Networking***** highly recommend it

Networking events are great opportunities to meet people in your industry, reconnect or introduce others to the network. To some extent it feels like a reunion of former colleagues, who throughout my career worked towards a common goal.

For example, the BMW Supplier Diversity event gives the opportunity to exchange knowledge, trends, discuss common challenges and learn. We are all here for the same reason: To build a remarkable car.

For anyone who has lived through a launch, you will know that a successful launch comes at the cost of many hours, stress levels to the max, and sometimes overcoming the impossible to get this car built. It can feel like organized chaos. I have worked at a Tier 1 supplier myself – I get it! It builds a certain bond in a team that reminds me of earlier days of living the military life. Comradery through battle! (I know we are not soldiers, risking our lives, but you get the idea).

As I mingled with different people at the cocktail hour, I realized that I have known some of these people for nearly 20 years! I was able to see some move up in the ranks to become successful leaders. Their children are grown, and we are exchanging updates on where they are now. Then I get to spend time with young professionals whom I hired as interns a few years ago and are now rapidly climbing the career ladder. I can’t help but feel a sense of pride when I see this, and I can’t wait to see what their future holds.

Seeing people succeed makes my heart happy – after all, my job is to recruit qualified talent, open doors to opportunities and make sure candidate and client are happy.

I love my job!