Expat Advice: Working in Dusseldorf, Germany

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Dusseldorf

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Advertising, media, everything - very diverse.

What type of work do you do and how did you find your job?

Marketing for a US-subsidiary. Found the job just by looking in the papers!

How did you obtain your work permit? What advice would you have for others about work permits?

Dual citzen but other American friends working for the same company applied for jobs and the company then took care of the rest.

Have you taken language and cross-cultural training courses to prepare for your assignment? If so, how have they helped you on the job?

Majored in the language in the US and did a one-year exchange program during college. Language skills are a must if you really want to integrate in the country and truly succeed in your job abroad. You don't have to be perfect but the fact that you are trying to learn the language makes all the difference in the world.

If you were transferred abroad by your employer, were you guaranteed a job upon repatriation? What type of mentoring programs does your employer offer?

Local hire

What advice would you offer others about finding jobs and working abroad?

Germany is pretty easy for Americans to find jobs and work here - maybe not right now because of the economy but generally speaking it's not too difficult. Contact US-subsidiaries in Germany for example. Biggest piece of advice - learn the language!!