Jutta Kraus

“People can develop at Continental”

How long have you been employed at Continental?
I started my training at Continental on December 1, 1967.

What is a typical work day like for you? Is there such a thing?
I come to the office in the morning and first read e-mails–both those for my boss as well as my own. The reason is: In my position, it's important to be informed about everything that's going on. I am also responsible for schedule coordination, the preparations and follow-up for travel, as well running my supervisor's office.

Which has been your most exciting assignment so far at Continental?
I have already worked for several members of the Executive Board, each time getting to know new and interesting tasks. Working for Mr. Friedland was particularly exciting and my present job with Mr. Wente. Both members of the board were, and are, responsible for other divisions or functions–besides the HR sector. As a result, I was able to acquire useful knowledge outside the field of personnel.

You have been employed at Continental since the late 1960s. How has the company changed in this time?
Continental has grown steadily and constantly opened up new markets. In my early years, 30,000 employees at most worked for the company–most of them in Lower Saxony. Today, Continental employs nearly 130,000 workers at 190 locations in 35 countries.
Communication across the levels of the corporate hierarchy has improved considerably.

How important is teamwork for you?
Teamwork is critical for productive collaboration. However, it's important for teamwork to be based on reciprocity.

Which talents should people have in order to work successfully at Continental?
In my position, you have to be able to deal with people. The trick is not to put yourself in the foreground, but to see yourself as part of the whole. Good social manners, organizational skill and passable English complete the profile.

Why should degree holders decide in favor of Continental?
We are a company that puts itself out for the concerns of its employees. Teamwork and mutual support are strongly in evidence at Continental. The growing internationalization is very attractive, particularly for my younger colleagues. Besides, Continental takes a politically neutral stance and has never attracted attention as the result of any scandals. I have always enjoyed working for the company.

How do you rate the career opportunities at Continental?
From what I observe as assistant to the Executive Board for HR matters, I can say that I see very good potential for development in the company. You are at home practically around the world with Continental. As a result of the divisions working in the most diverse fields, a variety of opportunities is available.

You have just touched on the international aspect. How important is this today?
The world is changing. Every company operating globally has to adjust to the changes in overall conditions and to increased international competition. For this reason, the international aspect is an important point.
I notice even in my private life that the world is continuing to draw closer together. I have a French sister-in-law, and many of my friends are in a relationship with French, Italians and Spanish. As a result, you learn a lot about other countries and customs, which is really very interesting.

How do you strike a balance between work, free time and family?
With a great deal of understanding from my personal environment and a partner who has always been supportive.