Link to the short interview:
https://www.rtve.es/play/videos/telediario-2/ingenieros-espanoles-alemania-salario/6358198/
Full interview:
You have a broad personal and professional background, having studied and worked in different countries: Great Britain, the USA, Japan, and now Germany. Tell us a bit about yourself and what you're currently doing.
You have a broad personal and professional background, having studied and worked in different countries: Great Britain, the USA, Japan, and now Germany. Tell us a bit about yourself and what you're currently doing.
I am an industrial engineer by training, have an MBA from the London Business School, and hold a European PhD in Economics. Currently, I run my consulting firm, Rodriguez International Consulting. We offer services ranging from business consulting to human resources, such as headhunting for mainly technical and international profiles.
You arrived in Berlin in 1999. Did you know any German? What were your first steps in Germany like?
I came to Berlin with an Erasmus program for my fifth year of studies. I had studied German up to the third level at the language school, but upon arriving at the university, it was a shock because I hardly understood anything, even though many of the subjects were numbers-based.
But little by little, my German improved, and I returned to write my final thesis with Siemens. After finishing, I started as a technical sales trainee for Bosch, where I worked for almost ten years, not just in Germany.
When looking for a job in Germany, we always recommend learning German from the beginning.
Do you have any advice for people who are in that process?
It's essential. Although in the workplace there may be many colleagues who speak English, integrating outside of work in the country is crucial for having a well-rounded experience. German is a language that is not easy to learn, so it requires a lot of effort at first. I say it's like running a marathon — you shouldn’t get discouraged, but rather focus on the goal, and in the end, the effort is worth it.
As a consultant for companies seeking foreign professionals and for people looking for jobs in Germany, what do you think are the greatest challenges in workplace integration in this country?
For my doctoral thesis, I conducted a survey of Spanish engineers in Germany. The aspects that posed the greatest challenge were mastering the German language and the difficulty of making friendships with Germans. Many companies are working to help integration in these areas, offering support for German classes and social activities outside of work.
And currently, what profiles are most in demand in Germany within the sectors in which you specialize?
The IT and technology sectors remain in high demand. The automotive sector, key in Germany, is going through a period of change, but I still believe in its future, albeit with a shift in focus. The construction and energy sectors are also currently experiencing a high demand for professionals.
How do you think your experience in Germany has helped you evolve professionally? What have you learned from working here that you'd like to bring to Spain?
Self-confidence and the ability to overcome challenges. When I first arrived in Germany, I thought it would be impossible to master the language or find work as an engineer. If I had stayed in Spain, I would probably have been in a more comfortable environment. I want to bring to Spain the ambition to be more active internationally, because we are well-educated professionals with many skills that are needed in the labour market.
Conversely, what qualities do you think Spaniards can bring to Germany?
In addition to language skills — as many companies conduct business in Spain and Latin America — many Spaniards have strong social and empathetic skills, which are essential for client-facing roles. Also, from a technical perspective, while education in Spain may be more theoretical, it provides tools that allow us to be good professionals abroad as well, such as in Germany.
How has living abroad changed you as a person? If you could go back, would you leave again?
I think I am a very different person than I would have been if I had stayed in Spain. Everything has its advantages and disadvantages, but I feel comfortable in both countries. My husband is German, my daughter was born in London, my son in Dortmund, so we feel like a European family.
How do you evaluate the networking among Spanish professionals in Germany? What benefits do you think promoting connection and participation among them could bring?
There is always room for improvement. I think there are networks for some autonomous communities or focused on cities like Berlin. There are many benefits linked to networking. Perhaps it carries a negative connotation for certain people, although in Anglo-Saxon cultures, it’s seen as more natural. Although it may not seem like it, everyone can help someone at some point, regardless of their education, profession, etc.
Do you have any words of encouragement or advice for those who have just arrived?
Good luck. It's normal to go through periods of discouragement, to think that you won't be able to achieve your goal of learning the language, finding a job, etc.
When you feel like going back to Spain because you think you won't make it, try to hang in there and give it a few more months. Again, I think it's like running a marathon — you shouldn’t get discouraged, focus on the goal, and in the end, the effort will be worth it.
Thank you very much for your time!
