Job possibilities in Germany???

Question

In the future, I would like to live and work in Germany. What I'm wondering is whether I have a chance of doing so with my current education and work experience.

I have a B.A. in English and a J.D., although I haven't passed the bar exam in the US. I currently work for my local state gov't, reviewing property tax matters, and have about 8 years at this job. I'm not fluent in German, but speak it passably-- I get along fine as a tourist and can hold basic conversations.

I'd like to be somwhere in the Hessen--Baden-Wurttemburg-Bayen area, but I'll take anything to get started. I don't need to live "high on the hog", but I'd like to be able to afford a decent apartment & such.

Am I dreaming? I'm not sure exactly what I could do... ideas? job suggestions??

Answer 1

Yes these states offer many job opportunities ... also try Hamburg and Cologne. Try to brush up your German!

Answer 2

This is going to be difficult. I've got a similar background in Germany (my education and experience profile reads similar to yours) and I can assure you that it will be hard finding something as good as your current job.

Entry into public service in Germany is heavily regulated. For most entry-level and medium-level jobs candidates have to pass a basic ability test that about 80% of non-native speakers of German fail. For about 60 % of all jobs in public service you also need to be a citizen or at least EU citizen to apply. Then there is the tiny little issue that the law systems are totally different. Your training in US law can be a hindrance to understanding German law, because you have to totally relearn everything you thought you knew.

If I was you I would take intensive lessons in German, get some experience teaching teens and adults (volunteer projects) and take the TEFL exam.  Then come over and look for a job teaching English. Your BA in English is going to be a big help with this, many people intending to teach English have zero experience and being native speakers as their only qualification to built on.  

Or if teaching is not your cup of tea, broaden your horizon to include some heavy accounting stuff. Take some correspondency courses on taxes in general, anything that might be of interest to a multi-national company with holdings in Germany and the USA. Actually sitting for the bar exam might also be a good move.

I would also look into doing masters in Germany. Either masters in business and finance building upon your tax background.  Or masters in English Lit, if this is where your true passion lies. As a rule graduating from a German university is the easiest way to a work permit. See www.daad.de for more info on studying in Germany.

Another alternative would be to apply for a job at the US embassies and consulates in the USA or look for a job as a civil servant with the US Armed Forces stationed in Germany.

Most important: Don't give up your job, take a leave of absence instead. So if it doesn't work out in Germany you can always return to your job in the USA.

Answer 3

No your not dreaming at all my friend.

You just have to have persistence, patience, and a never give up attitutude.

Their is always a way if you look, try and wait long enough. I already did it once and plan to do it again! SO yes it is not a pipe dream at all, you could make it happen but learn better German of course. What you know now may be passable but if you want to work there it needs to be a little more fluent.

Good Luck, Viel Glueck!

Answer 4

I have good news for you.  Look into working for the US Department of Defense system.  The Army and Air Force have posts all over Germany, with jobs available for just about everything you can think of.  Get your teaching credential and apply to teach in Dods schools.  All positions are on military posts, in English, pay is in dollars, and the benefits are great.  They may even pay to move you overseas, I know for a fact they do this for teachers, (plus provide health insurance, cost of living allowance, housing payments...)  Check out www.dodea.edu for teaching position information.  Otherwise, start googling "contract positions Germany", or "federal jobs Germany".  You get the idea... there's a lot out there.  Good luck!!

Answer 5

yes there are many jobs available  if  where you live :: locate a company, .chamber of commerce,in germany   contact the german embassy where you live  to find out what you have to do and where you can go in order to get help if you go to germany. in any town you need  a permission to work but if you have or find an employer willing  to hire you he will help you ,.right now the former eastern germany is in shortage  and the cost of living is a lot less than in the west  once you have a job you can always look around .one good bet is to contact the ""

zentral stelle fuer arbeitsvermittlung in bonn/rhein they will help without cost worldwide