Interview with Katharina (45), commercial profit center manager in the Overhead Line Construction business unit
Originally, Katharina had applied for a position as project assistant in civil engineering. But during the interview, her unbridled ambition made such an impression that she not only started with us as a commercial project manager but now even takes care of the administration of the commercial side of a profit center.
Katharina, what does your everyday work look like?
Two weeks a month, I am intensively involved in the month-end closing and monitoring of the project evaluations: What is the projects’ status? Is everything there or finished on time? Will we achieve our goals? Are the incoming payments correct? Because of that, I am in contact with the project managers a lot, but I also have a lot of spreadsheets open on my PC. I still support the project managers in everything related to numbers for large projects. And I also like sneak a peek during the onboarding process of new colleagues. Despite all this, I still make sure to continue to visit the construction site – after all, I used to be a commercial project manager and was out there almost every week. Now I try to be on site at least for construction consultations on large projects in order to maintain personal contact, both with our people and with the project participants on the customer side.
You mentioned that you used to work as a commercial project manager. Would you like to tell us a little about your early career and how you got to where you are today?
I originally worked in road construction and didn’t really deal much with numbers but instead with deploying equipment and staff for new construction sites every day. After my time there and a parental leave period during which I only worked part-time, I wanted to do something for my career again. Funny enough, I had originally applied for a completely different position at EQOS, a job as project assistant in civil engineering. However, during the interview, my current supervisor suggested that I become a commercial project manager instead. Actually, it was never even in the cards for me to work on site and to be on the road for my job so much. But I had the full support of my family and, since I wanted to change gears in my career anyway, I accepted the offer, contrary to my own expectations. During my onboarding training, I was able to get to know many locations and areas and look over the shoulders of others, from calculations to property management to technical drafting. I established contacts, got to know people and then, after four months, I got the green light to supervise projects and go out to the construction site.
That sounds like a good start. How did you get on with us?
My position didn’t previously exist in this form in our profit center. So the big question was: What are my responsibilities? Where can I provide meaningful support and relief to the project and construction managers? A good way to do this was to spend a lot of time with them out in the field, so I could understand and keep track of everything that was important. Since I don’t have a background in overhead line construction, it was very important to me to understand both the terminology and what is actually being done. I used the time to learn both the technical and the commercial aspects. I really got into it, but I also got help from colleagues who explained and showed me things.
And then you moved straight into management?
Yes, it started for me at the start of 2025. The position of commercial profit center manager was restructured, and as part of this I was asked whether I would prefer to continue in project management or move into commercial management. Again, I received a lot of encouragement from the team and upper management, because I wondered in view of my previous career where I would get the expertise for this. But I trusted their words that I could do it. The deal was, “You show me what I will be facing and I will give it a try.” Then it quickly became clear that the career change was possible and realistic for me. Of course, it was also a lot of work. I was being trained on the job and simultaneously completed a training course as IHK-certified construction project manager in overhead line construction (for myself and my own further education). But I’m also someone who likes to be able to do everything right straight away, so I put in the time and effort accordingly.
“Nobody holds you back here.”
You really powered through during your time with us. Do you have a secret recipe for dealing with stress?
No, I think I need the stress. (She laughs.) In fact, I get cranky when things get boring. A job that offered me no challenges or only routine tasks would be my downfall. So, I don’t actually experience it as stressful. Even at home, I never really sit still; I like to feel wired. Recently, I was asked if it was possible to upset me in any way, and my answer was “No, that’s not going to happen.” I’m always in a good mood and motivate myself. I have found a job here that I enjoy, and ever since I joined EQOS, I feel much more balanced. And when I do get stuck, I just grab my dog, go for a walk, and then get back to the task with renewed energy.
Is there anything you wish for the future?
No, I don’t have any more wishes, I’m completely satisfied. I have familiarized myself with what was a new world for me, so my workload has now decreased a little and I feel confident in what I say and do. And I think that’s really cool, I’m really proud of myself. Nevertheless, I experience something new every day, so I am still a long way away from saying, “Now I’d like to do a training course to get some fresh input.” I am really enjoying this feeling of having arrived.
And, looking back, is there anything in particular you would like to highlight?
My EQOS highlight is that I was offered the job and given the opportunity to prove myself and to realign myself. That they took the time to train me and trusted that I could do it. I am glad I took the step and applied with EQOS. I have never been included to this extent before, and we have a very good working relationship. What more could you want?