APM EPN event held on 2 March 2023 Speakers: Sheilina Somani and Conor Donnellan This webinar was an introduction on what it is like working on projects outside of the UK and what the main differences are from observation. We discussed dimensions such as communication, team dynamics, and integrating into different cultures. The session covered an introduction on project management outside of the UK, and what aspects need to be considered. The benefit of the event is that it gave a different perspective of project management to people entering the profession and what they can expect if they make the move. https://www.apm.org.uk/news/transitioning-to-international-projects-what-to-expect-webinar/ https://youtu.be/dZZ8NeEKLZ4

1. Thursday 2nd March
Transitioning to
International
Projects:
ConorDonnellan,from
UKtoGermany
01
ON BEHALF OF

2. 02
Introduction
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Senior Agile Project Manager and Consultant, MAPM
MAPM since: 2021, Volunteer since: 2018
Moved from UK to Germany in January 2022 for
personal reasons.
In the UK:
Digital Transformation
Business Transformation
Energy Infrastructure
Energy Retail
Business Operations
In Germany:
Renewable Energy
Automotive

3. 03
Challenges
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Main challenges I have found from working on
projects in Germany compared to the UK:
Language: learning language from start,
terminology.
Culture: ways of working in teams,
communication, methods of management.
Bigger country: working from home a lot unless
in main city.

4. 04
Opportunities
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There are always opportunities on the flip side of
challenges. These are some of the opportunities I
have found:
Improvement in language.
Learning about working in a new culture.
New ways of working.
Expanding professional network and creating
future opportunities.
The main opportunity I have found is that working in
a new country and culture helps to build better
perspective skills, which is really key as a PM.

5. 05
Going Forwards
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To continue to developing and learning and building
skills as a project manager I will:
Continue to learn the German language
Find opportunities to work on projects in other
sectors
Continue to build project professional network
Find new projects in other countries to continue
learning about working in different cultures

6. 06
Projects in the UK vs Projects in Germany
Is there really a big difference between projects in the UK, and projects in Germany? No!
Culture Process driven. Achieving goals within
time and budget.
Collaborative and relationship-driven
process. Long-term partnerships.
Communication Reserved and indirect. Direct and upfront.
Risk Management Less risk adverse. Handles risks similar
to Germany.
More risk adverse. Handles risks similar
to UK.
Contracts Flexible and open to negotiation. Room
for change.
Very detailed and specific. Little room
for change.
Legal Frameworks Depends on industry, but mainly
governed through contracts.
Specific laws and regulations, and also
through contracts.

7. Have the opportunity?
DO IT!