not for profit management before I transferred. I work now in an animal shelter, and can vet tech, and do a bit of freelance dog training. I have a lot of experience with horses as well - but the only kind of formal certification I have is as an HIV/AIDS prevention educator. (I'm kind of all over the map) I was wondering if it would be possible with the german focus on certifications to get a job without any, or if I'd need to finish my BA before moving abroad (or, how I could get into a german uni - tuition here is prohibitive!) A friend and I are going to Berlin for a week or so in Nov, so I was trying to figure out what I need to get in order before I go over to ask about possible jobs, or if that's a crazy idea. My german is alright, but not great (lack of use lately...) Any feedback would be great, thanks!

I'd strongly advise you not to try making it in Berlin (or anywhere in Germany) with your current qualifications (unless you have a lot of money saved up)because it would be very tough to do better than a marginal existence (although you could try to get an internship here). At least finish your degree and improve your German before coming over here (maybe you could do a Masters at a German Uni) because you really need to be at least close to fluent to do well at university here or have any real chance of success in the labor market. As for trying to find work when you are in Berlin in November, that would be extremely hard to do in a city where unemployment is always sky high and where any employer who wants to hire you would have to go to the trouble of getting a work visa for you (and which isn't something that can be done for just any job).

Nicely said Conquistador.. November begins the dark and dreery time in Berlin.. it gets real cold, real dark, and grey, and the locals moods match that of the weather.. It also is probably the worst time to look for a job as winter is setting in.. Also as he stated the employer will not get work permission for you as there is a line of unemployed germans and EU citizens that MUST by law have a job first! (Hartz IV anfanger)

honestly unless you have a ton of money, and or a skill set that 20,000 other people do not have, dont try in this city at the present time frame you suggested.. possibly next summer could be an option.

Cheers,

Quote:

Hi all-

I'm interested in going to Berlin I've got half of a poli sci BA completed, with a lot of classes in business/not for profit management before I transferred. I work now in an animal shelter, and can vet tech, and do a bit of freelance dog training. I have a lot of experience with horses as well - but the only kind of formal certification I have is as an HIV/AIDS prevention educator. (I'm kind of all over the map)

- uh oh...
- firstly, polit sci BA will get the German response: "so you want to be a school teacher then?" (except thats very difficult if not impossible for a non-EU person in the German school system in any case).

- Secondly, Germans get confused by people who have multiple fields of experience. In the english speaking countries a plus to look like a "jack of all trades"; in Germany it unfortunately makes you look more like a "master of none". So be careful how you present your skills.

or, how I could get into a german uni - tuition here is prohibitive!)

- maybe, I think many german unis are still free or nearly free including for overseas students (some - lowish - fees in some cases now. So it could be a possibility... Catch is that as overseas non EU student youd need cash up front to support yourself for the duration - or evidence that eg parents will support you.

A friend and I are going to Berlin for a week or so in Nov, so I was trying to figure out what I need to get in order before I go over to ask about possible jobs, or if that's a crazy idea. thanks!

- I too think going to Berlin is a bit crazy - both in November as well as high summer for that matter. OK I did it years ago - but I was a bit crazy (and Im from the EU) - and I no longer live in Berlin anymore.

(sorry the quoting got messed up in my post)

My advice .. reconsider your options!!!

Ive been in Germany 2 months with a valid working visa and cannot find work!!
My german languare skills are pretty basic, from the coure I did back in OZ, from what I have found Germans generally wont employ you unless you are fluent in speaking german!! (not like in OZ where english is not required to work, maybe germans are just raceist by nature??)
This includes jobs such as cleaning and Kitchen hand!! (yep fluent german just to wash dishes!!)

Ive given up too much back home just to pack it all in and return, prehaps Im better moving to USA to find work, im not sure.

So as I said before, reconsider your options, maybe just have an extended holliday here!

(most of us expats that are on these forums have been here for years.. so please dont say 'ooh but your here right??' Most Expats and TT'ers that i have met, came a loong time ago, primarily for Love, or when the job economy was much brighter.. we learned the language FLUENT, and integrated mostly..)

We keep saying the same stuff over and over and over to these people that just MUST live in Berlin or Germany for that matter.. and still it just dosent seem to resignate... First of all THINK THIS THROUGH! Unless you have a skill set that 20,000 other Germans do not have.. IE Rocket scientist, nuclear matter specialist, yada yada, you are competing against a population that at this moment has an unemplyment rate of almost 20% in the city of Berlin and Brandenburg. Sure you may find a part time 400 Euro gig.. but honestly that will not support you reasonably.. its getting harder and harder just to make ends meet here.. Honestly

Its not a Racist problem here.. the Germans just point blank wont hire u unless you speak German.(or at least a decent grasp of their language!)Its getting this way now in the states.. If you cant speak basic english how are u supposed to communicate with the co-workers, and or do the job?? follow orders, etc.. basic common sense.. If you complain they just say that they must hire Germans first and or EU.. and yes this includes washing dishes..

And one other point many new TT'ers fail to grasp also is that its not just us fellow english speakers that are competing, we are competing against every damn person in the world it seems that just has to Immigrate to Germany (Turks, Russians, Italians, Poles, etc.....)

I do not recommend coming here unless you have a job already waiting for you IN STONE! (that means in black and white.. ON PAPER!)or a decent amount of savings ready to support you while the endless pile of rejection letters come to your post box..

Give it a good trial period that is my advice, or even an extended vacation.. but please do yourself a favor and truly think it through..

just my 2 cents worth

And this is also why i do believe that Turkey will never be allowed join the EU as it would just open the floodgates.. do the math.. looking at it in a business sense, the competion will have just gotten worse 100 fold.. (lets see stay in my mud hut in Anatalya or come to my cousin in Berlin... Any questions..)

If anyone truly questions my above quote, spend a day at the Berlin Aüslanderampt and or Arbeitsampt.. its like the damn UN in there.. but honestly make your own decisions just think wisely as you are the one that will have to deal with the consiquences in the end..

Cheers

Wow, all pretty negative stuff. I dunno how old you are, but I reckon you should give it a crack. Berlin's a fun city with lotsa shit to do, and you can live here for next to nothing. It may very well not work out, but it's better than sitting at home wondering 'what if'.....when the feet itch, go traveling.

It's what I did years ago, and I landed butter side up, for the most part, and I'm still here 5 years on.