New perspectives: from India to Germany
Hi Ankur, you have been working in our offices in Munich and Cologne for a few months now. Originally you are from India, how did this secondment come about?
When I was offered the secondment, it felt like a perfect chance to grow in my field. Rödl & Partner actively supports our development, and this was my opportunity to gain firsthand experience in our German offices. Given my focus on transaction advisory and valuation, I was thrilled to work with teams that lead in these areas and gain firsthand experience in international deal-making.
How was your arrival in Germany and did you find it easy to settle in?
Adjusting to life here was mostly smooth, but, being from India, the colder weather definitely took some getting used to!
The teams were incredibly welcoming, though. They helped me with everything I needed to settle in, from understanding the office culture to navigating the little things in daily life here. This support made the transition much easier and helped me focus on my work without worrying about the logistics of adjusting.
Senior Consultant
What do you like most about Munich and Cologne?
Cologne has such a unique vibe! The city has this charm, with the Rhine right next to our office – it is one of the best views I have ever had at work. Joining the team for events here was great, too. We had a memorable cooking event which was one of the highlights of my time in Germany.
Munich, on the other hand, is a city that blends tradition with modernity seamlessly. The historic architecture adds a sense of timelessness to the city. And for a car enthusiast, visiting the BMW Museum was an unforgettable dive into innovation.
What’s the best thing to do in Munich and Cologne after work?
If you are in Cologne, take a walk along the Rhine after work. It is so refreshing, and the view just makes you feel connected to the city. In Munich, exploring the gardens and the city or visiting one of the castles is a great way to unwind.
For me, the highlight of my day after work was catching up with my family in India. Talking to my 2-year-old daughter and hearing her cheerful voice always brought me immense joy and a sense of connection, no matter how far away I was.
What was the best experience of your Secondment?
It is hard to pick just one! In Cologne, the highlight was undoubtedly the Cologne Carnival. It was an entirely new experience for me, and seeing the whole city come together in celebration was incredible. The atmosphere, colorful costumes, and the chance to connect with my team and the local culture made it unforgettable. It is a memory I will always cherish.
During my time in Munich, Oktoberfest was the standout experience. Back in Pune, India, we have a smaller version of Oktoberfest, but the scale and energy in Munich were on a whole different level. The vibe and the enthusiasm of the crowd was contagious. If you are in Munich at the right time, attending Oktoberfest is an absolute must!
What is the main difference between working in Germany and India?
The biggest difference I have noticed is how work-life balance is approached. In Germany, people are very focused during work hours but make it a point to unplug and enjoy their personal time after work. It is inspiring to see how well they manage their time while still being super-efficient at work.
In India, it is a bit different. The energy is high, and the work environment is fast-paced, especially since working from the office is a norm. This setup really encourages teamwork and collaboration, but it also means the workdays can be longer and more intense. With a young and dynamic team, there is always a lot happening – it is challenging but equally rewarding.
What did you get out of the secondment, both professionally and in terms of your career?
Working directly with the Transaction Advisory team in Cologne and the Valuation team in Munich gave me skills that I will carry throughout my career. I picked up new insights and techniques that I would not have encountered otherwise, and being part of real projects provided practical, hands-on learning. I also built connections with colleagues from varied backgrounds, expanding my network across offices, which I know will be incredibly valuable going forward. Rödl & Partner has such a global presence, and now I have friends and colleagues I can reach out to from different corners of the world.
What makes working at Rödl & Partner special for you?
Rödl & Partner stands out because of the real opportunities it provides for international exposure and professional growth. Being able to join the teams in Cologne and Munich and experience their work environments was invaluable. Rödl & Partner encourages growth through experiences like this, and I feel fortunate to have been a part of it.
Thank you very much for the interview and the exciting insights about your time in Germany!
This experience has been truly enriching, giving me valuable insights into how work is done in our German offices. I would also love to welcome our colleagues from our German offices to join us and work alongside us in India! As one of the world’s largest emerging economies, India offers a unique perspective on doing business. With globalisation bringing us closer, experiencing Indian culture and our way of work practices would be a fantastic opportunity to deepen our collaboration and understanding.
Senior Consultant