For as long as I can remember I have wanted to take part in an international co-op term during my time at university. That is why I chose the Beedie School of Business, because of the amazing international experience programs that are available here.
Last summer before I began my fourth year I realized that it was finally time to begin applying for international opportunities, and with the help of the Business co-op office, especially Tanya Behrisch, I was encouraged to begin my applications to the SAP offices in Germany. The application process for jobs was quite simple, just like any other applications that I had done previously. After a series of Skype and phone interviews I was able to secure a job at SAP Headquarters in Walldorf, Germany.
After securing my job, I didn’t really give much thought as to what I would do once I arrived in Germany. My paperwork was delayed in Germany, leaving me with only enough time to book a one-way ticket, get my visa and arrive in the country three days before my first day at work. And so I packed my bags, got on my flight and came to Germany with a three day booking at a local hotel.
Living in Germany for the past few weeks has definitely been an adjustment, doing an international co-op term is a lot different than I had originally anticipated. Although I did lots of research prior to my arrival about the city, the legal documentation that I would need and how to get around, there were still things that continued to surprise me. No one really tells you where you have to go to register yourself as a resident, simple things like setting up a bank account can be tricky, trying to make sure that you are going the right way when taking public transport is even difficult. I lived in a hotel for the first week while I was here because the apartment search was extremely difficult. Moving here has taught me a lot about the little things that I had taken for granted back home and it has made me appreciate them even mo
re.
I was extremely lucky that the intern group at SAP was friendly and welcoming, the other international interns helped me find an apartment near the city and helped me learn about what paperwork I needed to fill out. Even though I have only been on the job for two weeks I know that choosing to work at SAP was one of the best decisions I have made, I am excited to be at work every day and I love what I get to do while I am here.
Although there is still a lot for me to adjust to with living in Germany for the next six months, I know that the experience will be something that I will never forget. As much as I love to meticulously plan things out, moving here without a plan was a decision that I do not regret. I very highly recommend to everyone to take opportunities that push you beyond your comfort zone, and to take advantage of every challenge that comes your way – who knows, maybe one day you’ll be working at a company that you love halfway across the world!
Driven by her passion for leadership and turning big data into easy-to-understand information for consumers, Muniba Ahmed has spent the past four years at the Beedie School of Business concentrating in Management Information Systems with a minor in Communication. Her passion for encouraging women to join the technology industry has led her to be a part of various student associations on campus and within the local community including Young Women in Business (YWiB) SFU, the Management Information Systems Association (MISA), SFU JDC West and the local student organizing board of Canadian Women in Technology (CanWIT). After completing her first two co-op terms at the head office for investment management firm in Vancouver, Muniba has most recently moved abroad to work for the global SAP head offices in Walldorf, Germany. She is excited for the new adventure that the upcoming months will bring for her and the opportunity to work with such talented individuals.