From apprenticeship to division manager: Anja's career path
A long and exciting career path
Meetings and negotiations at various locations, reporting and controlling are all part of Anja's daily business. "I always try to be present at our locations as much as possible," she says. It is this presence and her commitment on site that makes her management work so effective. But how did this come about?
Anja started her career at STRABAG with a commercial apprenticeship. As she appreciates her varied work and identifies with the Group, she has always developed internally. After managing the southern region as a commercial regional manager, she has been in her current position as division manager since the beginning of 2023. An important aspect of Anja's position is employee management.
There are also exciting challenges associated with digitalization and the introduction of new standards and processes, especially in terms of employees' ability to adapt to new systems. Regular training, especially is important and promotes joint progress. Integrating new systems into existing structures requires creativity and flexibility. In this case, it is essential to involve employees in the development process.
Passion for the development of talent
What Anja enjoys most is seeing talents grow and being able to support them in the process. "I really enjoy recognizing and promoting potential in employees," she explains. She is particularly proud of the fact that all of her former trainees have remained with the Group and have embarked on exciting career paths.
Anja advises young people to have more confidence in themselves. "You should recognize and develop your own strengths," is her advice to her younger self. She is convinced that everyone can make an important contribution to the company's progress in their own role in order to make collaboration more sustainable and progressive.
Opportunities and challenges
For Anja, digitalization is the key to innovation and efficiency. Almost every area of Anja's work environment has been modernized, from invoice processing and controlling to repair documentation and communication processes. Anja's job has changed a lot in recent years. "We wouldn't get anywhere today with the management style of 20 years ago," she says. As a modern manager, she wants to support and encourage her employees.
An open feedback and error culture are essential today. "Issues such as sustainability, diversity and compliance influence all decisions today," adds Anja.
Demographic change is also a challenge: "It is now much more difficult to find, motivate and retain good staff," explains Anja. The ability to work in a team and flexibility are more important than ever.
Resilience and optimism as a recipe for success
Anja approaches tasks with honest analysis, transparency and open communication. A management position brings with it many challenges, not least as a woman in a working world that is still male-dominated. What has she learned? "To always approach problems with a dose of resilience in the face of possible setbacks and not to let challenges upset you," says Anja. She meets challenges with joy and optimism and constantly questions familiar approaches in order to actively contribute to progress.