EARLY TALENTS INITIATIVE

Our Early Talents Initiative targets “outside of the box” talents with long-term executive potential. Gain valuable perspectives from Michaela and YeonSeong, participants in our internal program.

When did you start working for Vitesco Technologies? What role do you have in the company?

Michaela: I have been part of Vitesco Technologies since the very first day. ​Over the last five and a half years, I have worked in various fields of e-mobility. I started as a supply chain manager and later moved into Purchasing department. Since January 2023, I have been leading a team in Advanced Purchasing for the Charging & Energy Controls product line. In August, a new chapter started for me in the Strategy & Business Development area.

YeonSeong: Since 2017, I have been working as a test engineer at the Icheon plant in South Korea. As an industrial test engineer, I am responsible for automatically testing various electronic functions using equipment that are difficult for humans to detect defects in mass production. I oversee the function test, stress test, and flashing processes for various product groups, such as the Engine Management System and Inverter. For product testing, I configure the hardware of the equipment and build the software for the test program.

What drew you to participate in the Vitesco Technologies Early Talents Initiative?

Michaela: I joined this program because I’m passionate about growing - both personally and professionally. The offered trainings were a great way to build on my skills and learn new things. Additionally, the mentorship offered invaluable guidance and support. Overall, I felt it was a great step to prepare for future challenges and opportunities.

YeonSeong: I participated in the Early Talents Initiative because its "Outside of the box" target seemed like a great opportunity to grow from a test engineer to an operations manager. I counted on diverse perspectives from participants due to their varied backgrounds, like different regions, cultures, and positions. I knew this program would help me develop the wide range of perspectives and experiences needed for an operations manager through conversations and shared tasks with peers. So, to gain this experience, I applied to the Early Talents Initiative.

 

What are your career aspirations, and how do you see the Early Talents Initiative helping you achieve them?

Michaela: My career aspiration is to attain a role where I can significantly influence the company's direction and success. I am passionate about e-mobility and aim to contribute to Vitesco Technologies role as pioneers and leaders in (E-)Motion. The Early Talents Initiative provides valuable networking opportunities and visibility within the organization. Personally, it has helped me develop a clear and actionable career development plan.

YeonSeong: I want to become an Asia & Pacific operations manager with both technical knowledge and management skills. As an engineer, I have a lot of plant-related technical knowledge. I believe that once my management skills improve, I can become an Asia & Pacific operations manager with a broader perspective. Through the Early Talents Initiative, I have enhanced my communication and management skills with the Development Seminar program. I feel like I am getting closer to my career dream.

How has participating in the Early Talents Initiative impacted your professional experience?

Michaela: The program has supported me to explore the idea of increasing my knowledge with a cross move. I am thrilled to help develop new strategies and find growth opportunities for our company within my new role as Business Development Manager.

YeonSeong: Through this program, I learned new skills and strategies and how to apply them to real work. The various projects and assignments helped me develop my problem-solving and creative thinking skills. Building on these skills, I developed the ability to lead and collaborate effectively across teams. Additionally, the networking opportunities in the Early Talents Initiative allowed me to continuously communicate and share knowledge with experts in various fields. This has helped me explore and apply solutions to current challenges.

Looking back, what has been the most rewarding aspect of the Early Talents Initiative?

Michaela: My personal highlight is to have Thomas Stierle as my mentor. I am thankful for his extensive experience, support in defining my next career steps, and valuable advice. Even though he has a heavily loaded schedule, I appreciate a lot that he still takes time today for exchanges and continues to support me.​ Additionally, the lively exchange among participants provided excellent networking opportunities. We had regular catch-up calls and even organized a regular "Afterwork F2F meet-up" for German-based colleagues.

YeonSeong: The entire process of the program was great. The Early Talents Initiative provided me with essential experiences to grow professionally, understand and contribute to the organization's vision and goals. Through the Self-Presentation experience, I gained clarity about my past, and through career development plan, I figured out what I want to be in the future. Meeting a mentor allowed me to get answers to many of my questions. Conducting development seminars with other peers prepared me to strengthen my capabilities as a future leader and contribute to sustainable growth.

Would you recommend your colleagues to participate in a professional development program? If yes, please share your thoughts.

Michaela: Absolutely, for everyone that likes to grow!​ What I value a lot about development programs is the exchange with people beyond your daily life, but with a similar mindset. This atmosphere creates a valuable network and fosters creative interaction, while getting more transparency into others' areas.​ Working for a company that values dedication and passion while encouraging its employees is truly inspiring!

YeonSeong: There are several reasons why I highly recommend to my colleagues participating in professional development programs. First, the program strengthens your ability to collaborate and lead within and across teams. From my experience, I developed my problem-solving skills through projects and assignments and learned how to communicate and collaborate effectively in a diverse work environment. Secondly, the program offers networking opportunities, allowing you to connect and share knowledge with professionals from other departments. Lastly, these programs are extraordinary experiences that help you grow personally and achieve your organization's goals.

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