Philipp, you have a great adventure ahead of you. After more than two years in Basel, you will be working in our Hong Kong branch from mid-March 2023. How did this big step become a reality?
It has always been my desire to gain work experience abroad, as I have already studied in Asia for a year and this experience has enriched me sustainably. During the job interview, I mentioned my interest in a stay abroad. In the course of my work, this was taken into account and ultimately implemented, which I am very happy about.Â
Schneider initially offered me the opportunity to work in our New York branch. But then I was asked to work for our subsidiary FIBS in Asia, for which I am predestined because of my language skills. I know the Chinese language, as my roots are also in China.Â
How have you prepared for your new life in Asia over the past few weeks?
In recent weeks, I have dealt intensively with the coming changes and with the move abroad. The formalities such as official matters, visas, deregistration with the municipality, health insurance, etc. I did this in cooperation with the company’s human resources department. Schneider has always actively supported me in the clarifications and preparations, as many things are more complex than you first think. Â
In my private life, I have many friends who would like to meet again to spend time together. That’s why I’m currently on the road very often and try to get everything under one roof before the departure is imminent.Â
What will your future workplace look like and what will your tasks be?
I have not yet been able to see my new workplace, but I firmly believe that it is very modern and up to date. Starting with the buildings, both the size of the city and daily life, there are big differences to Switzerland. Life in a metropolis is fundamentally different from my current life, which I am looking forward to and am already curious. Â
In Hong Kong, I will be working as a Business Development Manager, which includes customer acquisition and identifying the needs of existing customers. General sales-oriented activities and their implementation are also part of my tasks. Â
The induction phase is carried out by means of a procedure plan, whereby I am initially accompanied and supervised by my new supervisor in the initial period.Â
The areas of responsibility are very diverse and exciting, so I will be able to acquire a lot of new knowledge, which will help me in the future. I am convinced that I can apply my current know-how very well in Hong Kong, but that I will also learn a lot of new things.Â
What are you most looking forward to when you think about the coming years in Hong Kong?
Most of all, I am looking forward to the career prospects with my new employer and the support of our subsidiary to promote further development with a fairly newly founded company in Hong Kong and Asia.Â
I am also looking forward to meeting many new people to expand my network.Â
As I have my roots in China, I am looking forward to understanding and learning more about the culture and traditions.Â
What will you miss about your workplace in Basel?
I will miss my workplace in Basel very much. My colleagues from the overseas department have grown very dear to me and it will be difficult for me to say goodbye.Â
The team spirit is very strong, I don’t just see my colleagues as colleagues, they are more like a second family to me. We often did things together after work, such as having lunch together, having a beer after work or going to events together.Â
