FLEXIBLE WORK AND PRIVATE LIFE

My name is Jennipher and I have been with Vitesco Technologies/Continental already for 22 years. Since July, I am Head of Technical Project Excellence for Vitesco Technologies Engineering Strategy & Performance. I am going to share some insights on how working abroad and adapting my working style helped me to have a good work-life balance.

Which challenges do you cope with at the moment?

The main challenge is the incredible transformation we are going through. Our clearly defined target to become a 'Leader in Electrified Solutions' and the new central Engineering organization* basically affects everyone around me as all my engineering colleagues are being transitioned into the new organization.

On a personal level, my delegation in Nuremberg ended at the end of 2020. I moved back to the US, but I did not go back to Newport News. I moved to Auburn Hills with my family - and all of this during the pandemic. I am in the middle of a huge transition myself but I love it. I embrace change and prefer the exciting times. And I especially love being able to help in forming the new organization.

How do you manage your work-life balance?

For me, being able to work flexibly is very important. As I deal with a lot of global topics, I work early in the morning to connect with my European and Asian colleagues. In the afternoon, I spend time with my kids before I start working again in the evening.

Before going to Germany, I wasn’t always able to let go of work during time off. I would use some of the weekends to catch up or during vacations, I would often check emails or attend a few meetings to stay in touch, which is what a lot of Americans do. In Germany, there is different mindset about personal time. Living there ultimately reminded me how important it is to really unplug when not at work, at least most of the time 😉.

Do you have a career tip that you would like to share?

I would like to encourage everyone to try new challenges and don't be afraid of failing. Even if you do fail, you will most definitely learn and grow from it. So, take the risk, it will be worth it.

*The strong growth in the worldwide electrification market, the strategy of Vitesco Technologies is based on, lately has not only confirmed itself, but even accelerated. Vitesco Technologies reacts on this determined and consequently with a new central research & development department (VT Engineering). Its main objectives are to eliminate double work, to create synergies, and to deploy resources and competencies more flexibly to ensure maximum customer focus. Furthermore technical employees get expanded opportunities to develop, sharpen and master key competencies in various electrification technologies.

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