How a spontaneous application got Annette Labonte's career took off

My path with Steuler

The Steuler Group opens up new perspectives for individual development and nothing proves this better than the real stories of the people at our sites.

One of them is that of Annette Labonte, who in her more than three decades with us has shown how well a professional career can be reconciled with a fulfilling private life - even when the discussions about “work-life balance” were still in their infancy.

We had the pleasure of talking to her about her development with us:

Annette Labonte | Engineer

Dear Annette Labonte, before we start: We are delighted that you are sharing your story!

Thank you very much for the invitation! In the many years that I have been with the company, a lot has happened in my life and the Steuler community has always been by my side. That's a good feeling that I'm happy to pass on to others.

We are very pleased to hear that. How did your career at Steuler begin?

1994, almost exactly 30 years ago, was a privately stressful time for me. As an engineer with no professional experience and a child, my chances on the job market didn't look very promising. To make ends meet, I applied for an advertised porter position in the switchboard. The then Managing Director of Equipment Engineering saw my application and immediately offered me a job in Equipment instead. That was a positive turning point for me and the start of my career here.

How have you already thrived in your development?

Since I started at Steuler, I have worked in almost every equipment engineering department and all of them have given me valuable experience. I also found my time as a sick leave replacement, during which I sold wire finishing systems as a project planner, very enriching. These two years considerably deepened my understanding of other processes and procedures in the company.

What was one of the moments when you felt you had really arrived?

After just a short time in the team, I was able to experience the excellent team spirit among my colleagues. My first customer and construction site contacts meant a lot to me, because they gave me the feeling that I was holding my own professionally and that I had the full support of my department. That showed me that I was in the right place.

And we can emphasize how happy we are to have you as part of the Steuler community. What would you say makes it special?

Many people - especially women - ask themselves whether they want a family or a career. When I look back on my time here, it's never been either/or. In my department, I feel welcome and valued, like in a family, and the other departments stand by us like good neighbors. Whatever happens, everyone receives the support they need here, as I have experienced for myself: Twice in my career I have been absent for long periods of time, once after a traffic accident and once during my pregnancy - in neither case did this result in any disadvantages. This team spirit and mutual support are characteristic of our company.

What challenges have you overcome or are you overcoming?

It was definitely a challenge to familiarize myself with the different areas each time and it wasn't always easy to juggle family and career for three years as a single parent.

And what makes you particularly proud of your personal path?

I am particularly proud to have been working with Steuler Equipment Engineering for so long. This consistency is not something I take for granted, and it shows that I feel comfortable and passionate about my work.

30 years is a long time, so one last question: what part of your career would you not have expected when you started with us?

That I would still be here. (laughs) I can actually imagine staying with the company until I retire. After all these years, I still enjoy coming to work and feel like I'm in good hands. Life has many a surprise and challenge in store and you can't predict where it will take you. Especially in times when you sometimes feel like you have to bite your way through, it's incredibly reassuring when you can count on support from your employer. I consider myself lucky to have found that in Steuler.

We are very pleased to hear this and thank you for the interview and your openness. Thank you for being part of Steuler!

This personal story is one of many special people who have made Steuler what it is today.

Would you also like to shape your own path? Then take a look at the vacancies on our job portal or send us an unsolicited application.