Manuel Stammler

"Continental offers excellent opportunities for professional development on my own terms"

How did you find us?
In 2006, I completed a semester abroad with Siemens VDO in Singapore. After that, I worked as a working student in the same company. In conjunction with it, I was admitted into the student support program TOPAZ offered by Siemens. After Continental AG took over Siemens I was integrated into the Continental ProMotion program for practical training. In 2008, I wrote my diploma with Continental Automotive GmbH in the interior division. Then I applied for a position with the ContiTech Management Program. 

What does a typical workday look like for you? Is there such a thing?
It is in fact not that simple to speak of a typical workday in my case, because my job has so many different aspects to it. However, there are several core tasks that I need to tackle. As a part of my day-to-day tasks I’m responsible for our Asian customers and I work closely with our locations there.

What functions do you find the most interesting?
What I find most interesting about my work in business development is its wide variety. My responsibilities involve sales and distribution, marketing and strategy on an international scale.

You are completing the ContiTech Management Program. Why did you apply to take part in this program?
I saw the ContiTech Management Program as an excellent opportunity for a career entry. Among the reasons are, for instance, the typical program highlights and the ideal development opportunities with management responsibilities early on.

Why pick Continental as your employer?
As leader in the automotive as well as non-automotive business segments, Continental AG enjoys an excellent reputation in the market place. The wide variety of product lines and its broad scope of business interests offer each employee the best conditions to further advance his or her career.

Which skills and qualities are decisive for a successful career with Continental?
Determination, flexibility, capacity for teamwork and self-reliance are the key basic conditions. Each new assignment and challenge should provide the opportunity to realize one’s full potential.

What is your opinion on the career opportunities offered at Continental?
Continental offers very appealing prospects for professional and personal development. Last but not least thanks to its excellent development program for its personnel with worldwide career opportunities. Continental also offers excellent opportunities for interns and students working toward their diploma. With a solid work ethic and a high level of commitment, your chances for getting a professional start with the company are excellent.

How important is teamwork to you?
These days it is impossible to succeed without teamwork. And yet, in doing so you have to choose your own path and achieve good personal results.

How do you balance work with leisure time and family?
This is in fact not always easy. Most of my family and friends live far away from where I currently work which makes it difficult to stay in touch with them.  I do not have a family of my own yet, but would like to someday. For the next few years, though, I plan to focus on my career.

How do you spend your time off?
Sports are my world, no matter if it’s swimming, bike racing or riding my motorcycle. Of course, I also like to meet with my friends to see a movie or go to a party.

How do you picture your professional future at Continental?
I am pleased and proud to complete the ContiTech Management Program. I want to use the opportunities of this program to reach my professional goals and to realize my full potential. For the short term I seek to take on another post abroad. For midrange and the long-term my objective is to be assigned a management position with leadership responsibilities.