Careers and Professional Development of Petra Hegglin and Julia Schafroth
Vocational training at ASSA ABLOY opens up many career opportunities. Targeted promotion of individual professional development gives junior staff the opportunity to advance into leadership positions at a young age. The career paths of Petra Hegglin and Julia Schafroth, both of whom joined ASSA ABLOY around ten years ago and now hold management positions, show what is the key to success.
Personal interest, a dose of courage and – vitally important – an appreciative environment that conveys confidence in an employee's abilities right from the start: That's how it was for Julia, who says that she experienced this positive atmosphere on the very first exploratory day. At the age of 25, she was asked whether she wanted to become team leader in the Duplicate Key department: "I was pretty overwhelmed, because I didn't expect that at all back then. I really appreciated the fact that I was given the opportunity and entrusted with these tasks." Petra also remembers the exact moment when she was offered the position of Head of Finance at the same age: "I've been interested in finance and accounting since I completed my Commercial Vocational Baccalaureate. So I knew right away that I wanted to accept this position."
Both women report that their initial concerns about not being taken seriously by older colleagues or customers in their new management roles turned out to be unfounded. Employees at ASSA ABLOY are respected very highly, which is a hugely valuable support for anyone who wants to continue their professional development: "There are many opportunities if you show interest and express a desire to learn more. I was always supported and encouraged. I found myself in an environment that I don't take for granted," Petra says.
Petra Hegglin (Head of Finance and Accounting)
Julia Schafroth (Team Leader for Duplicate Keys and Support)
She advises any young people starting their careers with similar dreams to find out as much as they can and not to hold back when it comes to asserting their own interests. Tackling new tasks and challenges with healthy self-confidence has also been the key to success for Julia. After all, this is how you show where your own strengths lie.