"Dosign gave me the initial push for my engineering career in Germany"
With an education at the prestigious University of Baku, a scholarship in Germany and practical experience at engineering firms, Fuad Guluzade has got everything it needs for an international career. However, it turned out to be difficult to enter German companies. Dosign were able to help him on his way.
I wanted to be more involved in the process Fuad Guluzade
"Azerbaijan is well-known for its oil and gas," so Fuad. "This was also my initial field of study, at the State Oil and Industry University in Baku, the capital. In Aachen, Germany, I started focussing on mechanical engineering and also followed a bilingual bachelor's programme, which allowed me to switch from English to German during my studies." After four years in Germany, Fuad returned to Azerbaijan. There, he carried out projects in hydrocarbon processing facilities (refineries, gas processing plants and petrochemicals) for various engineering firms, first as a mechanical engineer and later as lead engineer for rotating elements. "During this time, I also made the switch from the customer´s to the contractor´s side," Fuad continues. "I wanted to be more involved in the process."
Back to Germany
Despite several job offers in the Middle East, Fuad strived to return to Germany. He applied to several German companies, but to little or no avail. "In March 2019, I saw an opening at Dosign on LinkedIn. It perfectly matched my skills and ambitions. I sent my CV and motivation letter and a few days later I received a reply from Max, Consultant at Dosign Germany. We scheduled an introductory talk on Skype. It was a pleasant conversation. Max knew very well what it was all about and what was required for this job."
Long journey
Max was equally satisfied with the first conversation with Fuad. He made a proposal and Fuad agreed. "However, this was only the beginning of a long journey towards my career in Germany," so Fuad. This was mainly due to the tedious visa process, which took about four months, hence he could not get started in Germany until October 2019. "Unfortunately, the project I was originally offered was cancelled. End of May 2019 I had an introductory interview with another company, an engineering firm specialising in oil & gas. That went well, as did a second interview later. Max accompanied me on both occasions."
Rotating equipment
"Meanwhile, I have been working in Germany for several months now," Fuad continues,"and I am very happy about it. On behalf of the engineering company, I now manage projects in the field of rotating equipment. Among other things, I work on pumps and compressors in large refineries, both in new construction and renovation projects. My responsibilities include planning, engineering, construction and commissioning." With his return to Germany, Fuad has achieved his first goal. His next is to master the professional standards in Germany. Then it is time for the next step: an international career and/or growing into a management position.
One of them
Fuad is also happy about the efforts Dosign have made for him. On the one hand to get him into work, on the other to help pave his way to Germany. "For example, Dosign have kept in touch with the German embassy," he recounts. "And even now that I have a job, Dosign are still very committed. I can always call if necessary. And what I also like: as a foreigner I feel on an equal footing with the German employees. A term like `expat´ is not used here. I am one of them."