Experience of working at consulting firms in Germany

Hi there,

As a German and former McKinsey consultant, here's my take:

1. The company is extremely international, but will my non-German background hinder my advancement in the company? This depends on the clients. Your firm may be international, but not all clients are. I experienced this as a German in the Chilean McKinsey office, where I ran into a wall from time to time due to my lack of Spanish with local clients. I advise you to start learning German asap since the country is not as easy to navigate with English as the nordics, for example.

2. I'm curious about the German culture. What are their defining characteristics, and are there any crucial cultural norms I should be mindful of? I have lived in 10 countries so I can contextualize this a little bit. At a very high level, Germans in a professional context often define themselves by deep technical expertise and a certain hierarchy. Regarding expertise, you will find more people with PhDs than MBAs, even at leadership level. Culturally, experts seem to be valued more than generalists, which I find odd myself. Regarding hierarchy, this may not be so difficult to adjust to coming from Asia. The culture is a bit more top down from the leadership as opposed to empowering a base that manages upwards. Once again, this is very general and doesn't apply everywhere.

3. Is it viable to live in Germany without speaking German? Are Germans generally receptive to foreigners who don't speak their language? Yes, absolutely. We're a country with a large and growing immigrant population. However, not everyone speaks English fluently and certainly not outside the big cities. That being said, this would be the least of my concerns and you focus should be setting yourself up for success in a professional context.

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!

Moritz

This is fun. 

Let me take them one by one, sharing from my experience as an expat in Germany.

1. The company is extremely international, but will my non-German background hinder my advancement in the company?

Not necessarily. But speaking German is critical if you work in a german company. Germans love their language and prefer not to speak English unless they really have to. So if you don't speak German already make it a priority.

2. I'm curious about the German culture. What are their defining characteristics, and are there any crucial cultural norms I should be mindful of?

It really depends on what you compare it to. Within Europe, Germans are seen as being super reliable, precise, straightforward, hardworking, proper. They're also seen as being rather distant, overly focused on details, overly analytical, not spontaneous.

You just have to try and see if you like it here. Hard to tell otherwise.

3. Is it viable to live in Germany without speaking German? Are Germans generally receptive to foreigners who don't speak their language?

Well, I do, without speaking fluently. But to be fair, it would be way easier if I was fluent. So as I was saying above, do make it a priority.

Let me share with you also two articles about how to hit the ground running at the start of your consulting career. Hope you find them useful:

• Expert Guide: How to Become A Distinctive Consultant
• Expert Guide: How to Manage for Lifestyle in Consulting

Best,
Cristian

———————————————

Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies  

Congratulations on your offer! While having a non-German background may bring some unique challenges, it should not hinder your advancement in the company, especially if the firm is highly international. German consulting firms often value diversity and global perspectives, recognizing the importance of different cultural backgrounds in delivering comprehensive solutions to clients. Your international experience can be seen as an asset, bringing fresh insights and a global mindset to the table. However, it's always beneficial to be open to learning about the local business culture and adapting your approach accordingly.

Punctuality is highly valued, so it's important to be on time for meetings and appointments. Germans also appreciate direct and straightforward communication, so it's best to be clear and concise in your interactions. 

Generally I've seen expertise is highly valued hence why many consultants will be post-Masters / Doctorate and many partners are PhDs.

While it is possible to live in Germany without speaking German, it can be advantageous to learn the language to enhance your overall experience. Germans generally appreciate the effort made by foreigners to learn their language and culture. English proficiency is relatively high in Germany, especially in business settings. However, learning basic German phrases and expressions can help you in day-to-day interactions and show your commitment to integrating into the local culture.

Remember, embracing the local culture and language can help you build stronger relationships and better understand the nuances of doing business in Germany. I wish you all the best with your move and new role in Germany! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

Hi there! 

Advancement with a Non-German Background: Congratulations on your offer! In international consulting firms in Germany, your non-German background shouldn't be a roadblock. These firms often celebrate diversity, and your global perspective can be a real asset. Just focus on your skills, work hard, and contribute to the company's success. While English is the primary language in the business world, having some German knowledge for daily life and client interactions can be handy.

German Culture: Germany has a unique culture known for punctuality, precision, and strong work ethics. Building relationships might take a little time, but once you've formed connections, they're usually reliable and long-lasting.

Living in Germany without Speaking German: Living in Germany without speaking German is doable, especially in bigger cities (Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg). You'll find that most Germans appreciate foreigners who make an effort to adapt and learn their language.

Enjoy your journey, and best of luck with your upcoming move to Germany! If you have more questions, feel free to have a coffee chat with me (in German 😊🇩🇪). Warm regards, Frederic 

Hi there,

Congrats on the offer!

1. The company is extremely international, but will my non-German background hinder my advancement in the company?

It truly should not! Germany is very international - especially in consulting.

2. I'm curious about the German culture. What are their defining characteristics, and are there any crucial cultural norms I should be mindful of?

Luckily there are so many resources online for this!

I've personally always found them to be quite friendly. They're internationally minded, speak great English, and are super punctual. 

There's so much here, so I definitely recommend you get reading. However, you'll also learn best once there!

3. Is it viable to live in Germany without speaking German? Are Germans generally receptive to foreigners who don't speak their language?

Yes! Both receptive and very high levels of English fluency.