Paulina is an Employer Branding Specialist for Schneider Electric in Germany. She shares the journey of how she joined the company on an internship and was then offered the opportunity to become a permanent employee.
"I joined Schneider Electric full-time after serving as the intern for Employer Branding. At the time, I was not very familiar with Schneider Electric or Employer Branding as I was studying French and Economics. However, I was given the opportunity to learn and gain experience, particularly through exposure to the Life @ Schneider blog and several events," says Paulina.
Empowered through events
During her first week as an intern, Paulina organized a student rally in Aschaffenburg. A few weeks later, she had the chance to visit the SPS Drives fair in Nuremberg. This event is the annual highlight of the automation industry. Not only was Paulina able to meet colleagues from other Schneider Electric sites, but she was able to see first-hand the technology being leveraged in automation research and development.
"My biggest responsibility as an intern was coordinating Schneider Electric’s place at Girls Day. This is an annual event that the German government hosts to eliminate prejudices against women. This event is an opportunity for young girls to visit companies in Germany and an idea of what their future career may look like. I organized the Girls Day for our sites in Hamburg, Ratingen, Berlin, and Seligenstadt. 80 girls were able to participate in this event and get an inside look at Schneider Electric," adds Paulina.
"The girls were able to learn about our products, hear from current employees, and see first-hand how we are creating a more energy-efficient planet by reducing our carbon footprint. I really enjoyed being a part of this project and having a chance to talk with the younger generation about our green mission. This is one of the reasons I love working for Schneider Electric, we are all striving for something better."
Not only did Paulina have the chance to help host events, but she was empowered to connect with many people internally and externally. For example, she was able to visit the Hannover Messe fair where she spent a week talking to young talent and invited students to listen to some of the interesting presentations that were available.
Going from intern to employee
Thanks to Paulina's colleagues and her managers she learned a lot during her internship. Schneider Electric's structure and product range is so diverse, which presented a learning curve. Because of this, no two days were the same! Paulina's experience as an intern was "love at first sight".
"The team, the opportunities, Flex@Work, I just couldn’t imagine leaving Schneider Electric after my six-month program. Thankfully, I didn’t have to. I am now a part of the Schneider Electric Employer Branding team as an employee while pursuing my Master’s degree," says Paulina.
"I am happy to have a manageable work-life balance so I can focus on my career and my education simultaneously. When I met our CEO, Jean-Pascal Tricoire I knew I chose the right path. He told me about his career at Schneider Electric and gave great advice for my generation. Schneider Electric offers so much and allows me to grow both professionally and personally. To use JPT’s words, 'I am living the best time!'"
Launch an exciting career at Schneider Electric
At Schneider Electric, everyone's ideas are valued and women are empowered to fulfill their career ambitions.
Find out more about Schneider Electric and search and apply for a new job today.
Find out more
Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.