It feels like just yesterday I was writing a post about my big adventure moving to Europe to work out of the TCCI Manufacturing Hamburg, Germany office. In reality, that was over a year ago! Being on my second and last year working out of this office I wanted to highlight some things I have learned along the way.
1.) Take advantage of exhibitions near you. It’s a great way to network and see what other companies in your industry are focusing on in the next few years. Also, some of the exhibits are extremely creative and exciting to see. I plan on going to Busworld - Exhibitions and #Agritechnica this Fall. If you also plan on attending either of those shows and would like to connect, dm me!
2.) Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from your new coworkers. Working with coworkers in a new country can be intimidating. They are here to help you grow and succeed, use that to your advantage and ask for their advice when handling items you’re not used. For example, logistics have been tricky enough with working through the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, on top of that you are now in a different country and have to learn your currency is now in Euros and the product a different transit route than what you are used to in the Unites States. Ask your coworker who has worked through this situation before for advice. It’s not a weakness, it’s an advantage to having a #collaborativework environment.
3.) Finally, if the opportunity to #workoverseas arises, take it! It has been such a big adventure being here and learning new things professionally and culturally.
I’m still getting used to culturally different items, like grocery stores being closed on Sundays, and living on the top floor of my building with no A/C (it really makes me appreciate the industry I work in). Even with these unexpected minor changes, I would continue to tell you to take that leap, it might be a scary one leaving friends and family on the other side of the pond, but it is an adventure and great opportunity to grow individually and professionally.
Will you be in Copenhagen for WOC by chance??