Sven Scherneck

"Continental produces top quality products that we can be proud of"

How long have you worked at Continental?
Since September 2005.

How did you come to join the company?
I grew up near Hanover and four years ago I wanted to start training in industrial business management. Continental is one of the largest employers in the Hanover region and was my first choice.
Around a year ago, I completed my training and, since then, I have been studying business management at the University of Münster. However, I still maintain contact with the company. Last year, I completed two internships and have been an intern at Continental in Shanghai since August.

What is a typical work day like for you? Is there such a thing?
I completed my last internship in project management in human resources. We worked on the issue of short-time work. My previous internship was particularly exciting, as I was involved in organizing the Conti Running Day. There was no such thing as a typical working day there, as I had different tasks to work on every day.

Why should prospective employees choose Continental?
Continental is a major company in the innovative automotive industry and provides an opportunity to prove yourself in an international environment. Continental also offers its employees significant entrepreneurial scope. As a trainee and as an intern, I was given plenty of responsibility at an early stage.

What skills and knowledge are required for a career at Continental?
Of course, the specialist knowledge learned at university is fundamental. But I think that good relationships with your colleagues are even more crucial. The central role of teamwork and the intensive contact with other employees and customers make the interpersonal element absolutely vital.

How important is international experience for working at a corporation like Continental?
In general, I think that this kind of experience is extremely important – particularly in terms of the ability to deal with people from other cultural backgrounds. My internship at Continental in Shanghai has really helped me in this area. I can definitely see myself working in another country again after my studies.

How do you rate the career opportunities at Continental?
Based on my experiences, I would say that performance is always rewarded. Employees who show one hundred percent commitment always get on.   

What has been your most exciting task on the job so far?
As I already mentioned, organizing the Conti Running Day was very exciting and taught me a lot. I saw the whole event come into being and played an active part in its success. My time as an assistant to Executive Board member Heinz-Gerhard Wente was another very interesting experience.  

How do you strike a balance between university, work, free time and family?
It's not always easy to achieve a balance, particularly when I have exams or practical work. That’s why I always try to be as effective as I can in all areas of my life.  Ultimately, it’s all a questions of priorities and organization.

How do you spend your free time?
I try to relax by playing sport. I also spend a lot of time with my friends and enjoy cooking with my flat mates.

How do you envision your professional future?
First of all, I want to complete my studies. Then it will be all about finding a first position that will push me and constantly present me with new challenges. It’s also very important to me to have sufficient scope for private activities.