Ready for exclusive insights? Learn firsthand from our consultants and business analysts about their journey to Detecon, the challenges they faced, and what makes their work special in our 'SetYourFocus in ...' interview series.
What is your academic background?
I was born in Berlin and obtained my bachelor’s degree in business communication. However, the purely communicative approach to the topics was not enough for me. I wanted to take matters into my own hands and gain practical experience. Therefore, during my semester abroad, I decided to study Sustainability Management and later pursued a master’s degree in corporate management with a focus on Innovation and Sustainability Management.
For me, gaining professional experience during my studies has been invaluable, and I can recommend it to everyone. Before joining Detecon, I gained extensive professional experience in various industries, including large corporations and practical sustainability research. Thus, my career path ranged from startups to medium-sized businesses, industries, and consultancy.
What challenges did you face at the start of your career?
I constantly had to prove that I could delve into new subject areas, as my initial degree often led people to doubt my ability to succeed in other fields. Therefore, I worked in various industries, always facing new challenges, responsibilities, and tasks.
At Detecon, I also faced a significant challenge which was the establishment of a sustainability consulting area. In this context, entrepreneurial thinking is of crucial importance. The high motivation within the team, along with a blend of initiative and self-motivation, helped me achieve my goal.
What is your focus area at Detecon, and how did you find it?
Originally, I became aware of the topic of Digitalization and Sustainability at Detecon with the goal of establishing sustainability both internally and externally with clients. I love gradually developing something significant and am a conceptual thinker in this regard. That’s why my focus is on "Digitainability." Additionally, until recently, I was also active as a Co-Lead in our Sustainability Community. As a community, we aim to promote the topic internally by sharing our expertise. Currently, we are planning events and collaborations to involve as many people in the company as possible, strengthen awareness of sustainability, and anchor the spirit of sustainability.
What guidance have you received at Detecon?
The basis for successful guidance is always the desire to seek help and feedback autonomously. Not everyone dares to take this step. However, at Detecon, significant efforts are made to establish an open and people-oriented corporate culture that provides guidance. When asking for it, I get a lot of support not only from my People Development Leader and Chapter Head but especially from my colleagues. They are all willing to help and support without creating barriers between hierarchical levels. Collegiality is highly valued.
What are the perks of being employed at Detecon?
At Detecon, I have a lot of freedom to try things out. Sustainability, to me, is like an adventure playground where I can actively participate and shape things. I've been entrusted with the confidence in my knowledge and skills to innovate and create new initiatives here. Above all, my supervisors have contributed to providing this initial space. This opportunity isn't commonplace, as I've discovered.
What advice do you have for graduates starting their careers?
One tip from me is to do one or two internships or working student positions even after completing your studies. This can help you to figure out which direction you want to go in and allow you to gather references along the way. Many young graduates quickly feel overwhelmed as they struggle to understand what is expected of them in their future careers and how to assess working conditions. Therefore, it's important to consider which topics you want to be involved in and what your priorities are. Questions like "What drives me?", "Do I want to change something?", "Do I want to find myself and gain experience first?" "What am I willing to contribute?" can help determine what kind of person you are and what values you have.
