Know-how transfer from Indonesia to Germany
Specialist from Jakarta supports sales activities on the trade lane Germany–Southeast Asia.
At a. hartrodt, expats traditionally gain freight forwarding experience abroad – recently they have been coming to the headquarters in Hamburg from faraway countries. Since May 1, 2024, Sisri Yeni has been working as Tradelane Manager Southeast Asia at a. hartrodt Germany. This fulfills a life-long wish of the Indonesian, who has known Germany since an au pair stay. After nine years with the Indonesian national company, she would like to "advance my professional growth within a. hartrodt". Her migration also means added value for the company, "because I bring a different perspective and work culture," says the 33-year-old.
Initially German studies, then management trainee
After studying German at Padjadjaran University in West Java, at the beginning of 2015 Sisri Yeni joined a. hartrodt Indonesia, where she spent two years as management trainee "learning the basics of freight forwarding". Sisri Yeni then worked as Assistant to the National Sales Manager, most recently as Business Development Manager for the Bali office. Ratna Dewi, Managing Director in Jakarta, "fully supported" Sisri Yeni's plans abroad.
Specialists from abroad need support when dealing with authorities
Sisri Yeni has a permanent contract with a. hartrodt Germany as well as a work and residence permit for an initial period of four years. "Her market knowledge will support the German sales team to increase sales in our growth region Southeast Asia," says Martin Argendorf, Manager Human Resources at a. hartrodt in Hamburg. Without his support in dealing with the authorities, health insurance, opening a bank account, finding accommodation and relocating, the foreign specialist's migration to Germany would not have been possible. Before Sisri Yeni could apply for a visa, a. hartrodt obtained prior approval from the Employment Agency. "Planning is not without financial risk for companies," notes Martin Argendorf.
Also Sisri Yeni needs strength: "Working and living abroad forces me to step out of my comfort zone and adapt to a new environment, culture and way of life." She is happy that colleagues are helping her to improve her German language skills.