After covering the major expenses, you still have enough to live comfortably – and, at the end of the day, you have more time and less stress. That’s something I personally value a lot.
HeWasLookingforaChallenge–AndFoundIt
Danny came to Magdeburg from India in 2021 to study. Impressed by the quality of life and professional opportunities, he decided to stay. In this interview, he shares what drives him in his work – and why he sees his future in Saxony-Anhalt.
For Danny, it’s all about seeking out challenges and growing from them. That’s what motivated him to quit his job in India in 2020 and pursue new professional opportunities in Germany. After completing his master’s degree at the University of Magdeburg, he began searching for a job – and didn’t have to look for long. He joined Sioux Technologies, where he’s now helping to establish the company’s new location and developing cutting-edge high-tech systems for the international market.
To balance out the demands of his work, Danny enjoys spending time in peaceful places like on Magdeburg’s Elbe island Werder, fixing bikes, or cooking with his wife. This balance is exactly what makes Saxony-Anhalt so livable for him: the perfect mix of exciting career opportunities and the time to enjoy the region’s many leisure activities. His message to other skilled professionals: Saxony-Anhalt’s high-tech industry is a rising star – and it’s looking for people like you!
How did you find your current job?
During my master’s program, I attended a bunch of job fairs to get to know the companies in the region. I went to events like hierbleiben, JOBS HERE, the Campus Pitch, and the Firmenkontaktmesse career fair at the University of Magdeburg. I also got in touch with a career advisor at the university who specifically helps international students find jobs. She gave me plenty of tips on how to write a persuasive application and how to handle salary negotiations since there are quite a few differences between India and Germany when it comes to the work culture and the job market. After that, she sent me some job offers that matched my profile. One of them was from Sioux, where I’m now employed.
What are your responsibilities there, and what does your day-to-day work look like?
Sioux carries out research and development for other companies in the high-tech sector. Right now, we’re developing modules and machine components for firms that manufacture computer chips. As a mechanical engineer, I design these parts on the computer, create technical sketches, and collaborate closely with my coworkers to find creative solutions and present clients with the best possible options. I also have the flexibility to work from home when needed.
What do you like most about your job?
There’s a lot I enjoy! For one, the challenge: semiconductor technology evolves incredibly fast, so the components we design have to be innovative and extremely high-precision. That means we do a lot of research, and I really enjoy the mix of theoretical and hands-on work. I also appreciate how we work as a team – we constantly reevaluate our processes and ask ourselves how we can improve and come up with new ideas. In this process, we’re given a lot of freedom and responsibility to make decisions for ourselves. I also learn a great deal from my colleagues and find their perspectives truly inspiring.
Personal development and working on future technologies were Danny's goals when he moved from his hometown of Chennai, India, to Saxony-Anhalt in 2021.
What do you like most about working in Saxony-Anhalt?
I grew up in a big city in India, so it took some time to adjust to the slower pace of life in Magdeburg. But now I really appreciate how peaceful it is here. Life in large cities can be very fast-paced, and work often takes over everything. In Magdeburg, things feel more balanced – I have more time for activities outside of work. It’s also a great place for a relaxed family life: everything is close by, and it’s easier to build a social circle in a smaller city. My wife and I found a church community here where we feel right at home.
What advice would you give to skilled professionals considering a move to Saxony-Anhalt?
When you’re job hunting, it’s important to keep an open mind and approach companies with curiosity – you might be surprised by what they have to offer. It doesn’t always have to be a world-famous corporation; smaller companies work on really cool projects, too. A lot of people probably assume that salaries are lower in Saxony-Anhalt. But in reality, after covering the major expenses, you still have enough to live comfortably – and, at the end of the day, you have more time and less stress. That’s something I personally value a lot.
How do you see your future prospects in Saxony-Anhalt?
As a mechanical engineer, I have strong career opportunities here because there are many innovative companies looking for engineers. I see my professional future at Sioux, where they invest heavily in employee development. We have an annual training budget that we can use flexibly to gain new skills. For example, we recently took a course in the Netherlands to deepen our understanding of a specific development process. I also see our future here as a family – Magdeburg offers everything we need to feel at home.
