Beyond the Plant: My Journey of Discovery
Hi, I’m Marianna Kšiňanová, a chemical engineer who recently completed the eXplore Tires Manufacturing Graduate Program. During this experience, I strengthened my skills in project management and cross-functional collaboration, while continuing to explore innovative ways to solve engineering challenges.
Whether it’s improving production efficiency, analyzing complex data, or working with teams to develop solutions, I enjoy applying creativity and a hands-on approach to engineering. Beyond my professional life, I’m a lifelong-learner with a passion for playing the piano and discovering new cuisines. I bring energy and precision to every task, always aiming to grow and contribute to success.
Hi Marianna! Can you walk us through your overall experience in the Graduate Program? And what aspects of the program did you enjoy the most?
The journey kicked off with the "Home Plant Phase," and what a ride it was! I started at the Púchov plant in Slovakia, immersing myself in production, shadowing employees, and tackling tasks across departments. This hands-on exposure helped me understand core processes and cross-departmental collaboration.
But just when things were getting comfy, a new twist arrived—a one-week trip to our Headquarters in Hannover! There, I met trainees from other locations and received our first a group project, where I improved my strategic thinking and teamwork. What I liked most was taking on new responsibilities, like coordinating a structured-problem-solving project, which strengthened my project management skills.
Next came the much-anticipated "Central Phase", stretching over 6 months. The first three months were still based at our home plants, but the real excitement started when we packed our bags and moved to Hannover for the other three months. This was where the real magic happened, as both - individual and group projects - took the challenge to a whole new level.
Could you describe a day in the life of a Graduate Trainee during your program, for both the home and central phase?
Each phase offered something different. At first, I shadowed a process engineer, learning about daily tasks like reviewing reports, addressing both short-term and long-term challenges, and working on projects. Other days, I was on the shop floor with team members from various departments—getting a well-rounded view of production and operations.
As for my best days, I actually have two! The first one was when we all met in Hannover for the first time. It felt like reconnecting with old friends, and it was amazing to share both work and personal stories with such a diverse group from Manufacturing, Engineering, IT, and more.
The second one was a bit more... eventful. In our free time, my colleagues and I went to a go-kart event in Hannover, and let’s just say it was an unforgettable experience! I took a little bump that left me with a small souvenir, but nothing serious. It’s definitely a story I’ll be telling for a while!
How did the setup of the program benefit your learning experience with regards to its structure, tasks and the feedback culture? And how would you describe the guidance provided by Continental?
The program’s structure was incredibly effective for my growth. Starting with rotations at the home plant helped me understand processes and departments firsthand. Then, balancing our first global project with ongoing plant responsibilities was a great introduction to project management and multicultural teamwork. When we shifted to central projects, it was challenging to leave my home plant duties behind, but it taught me resilience and the importance of setting boundaries.
Throughout, the feedback culture was strong—we were encouraged to give and receive feedback with both trainees and senior mentors. We were encouraged to not only give and receive feedback, but also actively applying it to improve. Continental provided solid guidance, always supporting us while fostering independence.
How has the program shaped your career aspirations and in what ways did the Graduate Program prepare you for the next step?
The Graduate Program really broadened my perspective. I started with a focus on production and engineering, but after experiencing different departments, I now see how all the pieces fit together. Knowing who works on what has already made me more efficient, because I can reach out to the right people when I need to get things done faster.
It has also taught me how to adapt to different roles and juggle responsibilities. Now, I’m ready to step into bigger challenges with the confidence that I can figure things out—whether it's learning new things, solving problems, or just surviving the occasional coffee shortage!
What advice would you give to new trainees who are about to join the program?
My advice is to take full advantage of this unique opportunity. Ask questions freely – people are more than willing to share their insights and help you understand their roles and responsibilities. In regular work life, you rarely get such access to different departments and employees, so use it to learn as much as you can.
Also, be proactive! If you want to spend more time with someone on the shop floor or explore a new area, just ask—chances are, they’ll be happy to help. Show your interest and initiative; as one wise fellow trainee said, “Just ask, and someone at Continental will have the answer!”
