1. What was your initial reaction when you were offered the opportunity to work in Germany
Initially, my reaction was... Wow! Because I was doing this in Ukraine, I was designing yachts, and the opportunity to apply my knowledge in a country like Germany sounded very, very appealing.
2. What were your biggest fears or uncertainties before making the move?
Fears and doubts, probably like everyone else. Not knowing the German language, not knowing the German culture.
3. What ultimately made you decide to take the leap and move to Germany?
What specifically pushed me to move to Germany was the war in Ukraine and the fact that my family was already here.
4. What has it been like working at Abeking & Rasmussen on such a prestigious project like a yacht design?
Working at this shipyard on yacht design is pure pleasure. As an engineer, I always want to realize my potential and solve tasks that seem impossible at first glance. Here, this is fully realized.
5. How do you think working in Germany has impacted your career development? (for example, have you gained any new skills, networks, or opportunities that you wouldn’t have had in your home country?)
I haven't been working at this shipyard for long, but I can already say that the approach in Germany is more comprehensive and in-depth. Here, they pay attention to the smallest details, and engineers are in constant contact with all departments, production, and suppliers.
6. What surprised you the most about working in Germany or the maritime industry here? (for example, are there any key cultural or industry differences that stood out to you?)
I can't say that anything really surprised me, because I had previously designed yachts for Dutch shipyards. They look just as beautiful here. What probably stood out the most is that here the specialists are more narrowly focused, and the scope of responsibility is more limited.
7. How do you see this experience benefiting your career in the long run?
For my professional development, this experience will be tremendous, as I will be able to study all the processes in more detail, from the start of the design to the delivery of the yacht, along with all the complexities involved.
8. What have been the most rewarding aspects of this move so far? This can be professionally or personally.
First, Bremen is a shipbuilding city. There are many shipyards here and plenty of opportunities for continuing my professional career. Second, the climate here is not so hot, as the North Sea is nearby. Third, Bremen reminds me a lot of my hometown, Nikolaev. It is also stretched along a large river and is similarly maritime. Life is always bustling here, yet at the same time, it is very calm and cozy.
9. What advice would you give to other engineers or professionals who are considering relocating to a different country for work?
Probably the most important advice is to learn the German language. Communication at companies mostly takes place in German. Naturally, knowledge of English is also a necessary requirement. But if you also know German, it will help you a lot here.
10. What would you say to someone who is hesitant about moving to another country for a job opportunity? What would you advice them?
If you are hesitating to move to another country for work, I would say—don’t be afraid to take this step. Yes, there will be challenges, such as the language barrier or adapting to a new culture, but it is a unique opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and discover new horizons. Every new challenge is a chance to grow both professionally and personally. The key is to be ready to learn and adapt, and then the experience will become an invaluable contribution to your career and life.
