Meet Verena

How long have you been working at Airbus?

I started working at Airbus as a temporary worker in 2013 and finally joined as an employee in 2016.

What inspired you to be a part of the aerospace sector?

I have always been fascinated by airplanes and by Airbus as an employer. Airbus and its aircraft production plants are very impressive and in my experience the tasks are very diverse and attractive.

Concerning the beginning of your career path at Airbus - what was the main drive that led you to apply and be part of this company?

I studied logistics and during my studies I was already very interested in how complex supply chains for aircraft are managed. I wanted to be part of it and contribute to the logistics challenges Airbus faces.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I love my job and its dynamics. It’s a mixture of office tasks and on-site activities. Every day is different. The project activities require well-founded logistics know-how, development, implementation, validation and review of heavy handling logistic concepts and full stakeholder management. The on-site activities primarily include different tests for user acceptance, transport,  major component loading and unloading, or equipment. 

These all make my work routine very exciting and challenging. Facing these tasks with a great team fills me with passion and joy.

Tell us about one of the most memorable experiences from your career at Airbus. What made it so special and unforgettable?

During my time at Airbus I have had some very special and memorable experiences - including developing my skills and growing my network. What I will always remember as very special were the conceptualizing project phases of the new warehouse SkyHUB for Single Aisle Aircraft cabin materials (such as galleys, seats and lavatories) in Hamburg, Germany. 

We had extensive requirements and during the concept development there were so many ideas and changes we had to realize. Step by step the project evolved into something big and unique. Very passionate people with great involvement made it a joyful and motivational journey which I am very proud of.

What is the most important advice you have been given, and is there any important advice you would like to give?

Be patient and persistent and you will achieve what you strive for! That’s some advice a colleague gave me in my early career and helped me very much in the last years when I struggled with unforeseen topics and challenges. Especially when you're starting your career at Airbus, keep this in mind because an aircraft isn’t built in a day and good things take time to evolve!

What has been one of the most empowering moments at Airbus?

A colleague from the jigs and tools department in Hamburg appreciated that he had never experienced such good and constructive cooperation before. With my expertise,  reliability, transparent communication and empathic skills, I contributed to great outcomes and very good problem solving solutions in challenging project phases. 

In some activities I am sometimes the only woman in a support function and this example showed that women can be empowering and highly appreciated team members. 

What is the most important message  you would like to send out to women considering a career in the aeronautic industry?

Teams work so much better when they are very diverse. In some areas the aerostructure industry is still male dominated and we urgently want women to join to enrich our work. We have so many great fields for women to work in and be part of. Start your journey here and create great outcomes! 

What are the benefits of working at Airbus?

There are so many benefits working at Airbus: We are building great products which always gives me goosebumps. I enjoy very good work conditions and a very supportive working environment as well as varied and interesting tasks and challenges. I am constantly learning, it never gets boring and additionally you have immense opportunities for further development.

And lastly,  the possibility to create a good balance between work and family as I can plan my days and weeks according to both company needs and my family needs. 

In what way do the values of Airbus relate to your own?

The WE ARE ONE value: We are a great and considering team, that pulls together and achieves our goals together. This really stands for me. I see myself and my work strongly in this team mentality and think projects and daily tasks will happen much more efficiently when we all work more team oriented and jointly. 

In my career and in my private life I have seen that team spirit makes the difference and the fun!

Do you have any hobbies? How do you enjoy spending your free time?

In my free time I love to be with my kids and adventure nature and outdoor activities like sailing, watersports, skiing, skating and hiking.

Any fun facts you’d like to share?

During my studies in logistics I did an internship in the Australian harbour of Adelaide in an office for container logistics and export and import. I was the first contact for Australian trucks and ships from all over the world and because of the very challenging Australian accent I had a laugh every day about myself and comprehensive listening - in the end a very funny experience.