From Chicago to Munich: Why going global changed Alexander’s perspective

Hi everyone, I'm Alexander, a Senior Project Manager from the U.S.! I've been with Roland Berger for four years, primarily based in Chicago. Last fall, I had the chance to spend three months at our Munich office – an experience that proved to be one of the most enriching decisions of my professional journey so far.

Why I chose to go global

Since joining Roland Berger, gaining international exposure has always been a priority for me. Through my work on various global initiatives – particularly within the automotive industry – I realized the moment had come to deepen this experience. Meeting face to face with colleagues I'd only collaborated with remotely was something I'd been looking forward to, along with connecting with team members I hadn't yet met. Additionally, hearing from German colleagues about their rewarding experiences in the U.S. gave me the confidence to pursue this opportunity.

Getting started

Making this transfer happen required support from both continents. My U.S.-based mentor played a crucial role in facilitating the opportunity and ensuring strong backing. Meanwhile, the Roland Berger Global Mobility team ensured a seamless transition from start to finish. From visa processing to finding accommodation, they handled every aspect and remained readily accessible whenever I had questions. Their assistance made it easy and hassle-free to settle into life in Munich.

Building connections

A standout moment from my time in Munich was the welcoming reception I experienced. My German mentor introduced me to the Operations and Industrials teams via email on my arrival, and I was genuinely taken aback by the number of colleagues – ranging from consultants to Partners – who took the time to reach out.

Several went as far as volunteering to give me tours of cities like Berlin and Hamburg. This gesture really made me feel like a valued member of the team. A memorable highlight was attending the Oktoberfest in Munich together with my colleagues as an introduction to the local culture.

My learnings & growth

The primary adjustment? Adapting to the new time zone, the first few days of jet lag were challenging. Beyond that, the work itself felt familiar. The real difference from my usual work lay in establishing new connections and building trust with colleagues who weren't yet familiar with my background.

My experience also allowed me to strengthen my bond with my German mentor, someone I'd previously only collaborated with on a limited basis. Building relationships with him and the automotive team in Munich has been extremely rewarding. Putting faces to names – finally meeting global leaders I'd previously only interacted with via email – has brought an entirely new dimension to my professional network.

Roland Berger's strong international culture ensures consistency in how we work across offices, while each location brings its own strengths and perspectives. Working in Munich gave me valuable insights into different approaches to internal coordination and client collaboration – learnings I'm excited to bring back to Chicago.

My advice for future participants

If you have the opportunity to do a project abroad or spend some time in another office, my advice is simple: Be open! Connect with team members across all levels – from consultants to leadership – to get a feel for daily life. And don't wait for the ideal circumstances and the "perfect" moment. Once you're there, take in everything the experience has to offer professionally, socially, and culturally.