Sigrid
Today I’m happy to welcome Andreza. Thanks so much for joining us. You’ve been in Berlin for ten years, right?

Andreza
Almost 20 years in Germany, yes, ten in Berlin.

Sigrid
What brought you to Germany?

Andreza
My grandfather was German, so I was curious. I first visited here at 17 with him and loved it. After graduation, I applied for a master’s here and ended up staying longer than planned.

Sigrid
So you came from a partly German environment. Did that help you adjust?

Andreza
Somewhat. My grandfather was great with fixing things—maybe that’s from the German engineering tradition! I also noticed how organized and clean everything was.

Sigrid
You’re from Brazil. Some say Latin American girls walk with more sway, Germans walk straight to the point—maybe that’s about order?

Andreza
Definitely. Germans plan meticulously. I, on the other hand, have a brain like a computer with 20 tabs open! I’m not straight A to B.

Sigrid
I get that!

Career Coaching and Helping Students

Sigrid
So what’s your work now?

Andreza
I’m a career coach and counselor at a business school. I help mainly international students write CVs, get ready for interviews, find internships, and build networks to prepare for the job market.

Sigrid
How did you get into this field?

Andreza
By chance, really. I did my master’s and PhD here and worked in marketing, PR, and mobility programs. Eventually, I tried career services and loved working with students. I know how lost I felt when job hunting in Germany myself, so it’s rewarding to guide others.

Sigrid
Coming from Brazil, with family far away, how was your early life in Germany?

Andreza
Hard but fascinating. I found many opportunities I didn’t have before. Meeting people worldwide expanded my horizons. I grew independent and open-minded. Glad I took the chance to pursue my dream here.

Sigrid
If you could, what advice would you give your younger self?

Andreza
Do more research to know what to expect, and definitely learn German earlier. That opened many doors for me.

Sigrid
Patience with yourself is key. Even after many years, new challenges come up. Berlin itself is constantly changing, like us.

Andreza
Exactly. Berlin feels like a different country in Germany. It challenges and embraces you at the same time.

AI, Translation, and the Job Market

Sigrid
There’s debate over using AI tools for translations, especially in HR. What’s your take?

Andreza
We need a middle ground. AI is useful but not fully reliable. Humans must check the results, especially for cover letters. Tools help, but final approval should be human.

Sigrid
Do humans still read cover letters in Germany?

Andreza
Yes. Humans still review applications and can tell if AI wrote it. It’s worth putting effort into making it sound human.

Student Questions: Job Market Post-Covid

Rufruf
How has the job market changed since Covid, especially for newcomers?

Andreza
It’s now an employer’s market with many candidates. Job seekers need to network more. Also, more jobs require German, even in Berlin’s international scene.

Rufruf
What skills do employers want?

Andreza
Communication, data analysis, adaptability, teamwork, and proactivity.

Rufruf
What should new students do before coming to Germany?

Andreza
Update and engage on LinkedIn: connect with people in your field, follow companies, join groups, and research internships.

Rufruf
Can we share your contact info?

Andreza
Sure! I welcome LinkedIn connections. And a tip: always add a short message with your request.

Sigrid
Thank you so much, Andreza!

Andreza
Thanks for having me!