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Comment by freehunter | Hacker News Reader

What is the chance of moving to Germany from the US without a college degree, but rather with five years industry experience and a handful of certifications, plus a good grasp of the German language? Would companies generally go for that, or would German authorities allow that?

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From what I saw companies (or at least startups) don't care much about diplomas. Experience is king in here.

It could be a problem with authorities though while getting a work visa. Don't have much data on that as it didn't matter for me (coming from another Schengen country).

I'd say it's possible. I had colleagues with no grasp of the German language, minor English skills and no degree because the IT Industry in Germany is terribly hungry for employees. This was in Stuttgart (southwest), but I assume it's the same accross the country.

Sorry for the dumb question, but how would I find these employers?

I did study four years of German in highschool (so I can hold a conversation with a toddler. Maybe) and have a degree in mathematics from UIUC.

look on monster.de for english speaking jobs, or thelocal.de - there are also facebook groups for startups in berlin who are looking to hire. Your best bet is to be here and look for something though - the odds of getting hired sitting in the US are slim to none unless you are really highly qualified / have tonnes of experience. If you're looking to get hired in tech get in touch.

Hey! I appreciate the intel, but...

Sorry, I'm less than entry level. My studies were general math, though I did get 'supporting coursework' in CS (~half in CS theory, half 'applied:' Java, C++). I can't find any entry-level/junior positions that don't require 3-5 year experience in X.

I'm willing to spend my free-time (in addition to working early/late hours) learning whatever technology you work with, but no one feels like giving me a chance.

I have a resume link in my profile if you don't mind giving advice.

depending on your field of expertise feel free to get in touch (I'm not a recruiter, but a freelancer with an extensive knowledge when it comes to good/bad employers here in germany. :)).

If you know someone who's already working in Germany or you're able to hook up with someone, it shouldn't take long to connect you with companies that are looking for employees. You don't need to write applications in German, since most people in Germany with higher education are able and willing to communicate in English. Existing German knowledge and willingnes to pick up the language are of course an advantage. Another way to find work is to look for German companies operating in the US and trying to get in touch with someone who works there. For example, my previous employer operated at construction sites in India which helped some of my collegues to get in touch with them. If you already know in which sector you want to work, you can find companies and apply unsolicited or search their websites for job offerings. Job ads on German websites are typically placed under the keywords: Karriere, Stellenangebote, Unternehmen, Karriere, Jobs. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

I worked for a software company who got itself a few foreign engineers for a few years, but let all of them go, because the language barrier just was too much of a problem, even for high skilled people.

They produced high quality software (fast, low on bugs, etc), but it just didn't do what has been intended.

That depends on the company, in startups it's not going to be a problem but in larger more traditional companies HR is going to filter out your application before it hits the desk of whoever is actually hiring.

German authorities will definitely complicate it as well.

I also work in IT -- to get my residency, I had to bring both copies and the original of my college diploma. Not sure how much they bend the rules on that. It was listed by the Ausländerbehörde as a required document.

In general, Germany is really into "qualifications." You'll meet people who are addressed as Mr. Dr. Professor. Your competition by Germans will mostly have at least an MSc -- so that's what your certifications and experience will have to compete with.

(Edited to add: I came from the US. It's probably different for EU citizens).

As far as I can tell, you need to have a degree.

"Who can apply for the EU Blue Card: ...he or she has a German or an accredited foreign or a university degree that is comparable to a German one"

http://www.bluecard-eu.de/eu-blue-card-germany/

http://www.apply.eu/BlueCard/

Yeah, but that's just the blue card programme. There are of course more normal ways of immigrating.

Degree is required, but not for IT

Not really. I'm a senior software engineer, without a CS degree, and had my permit declined two times, for the same company. I was going to be the CTO, btw. Government does not allow people without a degree.

Yes, authorities will allow if your skill/experience is IT (which I assume it is) and have a job offer with salary more than 48600 euros per year because they have shortage of manpower in this industry.

I imagine they would. Ask your local embassy or something. My impression is that it's far easier to get in there than the US.

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