LANXESS Mentoring Program – A component to our success
Career in focus
“With the support of the LANXESS Mentoring Program, I was able to reach the next step in my career even faster! Previously, my position as Head of Marketing & Sales was filled by more experienced colleagues. When I read the job description, I gathered all my courage and applied. It worked out!"
When I saw the job description for Head of Marketing & Sales, and I thought, "This is MY job. MY chance!" But I am relatively young with limited experience. So far, the position has been filled by more experienced people. I was doubtful at first. I had many questions in my mind.
I discussed my thoughts with my mentor. He immediately supported me, encouraged me and pulled me out of my comfort zone. My mentor shared many of his experience as a leader. He gave tips on how to successfully enter my position as a leader and what to focus on. His advice on dealing with colleagues from different regions was particularly helpful. Now, I lead an international team with employees in EMEA and USA.
My mentor, with his many years of international experience, pointed out to me that it is important to concentrate on certain manners depending on cultural customs. That was very helpful in the initial phase!
For about a year and a half, I have been a mentee in the LANXESS Mentoring Program. It has definitely supported me to develop myself further. I am beyond grateful to LANXESS and especially to my mentor for this opportunity.
My tip for the readers:
If you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything. Leaving your comfort zone may be challenging, but you will benefit from it. Afterwards, you will be proud of yourself and your success.
Transation of experience broadens perspective
"I'm not really a networking person, but mentoring is very good for building a network, sharing experiences and new perspectives. It's good to know you always have a point of contact."
When I started working in IT at LANXESS around three and a half years ago, it was important for me to get to know the corporate culture. Who can I turn to if I have questions? Who is responsible for what? These were my questions. I obviously needed a network. But, that had to be built up first. My mentor, supported me in this.
For network building, the LANXESS Mentoring Program is great. I looked for a mentor who also works in controlling. I like to exchange ideas with people who share the same technical vocabulary. Through my mentor, I got to know many other departments and people, this expanded my network even more.
But I was also able to explore topics such as the feedback culture with him. For example, I wanted to understand more precisely how to evaluate the personal feedback of my supervisor. It's important to assess that correctly. My mentor helped me with this and I'm grateful for that.
My tip to the readers:
Don't be falsely shy. Everyone needs the support of experienced colleagues when making a new start. A mentor supports you, is there for you if you have questions, and also porvides a change of perspective. Sometimes the world looks different through another pair of glasses.
Off to Pittsburgh
"It is important to me that my mentor is authentic, open-minded and cooperative. Not too formal. So that you can also exchange ideas over a coffee or lunch."
Our focus topics are career opportunities, internal projects and also political and macroeconomic topics. My mentor supported me during my last job change, among other things. He gave me advice on how to prepare for the new position, as well as cultural tips. I have now been working at the LANXESS site in Pittsburgh, USA, since the beginning of 2022. My long-term assignment is scheduled for three years. In many ways I am looking forward to my new position and the learning experiences. It is a significant milestone in my career. A childhood dream came true to live in the USA for a while. Therefore, I am beyond grateful to my mentor, with whom I am still in contact.
Because I owe a lot to the LANXESS Mentoring Program, I would also like to share my personal and professional experiences in the future. I enjoy the business transfer, the exchange between generations and sharing situations in everyday working life. The LANXESS Mentoring Program has been very beneficial for my personal and professional development. I recommend it to everyone.
My tip to the readers:
Learning is important and never stops. Take the opportunities for further development that are offered to you. Be proactive!
Learning never stops
The professional and personal development of our employees matters to us - because learning takes place throughout a lifetime. This is why LANXESS offers numerous other learning and development opportunities for everyone in addition to the LANXESS Mentoring Program.
Are you curious now? You can find out more about LANXESS as an employer on our career site.
