International Office
Interview with Silke Yalin, International Officer at the MPI for Empirical Aesthetics, Frankfurt am Main
How long have you been working here at the institute and what is your background?
I have been working at the institute since February 1, 2019. The international environment was one of the reasons why I applied for the job at the Max Planck Institute. Before that, I worked in the tourism industry in a wide range of areas and departments. I started out with an apprenticeship as a travel agent. There my time in crisis management was the most exciting, as I was confronted with many challenges. Later on I trained as a tourism business administrator and finally as a business economist. But there is no direct training programme or course of study for the role of international officer. Of course, very good English and subject expertise are just as helpful for the tasks as diplomatic skills and life experience.
What exactly do you do at the International Office?
My work begins with the initial contact with future employees abroad. Together, we clarify which documents are required to apply for a visa and organize an appointment at the German Embassy. I am often in direct contact with the staff at the embassies to speed up the appointment process. We often provide support in advance with finding accommodation and bringing family to Germany. Once the new colleagues have arrived in Germany, we accompany them to the Citizens' Office and the Immigration Office. We also help them to find their way around the German system, from the broadcasting fee to the tax ID, and are available to answer any questions they may have.
Laws and regulations are constantly being adapted. How do you keep up to date?
The laws that govern residence rights, etc. are the basis of the work of an International Office and require a good combination of expertise and flexibility. In order to expand the relevant expertise, further training and close exchange with “Make-it-in-Germany” are indispensable and an important part of my work.
Another essential aspect is the exchange with colleagues in other International Offices of the Max Planck Institutes. We are well connected and share our knowledge to be able to respond more effectively to the many challenges we face. Since German embassies and immigration authorities handle cases differently, these exchanges enable us to respond appropriately to these variations.
Your working life has always been very much focused on travel and international cooperation. Do you have a favorite travel destination?
I'm a globetrotter. I love traveling and I travel a lot, to very different places. I use my own experiences in my daily work, for example when it comes to different cultural situations. It's not always easy and I've put my foot in it from time to time. A country that fascinates me and to which I almost emigrated to is Canada.
Where do you see the benefits of your work for the internationals and the Institute?
Overall, I see my work as an important contribution to the promotion of international cooperation and the development of the Institute. Through my work, I can help position the Institute as an attractive employer for international researchers and ensure that we can continue to promote cutting-edge research.