In the Company
Astronauts know that the two most dangerous times in a space flight are take-off and when you reenter the atmosphere in preparation to touch down on Earth. Former expats will tell you it is the same for you. Nobody will deny that a good first impression at the start of your foreign assignment is extremely valuable. You have only one chance to make a first impression. Any missteps at that stage mean you will be playing catch-up.
But many people don’t realize the importance of preparing yourself for a smooth and successful reentry. And this procedure starts at the very beginning of your assignment.
Prior to starting your U.S. assignment, you probably had some mentors in the company. If you are gone for three years, they might forget you – unless you engage in a campaign to keep your back-home network active. Here are some things worth considering:
1. Regularly (at least every two weeks) call or at least email one of your mentors to tell him or her about what you are up to, especially focusing on anything that might be useful to that person.
2. Whenever you make a trip back to Germany, whether for business or personal reasons, make sure to take a few hours to make face-to-face contact with as many people as possible in the office who may be important to your career in the future.
3. During the last six months before returning, switch the topic of your phone calls and visits to how you will fit into the organization when you get back. Get them thinking about your added value so they find the best possible position for you. Don’t be passive and rely on HR to find you a slot.
“Out of sight is out of mind” is an oft-quoted saying that applies to the expat who is away from his or her department for perhaps three years. Find ways to keep your personal brand in the minds of those who can be helpful when you are coming back.
There was a time when companies managed the careers of their people. Today everything is so diverse and changes occur so fast that we must each manage our own careers.
At home
If you have children, take into consideration that some number of years living and going to school in an English-speaking world will provide quite a reentry shock when you go back to Germany. Here are some steps you can take to make this transition easier for your children:
1. When you make a visit home during the last year of your assignment, visit the school your child will attend. They can probably provide you with some lessons in German which your child can work on.
2. Acquire German versions of movies your child would like to watch and make sure they are watched with the German soundtrack. Note: Not all DVD players can play Region 2 DVDs. Make sure you have the right equipment.
3. In the final six months before returning, have “German nights” at home where all conversation is in German. Don’t be surprised if your children are resistant at first. But turn it into a game and give plenty of praise.
