Alexandrea Swanson I Omaha Nebraska
Settling in Berlin: experiences, tips, and favorite moments of an expat managing director.
1. Where do you work?
I am the Managing Director of #SheTransformsIT at the Federation of German Industries (BDI). #SheTransformsIT is an interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to bringing more women into tech fields and occupations.
2. Why did you choose Berlin?
I’ve lived in other cities, like Marburg, Frankfurt and Hamburg. And while I loved those cities, I always wanted to go to Berlin the “Hauptstadt” to experience it for myself. The job at BDI gave me a good reason to finally get some Berlin air!
3. What do you love about Berlin?
By training, I'm a political scientist, economist, philosopher, and Germanophile, so it's hard to say what I don't love about Berlin—this city embodies so many of my academic and personal interests. My favorite thing? My bike ride to work through the Brandenburg Gate. Every day, I have the privilege of cycling from west to east freely, something that wasn't possible for so long. There's no other city in the world with a history like this, and I love being part of it and learning from it.
4. What were some of the challenges you had to overcome, and how did you manage to do so?
Getting used to the "Berliner Schnauze" was—and still is—a bit of a challenge. I’d like to think that I have become quite witty at responding. There's a saying: "Americans are like apricots, soft on the outside and hard on the inside. Germans are like coconuts, hard on the outside and soft on the inside." Breaking through that first barrier, whether with coworkers or potential friends, wasn't easy. But I'm persistent—"hartnäckig"—so that helped me manage.
5. Who or what helped you settle in Berlin?
When I moved to Berlin, I didn't have much of a network. In fact, the people who helped and supported me most were people I didn't know well, like coworkers and members of the Fulbright Alumni Association. That solidarity made all the difference!
6. What tips and advice would you give to expats/internationals to help them get started in Berlin smoothly.
If you're coming here without a network, don't be afraid to ask people you might not know too well for help. As they say in German, "Fragen kostet nichts"—asking costs nothing. After all, the worst people can say is "no." Oh, and if a cashier at Netto yells at you to bag your groceries faster, shake it off and prepare your witty comment!