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.
Meet Nayantara Rose Jose here
Nayantara comes from India and works in Jena as a laser engineer at Active Fiber Systems GmbH. She previously completed her Master’s degree in photonics in the City of Light. In the interview, she tells us what challenges she masters in her work and life in Jena and what special features she appreciates here.
Dear Nayantara, where are you from and what brought you to Jena?
I am from India and came to Jena to do a Master’s in Photonics.
What do you like most about your company and your work?
The best thing about my work is that it is challenging and that at AFS I am involved in one of the leading technologies for developing ultrafast laser systems.
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 was the language. However, at AFS I have rarely experienced a language barrier as all my colleagues do their best to communicate everything in English. Also, for people from abroad like me, AFS has a free German course to bridge even the smallest gap between all the staff.
What has your company been particularly good at supporting you with?
We have a very good work-life balance at AFS. From barbecues to group events like summer parties, AFS does its best to support us with a very healthy working environment.
What are the biggest differences in your daily work and life between your home and Jena?
As a woman, I felt a big difference in my everyday life compared to my hometown. I feel like I work equally with the opposite sex at AFS, which would be quite a challenge in my home country. The feeling of equality and security is the greatest thing I have experienced in Jena.
What is typically German / typically Jena for you?
For me, typical German is that you respect each other’s privacy.
I have been in Jena for three years now and have made many friends and I can say that Jena has become my second hometown.
Thank you very much for the interview and all the best on your way!
Active Fiber Systems GmbH: About us
Active Fiber Systems GmbH (AFS) develops, manufactures and distributes high-power femtosecond fibre laser systems. In this field, AFS has achieved records of various physical parameters and is the technological market leader. Through sustainable growth with satisfied employees, AFS aims to shape the future. Despite or because of the regional commitment, AFS remains the market leader in the scientific segment with enormous potential for portfolio expansion.
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