Staff Exchange
For consultant Martin Gottschlich, Japan was always the destination of choice - and Roland Berger awarded him that sought-after opportunity.
When the lawyer joined the company in 2000, he made it clear that his desire to live in Japan was much more than a flight of fancy. Gottschlich's experience with the country and its culture ran deep: his studies had led him to Japan, where he stayed for two years, internships and language courses in the country followed.
"When consultants have such clear professional goals, we try to actively help them achieve these from the beginning," says Christiane Boock, who is responsible for the Roland Berger International Staff Exchange Program. With the support of his mentor, Gottschlich quickly gained successful project experience in Japan. "I was sent to work on a number of projects in Japan and was able to introduce myself to the Tokyo office Partners early on."
When the lawyer joined the company in 2000, he made it clear that his desire to live in Japan was much more than a flight of fancy. Gottschlich's experience with the country and its culture ran deep: his studies had led him to Japan, where he stayed for two years, internships and language courses in the country followed.
"When consultants have such clear professional goals, we try to actively help them achieve these from the beginning," says Christiane Boock, who is responsible for the Roland Berger International Staff Exchange Program. With the support of his mentor, Gottschlich quickly gained successful project experience in Japan. "I was sent to work on a number of projects in Japan and was able to introduce myself to the Tokyo office Partners early on."
Martin Gottschlich
After several discussions, all sides agreed to Gottschlich's wish to relocate to Japan, leading to his participation in the Staff Exchange Program. In October 2004, Gottschlich was sent to Tokyo. Lucky for him that he was familiar with the city, as leisurely sightseeing was not on the books. "I started work on a new project the day I arrived. My furniture was still swimming somewhere in the Pacific in a container." Although the beginning of his time in Japan was hectic, Gottschlich received a warm welcome from his Tokyo colleagues - especially after he introduced himself in Japanese on his first day.
Gottschlich has no regrets that he made the move to the island republic when he did. "Of course my head spins when I'm sitting in a workshop with ten Japanese people. But both colleagues and clients are always so friendly to me, that I'm thrilled to be here," the consultant says.
He has nothing but respect for the Japanese work ethic: "Japan is also afraid of China's economic power, and the country has experienced a recession for the last years. Still, no one complains. They just roll up their shirt sleeves and get right back to work." Evidence of this attitude can be seen everywhere. "Everyone works hard here: for consultants, having the client work through the nightshift with them once in a while is a new experience."
Gottschlich has no regrets that he made the move to the island republic when he did. "Of course my head spins when I'm sitting in a workshop with ten Japanese people. But both colleagues and clients are always so friendly to me, that I'm thrilled to be here," the consultant says.
He has nothing but respect for the Japanese work ethic: "Japan is also afraid of China's economic power, and the country has experienced a recession for the last years. Still, no one complains. They just roll up their shirt sleeves and get right back to work." Evidence of this attitude can be seen everywhere. "Everyone works hard here: for consultants, having the client work through the nightshift with them once in a while is a new experience."
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