Success story of Mahmoud Mousattat
I am 32 years old and came to Hamburg in June 2025 with the job search opportunity card*. I was born and raised in Syria, where I completed a university degree in electrical engineering with a specialisation in control and automation technology. After that, I worked for several years as an automation engineer and PLC programmer in Syria and Iraq. Since September 2025, I have been working as an industrial electronics technician at Crisp Malt GmbH in Hamburg, where I am responsible for the smooth operation and maintenance of the mechanical systems.
My start in Hamburg
I was very convinced that Germany would offer me good opportunities to use my professional experience and qualifications and to learn about new technologies. With the opportunity card, I then received the chance to look for a job in Germany.
When I arrived in Hamburg, the people were very friendly, open and helpful. I quickly felt welcome.
I spent my first few weeks in Hamburg staying with my sister, who has lived here for many years. I was very grateful for this opportunity. My sister and her husband also supported me in my job search and in everyday life.
My personal tip for anyone starting out
I prepared for my new life in Germany while I was still abroad, which made it much easier for me to get started.
While working, I learned German up to level B1. The fact that I could already speak German was a big advantage when I started out in Hamburg. I also applied for a Statement of Comparability for my university degree beforehand.
Both my German language skills and the certificate confirming that my degree is comparable to a German degree helped me when applying for jobs on the German labour market.
People who are still abroad and would like to come to Germany should find out where they can get help. In Hamburg, for example, the Hamburg Welcome Center is a good place to start, and you can also get support from the Employment Agency if you register there as a job seeker.
I also recommend that newcomers get to know new people and find someone to speak German with. There is also a lot of information about activities in Hamburg on social media. This helps with integration.
Before I arrived, many people told me that it would be difficult and could take a long time to find a job here. Moving to Germany was a really big step for me. Without professional experience in Germany, it is challenging to convince an employer to hire you. Some employers think that qualifications and professional experience from Syria are not as interesting as those from other countries. I don't think that's fair. But you can show what you can do during a work trial.
Germany has a large economy and needs skilled workers. There are so many job opportunities and chances. It is important not to get discouraged and to believe in your abilities.
My path to the job: How the HWC made it easier for me to get started
When I registered my place of residence, the employee at the Hamburg Service recommended the Hamburg Welcome Center to me.
I registered there and received authorisation from the Employment Agency at the HWC to participate in a vocational language course at level B2.
My advisor also told me about the services offered by the Labour Market Service (LMS) at the HWC. I was able to take part in free training courses offered by the LMS on how to put together application documents and prepare for job interviews.
With the support of the LMS, I revised my application documents. My advisor also gave me a lot of confidence and encouraged me repeatedly.
Just three months after arriving in Hamburg, I successfully applied to my current employer.
I then received a residence permit for employment from the team Residence Matters for Professionals at the HWC.
It's great to be able to gain my first professional experience in Germany. For the future, I hope to continue my professional development, as Germany is a country with many opportunities.
I am very happy and proud that I found a job in Hamburg so quickly and would like to thank the staff at the HWC for their support. Their help was very important for my start in Hamburg.
What the HWC means to me
*The opportunity card is a residence permit to search for a job. You can find more information on our website.
Please note: This is a translation of the interview. It was originally conducted in German.
