How people and companies in Jena live interculturality
Every year, the i-work Business Award recognises companies in Jena that are exemplary in promoting intercultural openness in the business environment. The many practical examples from the i-work competition present the companies where integration succeeds in everyday working life and show how people at the workplace and beyond are committed to the cooperation of cultures. Would you like to learn more about how arriving in Jena and in your new job can be a success? Our blog series presents many interesting examples.
All articles on the i-work Business Award
Meet Dr. Ralitsa Rosenow here
Ralitsa comes from Bulgaria and now works as a sales manager at 2b-special GmbH, which manufactures preforms for optical fibres and is based in Kahla in the Saale-Holzland district.
Dear Ralitsa, where are you from and what brought you to Jena?
I come from Sofia, Bulgaria. Jena as the most famous city of glass in the German shop was the reason why my path led me to Jena. I came to Jena in 2001 with an ERASMUS scholarship to do my Master’s thesis in the field of nanocrystallisation of glasses. I then completed my doctorate as a DAAD scholarship holder at the Otto Schott Institute for Glass Chemistry at Friedrich Schiller University Jena.
What do you like best about your company and your work?
Working with people, internationally and providing technical support to customers in the field of quartz glass for fibre optic applications fascinates me. There is a wide range of development opportunities, innovation and expertise. All this in combination with direct glass production and a flexible team makes my work fun and enjoyable.
What challenges did you face when arriving in Jena and/or onboarding at the company? How were you able to overcome these challenges?
The biggest challenge for me when I arrived in Jena was learning German. At first I only communicated in English. Thanks to the good integration and many friends in Jena, I mastered it and was able to overcome the language barrier after quite a short time.
How has your company supported you in particular?
The company gives me the opportunity to realise my qualities as a communicative person and to deepen my technical skills in the field of glass and optics. The very close co-operation with production and new technologies expands my knowledge and my world view. As a result, my work is always exciting and varied.
What are the biggest differences in everyday working and living life between your home and Jena? What tips would you give to people who want to settle in Jena?
The mentality is slightly different, but not significantly. I would recommend everyone who comes to Jena to be open and friendly. As well as to enjoy the beautiful international city of Jena and make lots of friends.
What is typically German / typically Jena for you?
Typically German are the punctuality and the good organisation of the people. Jena is world-famous for its optics and the large proportion of young international students is typical.
Thank you very much for the interview and all the best for the future!
2b-special GmbH: About us
We are a young but very experienced team in the Jena tradition of optical speciality glassmaking. We develop, produce and sell high-purity quartz glass, the properties of which our customers can determine – for a variety of applications for special optical glass fibres. This is achieved through a mutually respectful dialogue with the aim of a sustainable partnership – internally and together with our customers.
We will advise you individually on arriving and settling in Jena, show you where to start on your career path and find further contacts for you together with our cooperation partners. We look forward to hearing from you!
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