Eliecer Rivero

Where do you work?

I work in the Strategic Partnerships department at pdm solutions in Berlin, which specialises in consulting and digital transformation. pdm acts as a digital hub for three of Germany's largest and best-known directories: Gelbe Seiten, Das Telefonbuch and Das Örtliche. Our task is to make these directories fit for the digital future, to develop them further and to drive innovation.

My tasks include strengthening and supporting partnerships, the associated data analytics and KPI maintenance, as well as participating in events, organising networking events in our office and making new contacts via social media.

pdm solutions is a dynamic, growing company. That's why there are always new opportunities to learn something in addition to my actual tasks. In recent months, I have been involved in the creative and strategic process of creating a digital magazine issue in which informative articles are published.

What made you choose Berlin?

Why Berlin? That's a good question.

I remember as a child I loved reading history or geography books and dreaming of getting to know the cities that were depicted in them. I was always fascinated by Europe, but my family didn't have enough money to travel abroad. Therefore, the desire to see the world became not only my dream but also my drive.

This has always motivated me to discover new things. Then, over three years ago, I started looking into travelling to Europe - specifically to Berlin. At first it was just an idea, but as I researched more about Germany, the idea became a goal. The multicultural atmosphere in Berlin, the architecture, history, food and creative environment immediately caught my attention.

It then seemed like a twist of fate when I met a Berliner in a café in Buenos Aires who was on a three-month sabbatical in Argentina. During this time, I showed him my city and he told me about his. What started as a friendship turned into a relationship that made me even more determined to move to Berlin.

The rest is history. This year I'm celebrating two years of completely falling in love with Berlin - to the point that I call it "home".

What do you love about Berlin?

Berlin simply has it all. Whether you're looking for peace and nature, a brunch with friends or a night of partying and techno.

The city is culturally diverse and inviting for everyone. It feels safe and everyone can be who they are without fear of judgement or repression.

Visually, Berlin is beautiful. Historic facades go hand in hand with modern architecture. There are also numerous parks and green spaces.

Who or what helped you to settle in when you first arrived in Berlin?

Without a doubt: my boyfriend. In my first few months, he not only showed me the tourist highlights, but also the hidden corners that only real Berliners know. Right from the start, he gave me tools and tips for dealing with the authorities, among other things, so that I could quickly find my own way around.

It was also a huge relief that I found work so quickly. My employer, pdm, helped me a lot with the visa application (together with Berlin Partner). Even today, pdm still takes over my German courses.

What advice would you have for someone who is new to Berlin?

My two most important pieces of advice: Enjoy the winter and give the German language a chance.

Sure, in winter the days are short and the skies are grey, but in Germany I've learned that you can enjoy it. It's the ideal time to cosy up at home and watch that series you've been meaning to see; plan a game night with friends; read a book in a café with a warm infusion; go ice skating or simply play an indoor sport. You have to give the Berlin winter a chance! As for the language: In Berlin, it's easy for many expats to get by in English. But this can become a comfort zone. Many think German is difficult - and that may be true - but once you try and start, you realise how the difficulty fades. One day you start speaking in German without realising it - and then you realise that you can already do a lot of things really well!

Learning German opens doors, lets you experience German culture more intensively and makes it easier to socialise with people. When you move to a new city, it is always important to build up a social support network, friendships and professional contacts.