Success story

sMOTIVE and software developer Noha Sherif

Making digitalization easier – that is the motto of sMOTIVE. The Böblingen-based company develops customized software solutions to make public authorities and companies more efficient. The workforce consists mainly of project and software experts, many with foreign roots.

One of them is Noha Sherif from Egypt, who came to sMOTIVE in 2022 via the THAMM migration project. The computer scientist had already learned German as part of this project and had been prepared for employment in Germany. sMOTIVE received the information about THAMM and the recruitment of international professionals from the Welcome Service Region Stuttgart.

After arriving in Böblingen, Noha Sherif contacted the Welcome Center Stuttgart, which provided her with information and the Welcome Club to help her settle in the region.

To promote integration, sMOTIVE relies on German as the working language and agile methods. Lars Feja, Head of Sales and responsible for recruitment, explains:

From left to right: Verena Andrei from Welcome Service Region Stuttgart with Noha Sherif and Lars Feja from sMOTIVE

German language skills are the key to success, as this is the only way foreign employees can contribute their professional potential. The fact that we use agile methods and often work in teams of two helps to familiarize people with our work culture.

The company also supports its international employees outside of work. For example, the company owner’s mother accompanied Sherif personally to apartment viewings in order to speed up the signing of the rental contract.

sMOTIVE shows how companies can successfully integrate foreign professionals through targeted support, language training and close cooperation.

Noha Sherif’s full story and further insights into the work of the Welcome Service can be found in the video by Meet & Eat. The Hi Tech Talk!