Maximilian Schwaiger

“Continental is a company with terrific products—and terrific opportunities” 

How long have you been employed at Continental?
Since April, 2008

What is a typical work day like for you? Is there such a thing?
In my job, I oversee the purchase and sale of companies and/or parts of companies through to completion. The M&A division operates here like an in-house consultancy, offering colleagues in the operating division process-side assistance in transactions. One of my assignments, besides managing transaction projects, is the analysis of potential acquisition targets. I also coordinate the different teams, keep tabs on due diligence reviews and negotiate contracts.
There is no such thing as a “typical work day” in M&A. New and exciting assignments await me every day, requiring great flexibility. If I don’t happen to be traveling at the time, the day is marked by coordination meetings and conference calls with international colleagues. Coordination and communication among the colleagues involved is a central element of my work.

Why should someone decide in favor of Continental as an employer?
Continental is a company that is continually changing. Twenty years ago it was still a tire and rubber specialist, but today Conti is one of the world's leading automotive suppliers. The product range extends from innovative high-tech solutions for the fastest and most expensive cars in the world, to hoses and V-belts installed in almost every “white-bread” car. In the industrial field, Continental offers technically sophisticated and impressive solutions, such as the kilometer long conveyor belts used in the largest mines worldwide.
Continental is a global player and offers its employees the opportunity to continue to develop and grow with it. This makes the company very interesting and attractive to me.

Which skills and knowledge should people bring for a career at Continental?
As I see it, being motivated and open are the most important qualities. You can learn an awful lot in a corporation like Continental. It's important, though, that you remain open to this and display the requisite initiative. Beyond that you should also be prepared to assume responsibility early on.

How do you rate the career opportunities at Continental?
The opportunities for development at Continental are varied and exciting, as are its customers and products. But you should have a clear idea of what you yourself would like to achieve.

Have you worked abroad for a period in your life? How important are experiences like that for day-to-day work?
I was born in the U.S. and lived there for 12 years. I also lived in Spain for several months and studied for half a year in Sweden. At the end of my studies, I took a three-month trip around the world. Naturally, these international experiences have influenced me.
In general, extended stays abroad are very important for those working in a corporation with international operations – like Continental. I work with colleagues from various countries. Apart from the language component, it is primarily a matter of bridging cultural differences.

How important is teamwork for you?
The teamwork factor is fundamental in my job, particularly when working together with other departments or outside consultants.

How do you manage to establish a balance between work, free time and family?
I am very satisfied with my work-life balance. My work hours are absolutely OK, and on weekends I have enough time to devote to my spare time activities.

How do you spend your free time?
I try to get together with friends as often as possible. Since I have already lived in a lot of cities and countries, that's not always so easy—but very fascinating and always a challenge.

How do you envisage your professional future?
I would like to continue to develop within Continental. At present, my work in a central function gives me a lot of pleasure and it's a great challenge. However, I can well imagine a switch to the operations side.