Building a career in a new country can be incredibly challenging and overwhelming.
Having lived in Australia and then moved to Germany in 2009, I faced not only cultural and language barriers but also the emotional weight of repeated job rejections, insecurity, and self-doubt. Over time, I learned to transform those setbacks into fuel for motivation.
What helped me the most in building my career in Germany was consistency—and maintaining the right mindset.
In the section below, I want to share my personal journey and offer some tips that might help you feel more at home, build confidence, and succeed in a new cultural environment.
Building confidence in an unfamiliar environment
I often remind myself: “I am my only limit.”
Learning a new language isn’t about being a genius — it’s about consistency and a genuine desire to adapt to a new culture.
Take Germany, for example. Yes, it’s absolutely possible to live and work here while speaking English. But speaking from experience: life becomes much easier when you learn the local language and stay open to integration.
There are so many advantages. You begin to discover new ways of thinking, problem-solving, and — just as importantly — you start to feel more at home.
Easier said than done, right? It is — but it’s also completely possible. Your confidence will grow significantly once you make the effort to learn the language and understand the local culture.
My advice? Dive into an integration program or an intensive language course as soon as you arrive — or even before, if you can.
What helped me most in the beginning was connecting with locals — meeting for a tandem language exchange or just grabbing a coffee. Volunteering is also a great way to meet people and practice the language in a relaxed setting. Tandem sessions and community work offer great opportunities to learn and practice without pressure. Great opportunities to learn and train the language without any pressure.
Imposter syndrome and self-doubt
After countless interview rejections when I first arrived — even for positions I was clearly overqualified for — I felt completely hopeless and demotivated.
But over time, I learned to turn those uncomfortable feelings into fuel. I kept reminding myself: not knowing the local language doesn’t mean I’m less capable — it means I already speak at least one other language fluently, which is a valuable competitive advantage in itself.
Networking also played a huge role in helping me move forward. Surrounding myself with people who believed in me — whether it was a supportive boss, a colleague, or a friend — made a big difference.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give, it’s this: stay close to those who see your strengths and want to help you grow.
Learning the professional norms, etiquette, and communication styles
People from different cultures work in very different ways. Some value direct feedback, while others prefer a more subtle approach. In some cultures, openness and transparency are highly regarded; in others, discretion and indirect communication are the norm.
Understanding these differences is key to avoiding misunderstandings and building strong professional relationships. One book I highly recommend is “The Culture Map” — it offers insightful comparisons of work and communication styles across various cultures around the world.
Being open to learning how people in your new country work and what values guide their behavior will not only help you integrate more smoothly, but also make working in multicultural environments far more effective and enjoyable.
Understanding local job markets and industry standards
Before arriving in a new country, it’s essential to research how the local job market works — and that includes things like CV formatting, cover letters, and industry expectations, which can vary greatly from country to country.
For example, in Germany, it’s common (and often expected) to include your academic or professional titles and a professional photo in your CV. A personalized cover letter is also highly recommended and can make a real difference.
Take the time to understand:
- Which industries are in demand
- What the average salary benchmarks are
- The local cost of living
One of the best ways to learn all this is by connecting with immigrant communities on social media. People who are already living and working in the country can be an invaluable source of up-to-date, real-world information.
Also, check what kind of government support is available for newcomers. In many countries, services like career counseling, job placement assistance, and language training are offered — often for free. If those resources are available in your destination country, make the most of them.
Leveraging Your Unique Background
Your cultural background is not a barrier — it’s a powerful asset. Being multilingual and having cross-cultural experience gives you a unique perspective that many companies value in today’s global market. Use it to your advantage by building a personal brand that reflects your adaptability, global mindset, and ability to navigate diverse environments. Highlight these strengths in your applications, interviews, and networking — they set you apart and show that you bring more than just skills; you bring a broader worldview.
Summary:
I lost count of how many times I felt lost, unprepared, and incapable — especially after spending a full year unemployed in Germany.
But what did I learn from that experience?
To surround myself with people who support me, to focus on adapting to the new culture, and to celebrate small wins — because the bigger ones eventually follow.
As an immigrant, you’ve already demonstrated incredible resilience — a quality that’s highly valued in today’s job market. More and more, companies are looking beyond hard skills; they’re hiring for mindset, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
So focus on your strengths, trust in your ability to adapt, and remember: small wins pave the way for big breakthroughs.
Connect with Joyce Alves Rodrigues Schultz on LinkedIn
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