What brings a German professional to Poland? Meet Kevin and his journey with Poland and PwC

Moving to Poland

Poland is an interesting choice – what made you decide to move here?

Kevin Nikel: I was born and raised in a small town in western Germany. My parents are originally from Poland and migrated to Germany in the 80’s. Throughout my childhood, we visited Poland regularly, three to four times a year and some of my best memories are from those visits: the people, the culture, and especially time spent with family.

I completed my education in Germany and began studying Industrial Engineering with a focus on Construction Management. However, during my studies and while working as a student intern, I discovered a stronger passion for the economic and managerial aspects of business.

This shift in interest, along with personal reasons, led me to move to Poland and continue my studies in International Business Management in English. I chose Gdańsk, which is right next to my mother’s hometown, making it a meaningful location for me. Living and studying here has helped me grow personally and professionally. I’ve significantly improved both my Polish and English skills, and gained valuable international experience by stepping out of my comfort zone also known as “Hotel Mama” and adapting to a new environment.

What were your first impressions of living and working in Poland?

Kevin Nikel: My first impressions were really positive. I didn’t expect Gdańsk to feel so international – I met people from many different countries through my studies, work, and social life, which made the transition easier and even more interesting.

People were friendly and open, and I appreciated how welcoming the environment was. Of course, there were challenges at first, but over time I got more comfortable, improved my Polish and English, and started to feel more at home. It’s been a good mix of reconnecting with my roots and learning to manage life on my own.

Journey with PwC

Was it challenging to adapt to a new culture and working environment? How did PwC support you in that transition?

Kevin Nikel: Adapting to a new culture and work environment always comes with some challenges, but PwC made the transition much smoother than I expected. From the very beginning, I felt supported. The onboarding process was well-organized, and the enrollment staff made it clear that I could always reach out with any questions, no matter how small. That really helped take the pressure off.

One thing I appreciated a lot was the buddy program. Every new joiner is paired with a more experienced colleague who volunteers to help with all the small, day-to-day questions. It felt like having a friend at work from day one. PwC even encourages that relationship by inviting both to a coffee break, which helped break the ice.

Later on, I was also assigned a coach, someone who is there for long-term support and guidance. Having both a buddy and a coach gave me a strong sense of structure and made it easier to settle in, both professionally and personally.

Overall, the international and open culture at PwC, combined with all the support systems in place, made adapting to the new environment a really positive experience.

What has your career growth been like since joining PwC here?

Kevin Nikel: I joined PwC in December 2024 and started with a two-week training in Lublin, which was a great introduction to the company and its culture. Shortly after, I was assigned to a project where I’ve been working ever since.

Early into the project, I was given the opportunity to take on the role of deputy team leader. It was a challenge at first, but I’m really thankful for the chance. Supporting my team lead and taking on more responsibility helped me grow a lot, both professionally and personally. I learned how to manage tasks more effectively, communicate better, and support the team in a more structured way.

Since then, I’ve been focusing on continuing to grow in that direction and building on the experience I’ve gained so far.

Career with the German language

To what extent do you use the German language in your daily work at PwC?

Kevin Nikel: I use mainly German for my daily work. I’m part of a German-speaking team, and our entire project is conducted in German – from meetings and documentation to day-to-day communication. The team includes professionals from different parts of Europe, but German is our common working language.

Only when it comes to internal PwC matters that are not directly related to the project, like administrative topics, trainings, or internal communication, I switch to Polish or English, depending on the context.

Are there specific departments or projects at PwC Poland that actively seek German-speaking professionals?

Kevin Nikel: Yes, there are specific departments (like Financial Crime Unit) and projects at PwC Poland that actively look for talented German-speaking professionals. These roles are often tied to international projects or clients from German-speaking countries, where fluency in German is essential for communication and documentation. Being able to speak German is definitely a strong asset and opens up more opportunities within the firm.

Can non-Polish speakers with good German skills find rewarding career paths at PwC Poland?

Kevin Nikel: Yes, definitely. English is the internal language at PwC Poland, so Polish isn’t required. If you speak German and English, that’s more than enough, especially since many departments and projects specifically look for German-speaking professionals. I work with several colleagues who don’t speak Polish and have built successful careers here.

What advice would you give to other Germans or expats considering moving to Poland for work?

Kevin Nikel: Poland is definitely worth considering if you're open to something new. When I decided to move, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect – but looking back, it was a great decision. The job market is active, especially in international companies that value language skills such as German and English, and there’s a lot of potential for professional growth.

For me, starting at PwC was a big step. I didn’t know everything from the beginning – and honestly, I don’t think anyone does. But that felt completely normal. What I appreciated was that PwC doesn’t just expect you to fit into a role from day one – they support you in growing into it. It’s not just about the job title, but about developing the skills and mindset that come with it. That approach made the transition much smoother.

Outside of work, life in Poland has been full of small discoveries – new places, new people, and a different pace of life. It’s been a chance to grow not just professionally, but personally too.

So if moving abroad is something you’ve been thinking about, Poland is definitely a place to keep on your radar. It might just be the fresh start you didn’t know you needed.