We had the opportunity to speak with Steffen about his experiences and perspectives at Berenberg. He has been working at Berenberg for 14 years and shared exciting insights into his work and his passion for social projects.
What do you love about your job?
Process management plays a central role in the efficiency and competitiveness of companies. You work directly on optimising processes, which has a direct impact on business results. I particularly enjoy working with the various and completely different departments within the organisation. This fosters a deep understanding of different aspects of the bank and provides the opportunity to build a broad network within the organisation.
What is it that you love about working for Berenberg?
Berenberg combines a rich history with a strong focus on modern financial services. The combination of tradition and innovation is therefore particularly appealing. In contrast to large banks, private banks often work with a more exclusive and personalised client base. Process management in such an environment requires customised solutions, which can make the job more varied and fulfilling. Berenberg offers a stable and secure working environment with attractive compensation and benefits. The co-operation with colleagues ensures a pleasant working atmosphere. In addition, I have been able to volunteer for over 12 years as a board member of the BerenbergKids Foundation, which supports disadvantaged children and young people in a variety of ways. This is an exciting and very nice balance to my actual job and fills me with deep satisfaction and joy.
What skills, characteristics or behaviours do you possess that have helped you thrive in your role?
Willingness to learn: Openness to new ideas and continuous learning are crucial. I have always tried to develop new skills and expand my knowledge.
Adaptability: In a dynamic working environment, it is important to be flexible to change and adapt quickly to new situations.
Communication skills: Communicating clearly and effectively not only helps to avoid misunderstandings, but also to give and receive constructive feedback.
Problem-solving orientation: I see challenges as opportunities to develop creative solutions and improve processes.
Initiative: Being proactive and able to take responsibility has helped me to initiate new projects and develop my role.
Ability to work in a team: Success often requires working with others. By working cooperatively and supporting colleagues, I was able to achieve not only my own goals but also those of the team.
Commitment and passion: Working at the BerenbergKids Foundation requires a strong passion for social justice and the well-being of children and young people. This commitment motivates us to continue our efforts even in difficult times.
What has been your best experience at Berenberg?
My biggest milestone at Berenberg was the successful implementation and integration of process management software into daily operations, which led to significant improvements in the efficiency and transparency of work processes. The project was not only completed on time, but also contributed significantly to the modernisation of process management at Berenberg. A significant milestone in my voluntary work at the BerenbergKids Foundation was to increase the annual donation amount to over 260,000 euros and to have now supported a total of over 250 supported projects with a total donation amount of over 1.5 million euros.
These milestones were particularly significant for me personally, as it put the combination of my project management, communication and innovation skills to the test and ultimately led to success, as well as helping to realise the foundation's mission and offer children a tangible perspective for a better future.
What surprised you the most about Berenberg once you started working here?
It was fascinating to see how dynamically Berenberg operates and can adapt to the market environment. Another surprising aspect was the strong “DU culture” and the many very helpful colleagues. I was also impressed by the many cultural backgrounds at Berenberg.
What has Berenberg done to invest in your professional or personal development?
After a long period abroad, Berenberg offered me the opportunity to work in the banking environment again. I was supported right from the start by my managers, who placed a lot of trust in me, e.g. by giving me responsibility or complex subject areas. Offers such as internal and external training courses, workshops and seminars helped me to acquire new skills. The assumption of personnel responsibility and the opportunity to significantly develop the bank's process management, as well as the social commitment of my voluntary activities as part of the foundation's work, therefore promote my professional and personal development in a variety of ways.