Tom Frédière  | France

1. Where do you work?

I work for the German subsidiary of JCDecaux, called Wall GmbH, based in Reinickendorf, Berlin. I’m part of the technical department, responsible for the repair, cleaning, maintenance and installation of urban furniture such as bus shelters, tram shelters, City Light Boards and City Light Posters across Berlin and throughout Germany. I currently serve as a Project Manager, coordinating technical projects in Berlin and nationwide.
 

2. Why did you choose Berlin?

I was born in France and worked there before I moved to Germany. First I came to Hamburg through the French VIE program (Volontariat International en Entreprise), afterwards I moved to Berlin. I chose Berlin because it’s an incredibly dynamic capital and the central hub of the company. Being based here at Wall gives me a strategic overview of operations across all of Germany.
 

3. What do you love about Berlin?

What I love most about Berlin is its energy, its culture, and its rich history. I also appreciate how easy it is to move around the city - thanks to its extensive public transportation network. Ultimately, it’s the perfect blend of a fast-paced urban lifestyle and peaceful green spaces which is hard to find elsewhere.
 

4. What were some of the challenges you had to overcome, and how did you manage to do so?

The biggest challenge was the language. Working here means working in German, so being able to communicate clearly and operate professionally was essential. I managed this by building on the German I had already learned during my studies in Germany and continuing to improve it once I arrived. Even though the language was a big challenge, I realized that my multilingualism is also a great opportunity for me. Wall has recognized and promoted this value, e.g. through language coaching. today that's my big plus. As a project manager, I now coordinate several projects internationally and take over the communication between the French group and Wall in Germany.

5. Who or what helped you settle in Berlin?

I came to Berlin through the French VIE program (Volontariat International en Entreprise). This program allows young professionals to work abroad for a French company with an international subsidiary. It made the entire relocation process much easier and provided a solid framework for settling in.
 

6. What tips and advice would you give to expats/internationals to help them get started in Berlin smoothly?

Connect with other internationals and take part in events where you can meet people. Berlin has a very active international community, and getting involved in these networks makes the transition much smoother—both socially and professionally.