Interview by Dr. Rodriguez with the Association of German Engineers
In recent years, several thousand Spanish engineers have found jobs in Germany. Most have no regrets about the move and want to stay, as a recent study shows.
"I was very surprised by how positively my compatriots evaluate their work in German companies," says Ruth Vijande Rodriguez. The HR consultant examined the work and living conditions of the approximately 4,000 Spanish engineers in Germany in her dissertation.
Nearly 900 expatriates surveyed – one-third of them women – are satisfied with their German colleagues. Prejudices against Spaniards apparently exist in only a few companies. "But even more important for the mostly young engineers is that they are supported by their families back home," explains Vijande Rodriguez. Today, it is easy to maintain close contact with relatives and friends through Skype and WhatsApp. Additionally, regular flights home ease the pain of separation. A further context is that, according to the study, it is not easy for Spaniards to establish personal relationships with Germans.
The 38-year-old was surprised to find that very few respondents came to Germany out of necessity. It wasn't the severe recession in their homeland but rather the hope for an international career that brought them north. 70% had already studied or worked abroad before getting a job in Germany. After the UK, Germany is the most attractive country in Europe for ambitious Spanish engineers. "There are many demanding positions here in mechanical and automotive engineering," says Vijande Rodriguez.
According to the study, about a quarter of the respondents are working in research or as production engineers – mostly at large medium-sized companies or in corporations. Two-thirds of them have permanent contracts. Few are considering quitting their jobs. Whether they will return to their homeland is still undecided for most Spaniards. Vijande Rodriguez notes: "Many can also imagine working for their German employer in another country in the future."
In her dissertation, which was produced in collaboration with Heilbronn University and the Faculty of Economics and Psychology at the Spanish University UNED, some critical points are also addressed. Some Spanish engineers doubt that they are fairly paid by their German employer. Many are also somewhat dissatisfied with their career development. "Most of the respondents had hoped to advance more quickly," says the managing director of Rodriguez International Consulting in Herdecke.
Source: Peter Schwarz | March 18, 2022 | VDI Nachrichten Issue 11
http://www.vdi-nachrichten.com