Farina Mehmel

“At Continental, you learn for life”

You completed your training at Continental. Which occupation did you study?
Businesswoman for Office communication.

Why did you decide to take your training at Continental?
Continental is an international company and offers a wide range of opportunities for career advancement. The work is varied and covers many aspects. I would take my training again here any time.

How did Continental support you during your training?
There was a one-week trip to England at the start of the training. We learned presentation techniques, for example, and how to work with the MS Office package. I also need to emphasize: The training instructor prepared us full-time for two weeks for the final examinations.

What is a typical work day like for you? Is there such a thing?
There isn't really a typical work day. While I was in training, that was certainly due to the fact that I was assigned to various departments. In my current position, the tasks depend on the particular day. They are typical team assistance tasks, like booking trips, for example, processing contracts or general support.

What has been your most exciting task on the job so far?
While I was in training, I created a guide to China with several of my female colleagues for employees who travel to China for Continental. Just the research was exciting, and I learned a great deal about the country and its unique characteristics. Besides, I was able to enhance my PowerPoint skills.

Which skills and knowledge should people bring who want to have a career at Continental?
In a global corporation like Continental, it is very important to be open to new cultures. In addition, you should have a certain degree of flexibility and be very self-motivated.

How do you rate the career opportunities at Continental?
I see very good opportunities. You have the opportunity to continue developing professionally and you can count on assistance from the corporation. At the present time, I am completing my studies for a Bachelor of Business Administration, in parallel to my work. Continental pays my tuition for me. 

How does teamwork at Continental manifest itself? 
Teamwork is very important. I am always dependent on the people I work with. There was great value placed on teamwork during our training. We trainees constantly worked on projects together. Before exams, we often used to help each other when studying. When you work together as closely as that, friendships develop away from work

How important is the experience of being abroad? Have you had a chance to gain this kind of experience?
During my training, I spent a month in Romania and a total of four weeks in England. I think experience abroad is very important. You learn a great deal about other cultures and also understand the way of working in other countries better. Experiences like that make it a great deal easier to work together with other cultures, in your professional as well as in your personal life.

How do you strike a balance between work, free time and family?
That is not very easy as a result of my current double load. I have only two free afternoons and the weekend. So it's hard to find the right balance, but generally the load is manageable. After all, I am pursuing a goal that always motivates me to give my best.   

How do you spend your free time?
Before I started my course of studies, I performed in the theater for several years, but unfortunately there's no time at the moment. But I have played goalie on the women's soccer team at Continental in Frankfurt.

How do you envision your professional future?
I would like to work in Marketing & Sales later. I would also like to work abroad for a while after my course of studies is complete.