Publish on: 27-04-2026, by SL
Finding the perfect professional match is often a matter of right timing. Nine years ago, the Munich-based IT specialist Validas was ready to take the next step in its internationalization, while Aleksey from Ukraine and Deepika from India were navigating the challenges of finding the right career start in Munich. A brief introduction at an amiga career and networking event proved to be the decisive spark—and the beginning of a success story that continues to this day.
amiga: Dr. Braun, let’s go back nine years. Validas is a highly specialized IT player in safety engineering. Why was it the right time to open your doors to international talent?
Dr. Peter Braun (Founder, Validas): We realized that recruiting international specialists was an economic necessity. Our customers are global – from Silicon Valley to Shanghai. To support companies like Nvidia, Infineon, or BMW, we needed a team that reflects that global reach. Back then, we were just beginning to systematically look for new ways to find these specialists.
amiga: Aleksey and Deepika, you were both in Munich at that time. What did your situation look like?
Aleksey: I arrived in Germany in 2016. It was a challenging time. I was struggling with the “career gap” and the transition from academia to the business sector. Despite having a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, I was often labeled as “overqualified,” all while trying to master the German language.
Deepika: My story was similar. I came to Germany in 2013 and had a three-year break for family reasons. I was pushing myself hard to learn German and networking constantly, which eventually led me to power_m and amiga.
amiga: How did the first contact happen?
Aleksey: I actually found out about Validas at an amiga career and networking event. I met Oscar, who is also founder at the company. I saw the fire in his eyes and a poster with technical MATLAB signals. I just said, “I know this,” and he was immediately enthusiastic. He invited me for an interview right there.
Deepika: It was almost a coincidence for me! A neighbor mentioned Validas, and then I saw their board at the amiga event. Just like Aleksey, I was struck by how Oscar was beaming and full of positive energy. We had a brief chat about how my skills could fit in, and he told me to send over my resume.
amiga: Dr. Braun, why did you choose amiga as a partner for this?
Dr. Braun: We wanted to avoid the “beaten path”. At typical job fairs, you are one of 15 IT firms. At amiga, we were an “exotic” specialist. It allowed for personal contact and a way to reach people who were also looking for unique opportunities.
amiga: Aleksey and Deepika, you were the first employees who weren’t fluent in German at the time. How did the company support you?
Aleksey: It felt like a “lucky ticket”. Even though I initially struggled with a hard technical problem during the interview, they saw my potential and said, “We want you”.
Deepika: When I first joined, many meetings were in German, which was a bit challenging at the start. However, Validas made it easy to adapt. They encouraged ‘learning on the job’, and all the key documentation was available in English. My colleagues were very inclusive and made sure to communicate in English whenever needed. Later, Validas even started offering German language classes, which has been really helpful for integrating better both professionally and personally.
amiga: Dr. Braun, how did this change the company culture?
Dr. Braun: It was a total change management process. We trained our German staff in English and supported our international colleagues with German lessons. Today, 90% of our communication is in English. We now have around 20 nationalities among our 70 employees. It makes communication with our international clients much smoother.
Deepika: Having worked in a very large company in India, I also had to adapt to the German work culture, especially to the concept of flat hierarchies and the importance of work-life balance. In India, you often prove your dedication through long hours. Here, I learned it’s okay to say “no” and focus on efficiency.
This nine-year journey shows that successful integration is a two-way street. The key takeaways from the Validas story are: