Job Fair Success! Zafar U Llah and Deutsche Welle

Zafar U Llah at ReDI School. Zafar is currently working for Deutsche Welle. Photo by: Molly Zuniga

Soon after arriving in Berlin to start his Master’s Program in Data Analytics and Information System Management, Zafar U Llah began searching for a job in the tech field. Because he did not know anyone or have enough experience and spoke very little German, he found this to be incredibly challenging. 

After months of searching for a job and being told he didn’t have enough experience, Zafar U Llah found ReDI School through a friend’s recommendation. At ReDI School, Zafar joined the Data Analytics course with Python and Data Circle and was able to put the experience on his CV. 

He recently passed two significant tests: the B1 German Language exam and the 'Leben in Deutschland' test and is now preparing for B2 Level. He also worked on improving his German language skills by attending Sprachcafes because he recognized the importance of this for his work. He commented how It is difficult to integrate without knowing the language.  

When he arrived he took on odd jobs at Netto and as a Kellner, “I was unable to understand a single word. You cannot communicate with colleagues during lunch breaks, and you may feel isolated.” Zafar emphasized how it is crucial to be able to integrate and communicate effectively with them. 

Although many people in the technology field can speak English, having proficiency in the German language can greatly enhance workplace integration. German is a very important language even in the tech field, as it can greatly enhance workplace integration and open doors to opportunities.

At ReDI, he also joined a community and made several new friends. He was also able to form even more friendships once his German improved. 

Reflecting on the ReDI courses, Zafar expressed how the education system in his home country  of Pakistan is very different from that in Germany: “In Data Analytics, I thought they were going to teach me about Python or other software and be more hands-on, but it was completely theoretical.” 

A job fair was happening and Zafar received an invitation from ReDI School to attend. Here, he found his current job.

“I went [to the job fair], and there was a position open at Deutsche Welle. So I submitted my CV.  They interviewed me, and after two months, they called me, saying, ‘Hey Zafar, we have  assigned you a task; please complete this and send it back.’ So I did it.” 

After completion of the task, two interviews were conducted: one with the Manager and Recruiting Team to assess his skills, and the last one with the Head of Data of Deutsche Welle.

Zafar received an acceptance letter for the job, to his joy and amazement. 

This was a big moment for Zafar because at the university, “It is mandatory to complete an internship that lasts between 6-8 months prior to entering the field,” Zafar shared. 

This relieved a lot of stress for him because he had already completed one year of the two-year  program without having any luck finding an internship. “I was doing odd jobs that were helping  me financially, but they did not benefit me or help me gain the actual necessary experience.”

Because of this struggle to find and obtain an internship and a job, Zafar’s match with Deutsche  Welle became even sweeter. 

Zafar credits his technical knowledge to ReDI School: “I got all my technical knowledge from  ReDI. They taught me Python and Tableau, a relevant type of software, and I am currently using  it at my job.” 

By joining ReDI School, Zafar was able to grow and learn more. He gained technical skills used  in the tech work environment, improved his communication skills, gained more confidence in his  abilities, and obtained an internship. 

“In my home country, I always said no to the tasks I didn’t know, which seemed more daunting,  but now in Germany, even if I don’t know it completely. I say yes, I can do this. It has pushed me  to have more confidence in myself and believe I can achieve something.”