structural development

Hello!

Today we introduce Kristin Freudenberg, a new strategic controller in the STARK team at ENO. Kristin has always had an affinity for mathematics and technology: after graduating from high school with an advanced course in mathematics, she became a qualified industrial engineer (mechanical engineering) and wrote her thesis at Siemens in Görlitz.

After her studies, she started at Bombardier Transportation in Görlitz, most recently she worked as a technical project manager for a French company in Germany, Switzerland and Poland.  

Dear Kristin, first of all a question that you will probably be asked more often: what does a "strategic controller" do and is there a German term for your job? What do you have to learn or study for it?  

Controlling means in German: to steer, direct, regulate, monitor. The core task of the controller is the planning, management and control of business processes. T he strategic controlling is less about managing the budget based on numbers and more about controlling the processes within the projects.  So, for example, which tools - that is, "tools", which in our case actually means computer programs - do we use, and do we use them correctly and well? Or: how does cross-project coordination work? Are we doing the right thing with our projects in relation to the market, where are adjustments needed? I don't think there is ONE course that a controller must have studied, but skills are important: you have to recognize connections, have strategic thinking, and a certain affinity for numbers and mathematics is a must. After all, in my area it's also about logical connections.

You traveled the world, worked internationally for many years and are now back in your home town of Görlitz, as a native of Schöpstal.  

What did you miss the most when you were "out there"?  

And what not at all? 

I was abroad for the longest consecutive time after my studies: 12 months in Australia and New Zealand, and then another 2 semesters to study in France (Grenoble). What I missed most was our culture and that feeling of home, that is, having friends and family around you. I also love the nature around Görlitz, especially in Upper Lusatia. What I didn't miss at all was the German food. I love sushi and the best sushi I've eaten so far was in Canada (Vancouver) and in Poland (Katowice).  

Love - a good cue. You have always been a woman with a love of numbers and technology, you are a graduate industrial engineer. What advice can you give girls and young women who are interested in STEM subjects – after all, these are still male domains to this day?  

As a woman, you shouldn't be afraid to assert yourself. If you show performance, it is respected and recognized, then you can also assert yourself well among men.   

Welcome to the ENO, dear Kristin!