Foto: Jeff Manalo Valencia an seinem Arbeitsplatz in Halle © INGenium EMSR GmbH
In my home country, the Republic of the Philippines, I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and then worked in the development department of a global company that manufactures printers, scanners, digital cameras and other electronic products. My goal has always been to go abroad as it is difficult to find a job in the Philippines where my qualifications are recognised and well paid. Originally, I had planned to go to Canada, as I wouldn't have had to learn a new language there. However, I have already started learning German A1 at the Goethe-Institut in the Philippines, as this language certificate is a prerequisite for all long-term visas for Germany.
After I met my current husband online in 2019, it was clear that I would go to Germany. After we got married and found a flat in Halle, I gradually improved my language skills. When I had successfully completed German B1, I started a mini-job so that I had some money of my own. I used it to buy a bicycle, among other things.
After contacting the employment agency, I continued to learn German B2 for my job and then also German C1. But it wasn't easy to find a job here because I often got rejections on my applications.
It was only through a job fair, where I came into contact with the employees of Fachkraft im Fokus, that things started to move forward. In particular, finding contacts at companies helped me a lot. In order to get a job, it is important to have your vocational certificates recognised by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK). This takes a while and costs a lot of money, but it is the most important step in getting a job as an engineer here in Germany.
Today I work at INGenium EMSR GmbH in Halle and I am very happy that my current bosses have confidence in me and my skills and that I am an integral part of the team of planning engineers. Since 2024, I have been recognised as a Bachelor of Sc. in Electronics Engineering by the Saxony-Anhalt Chamber of Engineers and have also become a member of the chamber.
For me, my lifelong dream has come true, both professionally and privately, and if you really make an effort and focus on finding a job here and building your life, you can do it. My next goal is now naturalisation, which is also a lengthy process, but I am very optimistic.
