How Annika Becher's development exceeded her initial expectations

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 Annika Becher, who over the course of 20 proud years with us was able to discover potential in herself that she had not even suspected, and is now indispensable to us as an internal auditor and training officer.

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

Annika Becher | Assistant QSU

 

Dear Annika Becher, before we start: We are delighted that you are sharing your story!

I'm pleased too. When I look back on my development at Steuler, there were so many things that I couldn't have predicted in this form and that's exactly what makes working life so exciting: discovering your own path and your own strengths.

You're absolutely right. How did your career at Steuler begin?

It may sound crazy, but it actually started in my childhood. My father worked as a foreman in maintenance. Sometimes he would take me on his factory tours at the weekend and explain everything I wanted to know. So I got a taste of “Steuler air” very early on. I decided to gain further impressions in the Marketing and Communications department during a student internship. These first steps sparked my enthusiasm for the company, which is why it was my first choice when I was looking for potential training companies. However, the company did not offer an apprenticeship in marketing. So I decided to submit my application as an industrial clerk and that was the beginning of my 20 exciting years here at the company to date.

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

I can say that very clearly: when I got my first office and was able to set up my own workspace. This gave me the space to develop personally and realize my ideas. That wasn't something I took for granted back then, it was a real privilege - so it meant all the more to me. It was a sign of trust and recognition of my achievements.

How have you already progressed in your development?

After successfully completing my training as an industrial clerk, I established myself in several areas. Firstly, I qualified as an internal auditor and foreign language correspondent in Germany and abroad. I now support our subsidiaries within the certification process and take care of internal project management. In the past, I have been involved in the assessment center and in the selection of our junior industrial clerks. It is very important to me to make a contribution to the promotion of young talent - that's why I was happy to complete the trainer aptitude test and have since strengthened our team as a training officer.

Another success was that I was able to implement and further develop our “PLEGRO” e-learning system together with the HR and Legal department thanks to my many years of experience in the field of compulsory training.

What do you particularly appreciate about your job?

I currently work almost 80% remotely. This allows me to combine family and career very well. I am grateful for this trust and the resulting flexibility, which I would otherwise not be able to guarantee. At the same time, I enjoy the time I spend with my colleagues on site, because the very personal interaction makes it feel very familiar there too.

Would you say that this is what the Steuler community is all about?

Absolutely. The cohesion here is very strong, even in difficult times. We are like a family that is there for each other and goes through thick and thin together. Each of us helps to shape the company with our work and it feels good to be part of it.

And we are very happy that you are. Apart from this joint effort, what makes you particularly proud of your personal path?

I am particularly proud of the fact that I have been able to develop freely here and grow in the face of challenges. The trust placed in me by my employer and the fact that my opinion counts have motivated me a lot. Being part of our employer campaign with my story also shows me that my path and my development are valued here.

Definitely! What about your career would you not have expected when you started with us?

To be honest, I never thought I would be working in quality management, occupational safety and environmental protection. If I had been asked back then which department I would end up in, my answer would certainly have been the HR department. In fact, it was my line manager who recognized my potential for the QSE and motivated me to choose this direction. She encouraged - and challenged - me so that I could develop further and gain a foothold in the areas that I enjoy so much today. I am still grateful for that today.

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.