From Code to Coordination
My name is Raluca, and my journey began in Romania. For nearly eight years, I’ve been immersed in the intricate world of software development. Initially, I wore the hats of both a Software Developer and a Software Engineer—the thrill of crafting elegant code, the late-night debugging sessions, and the joy of seeing my creations come to life.
But life isn’t static, and neither was my career. At a pivotal moment, I decided to pivot. I traded my solo coding adventures for the exhilarating challenge of coordinating Software Teams in Romania first, then at some point switched to Germany. My re-location to Germany was like stepping onto a new dance floor—a new country, a new task, new colleagues. And Continental supported me in this re-location.
Continental: A Compass for Growth
Continental for me is not just a company; it’s my compass. Whenever I felt stuck on my career path or craved a change, I knew where to turn. My leader—more like a career confidante—was there. We’d sit down, chat over coffee (leaders from both locations, Romania and Germany), and brainstorm solutions. Together, we’d chart a course toward growth and fulfillment.
Wearing Different Hats
Within Continental, I’ve donned various roles, each adding a unique hue to my professional palette:
- Function Lead Engineer: I orchestrated the intricate dance of software functionalities ensuring they harmonized seamlessly.
- Software Project Manager: Here, I wielded my organizational wand, aligning timelines, resources, and goals.
- Release Train Engineer: My current role—a bridge between teams, stakeholders, and the bigwigs. I ensure smooth communication and interfacing between layers, which sometimes feels like close to conductor role guiding an orchestra.
Stagnation? Not here. Employees can explore different roles, departments, and even locations. It’s like a professional adventure—each twist and turn revealing new vistas. And the learning journey never ends. Continental invests in my growth—through workshops, courses, and mentorship programs. Whether you’re diving into latest autonomous mobility technologies or mastering project management, there’s always room to learn.
And in the end, for me it’s all about finding fulfillment. Because the teams I work with know their contributions matter. Continental values every voice, every effort. Time invested wisely, like a well-optimized algorithm.
Life Beyond the Cubicle
When I’m not juggling deadlines and sprint planning, I escape to my hometown. Four or five times a year, I pack my bags and head home. Why? Well, celebrations and my parents’ birthdays, of course! But my true escape? Horseback riding. It’s a lot like work—setting goals, communicating, and cooperating subtly with my equine partner. The rhythm of hooves on earth mirrors the rhythm of code in my mind.
The Human Touch
But it’s not just policies and programs; it’s the people. Continental fosters a culture of empathy and understanding. When life throws curveballs—a new baby, a family emergency, or personal growth—we find solutions together. Conversations with leaders aren’t just about KPIs; they’re about dreams, aspirations, and life beyond spreadsheets.
So, whether you’re coding algorithms, coordinating teams, or riding horses (yes, that too!), Continental’s got your back.
