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 Djapi Youadjeu Brial Josue
Brial comes from Cameroon and works in Jena as a Production Planner at Micro-Hybrid Electronic GmbH in Hermsdorf near Jena.
Dear Brial, where are you from and what brought you to Jena?
I come from Douala, a business metropolis in Cameroon. After completing my Master’s degree at BTU Cottbus, I moved to Jena for professional reasons.
What do you like best about your company and your work?
I think the working atmosphere at Micro-Hybrid is great. I think my colleagues are nice and respectful. Through my daily work, I learn from other colleagues, both professionally and socially. The flexibility of working hours is also very interesting for me.
What challenges did you face when arriving in Jena and/or onboarding at the company? How were you able to overcome these challenges?
When I arrived in Jena in February, I didn’t know anyone in the city. The city was completely foreign to me. Over time, I got to know great people and we sometimes visit each other. My introduction to the company went really well. I was introduced to all areas of the company and my colleagues gave me a great welcome.
How did your company support you in particular?
When I arrived in the city, I was missing a few things to furnish my apartment. I reported the problem to the company and then I received furniture and many other things from some colleagues. My colleagues and I also play beach volleyball every Thursday after work. This game has helped me to integrate better.
What are the biggest differences in everyday working and living life between your home country and Jena? What tips would you give to people who want to settle in Jena?
I find that my colleagues at work in Hermsdorf are more hard-working. There is also a big difference in terms of the flexibility of working hours. This is not the case in Cameroon.
What is typically German / typically Jena for you?
Punctuality is very important in Germany. I think Thuringian Rostbratwurst is delicious and typical of the region.
Thank you very much for the interview and all the best for the future!
Micro-Hybrid Electronic GmbH: About us
Founded with great pioneering spirit in 1992 in the Ceramic Center Hermsdorf, we have been developing and producing sophisticated microelectronics and infrared sensors for over 30 years, making us one of the world market leaders in the industry. “Electronic solutions for a better world.” This is our value proposition to all our customers. And it shows what we stand for and what we want to achieve together: sustainable growth. We rely on the expertise of experienced colleagues and the innovative spirit of young professionals.
Visit Micro-Hybrid WebsiteWe 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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