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Diversity is not just about a person’s origins, but also refers to an individual’s curriculum vitae which may not always follow a straight path. In particular, people seeking a career change bring a breath of fresh air and new perspectives to vehicle development and are highly valued colleagues at PSW.
Björn: A career change to a dream job
As a developer in the field of concept planning, Björn Bittler is responsible for the assembly sequence of the entire vehicle. In the interview below, the qualified orthopaedic technician talks about the challenges he faced when changing careers and why he has never regretted this step.
I really appreciate the way we work closely together. Teamwork is very important here.
Björn, how long have you been working at PSW?
I've been with the company since November 2011. My sister was already working at PSW. She heard about a vacancy and recommended me. I had the opportunity to introduce myself to my future boss, Klaus Kühner and was taken on. He placed a lot of trust in me right from the start, pushed me continuously and paved the way for me to be very successful.
What did you do before you started at PSW?
After leaving school I completed an apprenticeship as an orthopaedic technician in a medical supply store. I was responsible for the manufacture and repair of prostheses made of carbon fibre, metal and leather. After a while, I felt the need for more challenges, so I changed jobs and first went to Leitz and worked as a shift manager before working at an industrial paint shop in the quality management department.
How has your day-to-day work changed as a result of moving to the automotive industry?
My day-to-day work no longer includes working with my hands. I spend a lot of time at the computer evaluating data, running simulations and planning production steps. My everyday work is changing just as quickly as the digital world and its programs. And this is exactly what I enjoy so much about my new job!
What do you appreciate about working at PSW?
I really appreciate the way we work closely together. Teamwork is very important here. All members of staff are friendly and helpful, we try to achieve our goals together. I was welcomed with open arms and have always been supported throughout my professional development.
How did your colleagues react to the fact that you are a qualified orthopaedic technician?
To be honest, nobody has ever given me a funny look just because I originally come from a different industry. I've always been judged on my abilities and not on my past. If you make a career change, just like everyone else, you have to prove yourself. I take it as a compliment when colleagues even from other departments now contact me because they value my input.
What advice do you have for anyone thinking about a career change?
Don’t give up! Your own inner drive is what’s important. You have to want to make the change and persevere, even if you have had to deal with a setback, in the spirit of “every beginning is difficult.” It really helps to keep an open mind for new things. Accept the challenges and grow with them.
Would you take the step to join PSW again?
Absolutely. I've been a loyal PSW employee for over eleven years now – this alone shows that I'm in a very good place professionally and that I still really enjoy my work. I love and need challenges and am happy about the complexity that I have found here. Looking back, maybe I would have planned my career a little differently today, for example by studying mechanical engineering or engineering. Then the path might have been a little straighter. However, the goal would not have changed.
