The modern world of work is shaped by increasingly globalized patterns and tendencies of employment. Professional environments do not only consist of multicultural teams but are fundamentally intercultural in their everyday communication. For CEOs, Human Resources managers, and recruiters, this reality requires:
- structured onboarding for new hires,
- on-site cultural sensitivity training,
- intercultural communication frameworks,
- and sustainable diversity management strategies.
Such working dynamics require focused attention when experts and highly qualified professionals are not native German speakers and bring transnational, multilingual, and multicultural biographies into the workplace.
In this context, academic institutions also play a vital role: they serve as important bridges for Bachelor’s and Master’s students, as well as early-career doctoral researchers, by preparing them to navigate culturally diverse professional environments and by supporting their transition into employment. Strengthening intercultural competence at this stage not only enhances individual career prospects but also contributes to more inclusive, innovative, and globally responsive organizations.