Press

Interview: From Intern to Manager

April 01, 2021

Commitment, spirit of innovation, the readiness to take on responsibility, as well as taking pleasure in your work, have helped Jennifer (32 years) to a position as a manager even at her young age. The continuous promotion of her potential and the right conditions in the company have made her career possible. In an interview, she gives us a brief insight into her successful career.

How long have you been working at Prime Capital and how did you become aware of the company?

I joined the company in May 2011, and I was informed about the position by a personnel agency. I had been working as a part-time receptionist for a weekly newspaper in the same building, which was placed one floor above Prime Capital office at that time.

The personnel agency told me that Prime Capital was looking for a full-time receptionist, so I sent my application. Shortly thereafter, I had my first interview with Sonja Schröder, who was receptionist at that time, and Marco Gerlach, who was Head of Finance at that time and is now a member of the management board. During the interview, it came up that I had not made a commercial apprenticeship. Hence, Ms. Schröder and Mr. Gerlach offered me the opportunity to make an apprenticeship at Prime Capital.

As it was too early to start the apprenticeship immediately, I started as an intern in May 2011. In August 2011 I happily started the apprenticeship to become an “office administrator”. I am very grateful to the company for this opportunity.

Which steps on the ladder have you climbed in the past years?

After successfully completing my apprenticeship in 2014, I completed a further training to become a “certified office manager” in 2017.

Only six years later, in 2020, I became Head of Office Management.

How have your tasks and responsibilities changed over the past years?

The tasks of Office Management are very diverse. In addition to reception activities and the administrative aspect, I took over the accounting of travel expenses since the very beginning. Later, my area of competence was expanded to the substitution of the accounting. My responsibilities now include different management tasks, as I am leading a team of five employees.

How have your supervisors supported your development?

My supervisors have always advised me to take part in trainings to further develop both my professional and personal skills. Those trainings were financially supported by the company.

What challenges did you face in your role as a manager?

Digital leadership was a big challenge due to the pandemic. The presence in the company was significantly reduced and I could only communicate with my staff via modern communication tools. This happened daily and in regular meetings.

What advice do you have for young, motivated people who pursue a similar career?

Do not let you down by any kind of setbacks. Set yourself clear goals and pursue them with determination.

What are your targets for your future career?

First of all, I would like to gain more experience in my role as a manager.

Although, I have been at Prime Capital for ten years, I still live and learn.

For this reason, I am looking forward to many more years and challenges that the company will provide for me.

“I am very grateful to the company for this opportunity.”
“My supervisors have always advised me to take part in trainings to further develop both my professional and personal skills.”
“Set yourself clear goals and pursue them with determination.”
“I am looking forward to many more years and challenges that the company will provide for me.”

 

How long have you been working at Prime Capital and how did you become aware of the company?

I joined the company in May 2011, and I was informed about the position by a personnel agency. I had been working as a part-time receptionist for a weekly newspaper in the same building, which was placed one floor above Prime Capital office at that time.

The personnel agency told me that Prime Capital was looking for a full-time receptionist, so I sent my application. Shortly thereafter, I had my first interview with Sonja Schröder, who was receptionist at that time, and Marco Gerlach, who was Head of Finance at that time and is now a member of the management board. During the interview, it came up that I had not made a commercial apprenticeship. Hence, Ms. Schröder and Mr. Gerlach offered me the opportunity to make an apprenticeship at Prime Capital.

As it was too early to start the apprenticeship immediately, I started as an intern in May 2011. In August 2011 I happily started the apprenticeship to become an “office administrator”. I am very grateful to the company for this opportunity.

“I am very grateful to the company for this opportunity.”

Which steps on the ladder have you climbed in the past years?

After successfully completing my apprenticeship in 2014, I completed a further training to become a “certified office manager” in 2017.

Only six years later, in 2020, I became Head of Office Management.

“My supervisors have always advised me to take part in trainings to further develop both my professional and personal skills.”

How have your tasks and responsibilities changed over the past years?

The tasks of Office Management are very diverse. In addition to reception activities and the administrative aspect, I took over the accounting of travel expenses since the very beginning. Later, my area of competence was expanded to the substitution of the accounting. My responsibilities now include different management tasks, as I am leading a team of five employees.

How have your supervisors supported your development?

My supervisors have always advised me to take part in trainings to further develop both my professional and personal skills. Those trainings were financially supported by the company.

What challenges did you face in your role as a manager?

Digital leadership was a big challenge due to the pandemic. The presence in the company was significantly reduced and I could only communicate with my staff via modern communication tools. This happened daily and in regular meetings.

“Set yourself clear goals and pursue them with determination.”

What advice do you have for young, motivated people who pursue a similar career?

Do not let you down by any kind of setbacks. Set yourself clear goals and pursue them with determination.

“I am looking forward to many more years and challenges that the company will provide for me.”

What are your targets for your future career?

First of all, I would like to gain more experience in my role as a manager.

Although, I have been at Prime Capital for ten years, I still live and learn.

For this reason, I am looking forward to many more years and challenges that the company will provide for me.

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