Mareike H. started as an apprentice at Berenberg in 2015 and now leads a team in London as Head of Core Banking Projects. In the following, she shares fascinating insights into her career journey and experiences in IT.
What do you love about your job?
What I appreciate most about my job is the diversity and strategic relevance of my tasks. In Corporate Banking Technology, we operate in a dynamic environment with constantly evolving challenges. It’s exciting to develop and implement innovative IT solutions. I particularly enjoy the close collaboration with various teams – from business units to development teams and external partners. The projects are complex and often based on regulatory requirements. Seeing a project grow from an idea through planning and implementation to a successful deployment gives me a great sense of personal satisfaction.
What is it that you love about working for Berenberg?
What I particularly appreciate about my work at Berenberg is the combination of strong team spirit, dynamic innovation, and the opportunity to work independently. The team spirit at Berenberg is outstanding. I work with dedicated colleagues who are eager to share their knowledge and experience, collaborating to find the best solutions together. I am also inspired by the dynamism and innovative strength of the bank. Berenberg is deeply rooted in centuries-old tradition, yet has maintained a remarkable level of flexibility. Another advantage is Berenberg's flat hierarchy. Decisions are made quickly, and the responsibility I am entrusted with is a great source of motivation for me. This blend of responsibility, trust and freedom makes Berenberg an employer that I enjoy working for and with whom I would like to grow together.
What surprised you the most about Berenberg once you started working here?
I started my career at Berenberg as an IT apprentice. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I was recognised as a full member of the team. My colleagues dedicated a lot of time to training me, and I was soon given my own tasks and responsibilities. Additionally, I hadn’t expected the flat hierarchies and fast decision-making processes in such a traditional bank. This flexibility has been crucial in helping us respond to new challenges quickly and drive complex topics forward efficiently.
What has Berenberg done to invest in your professional or personal development?
Berenberg has encouraged and supported my personal and professional development in many ways. From my start as an apprentice to my current role as team leader of ‘Core Banking Projects’, I have always been given the opportunity to build up new knowledge and skills through external training courses. A major advantage was the financial support for my part-time bachelor's degree. The bank not only relieved me financially, but also showed a lot of understanding for the additional workload. Berenberg also supported my wish to pursue a subsequent full-time master's degree in the UK. I was given the opportunity to transfer to the Berenberg office in London and reduce my hours to part-time. This support has not only given me the opportunity to further my academic education, but also to continue my professional development at Berenberg and gain valuable international experience.