The Revenant: A SeniorProfessional's Story
In the early summer of 1990, I made an important decision: after studying theoretical physics and working at RWTH Aachen University, I would join Uniroyal on September 1, 1990. Like many other people, I thought I would get a sense of how business and industry work and then switch to a “proper” job in two or three years’ time. But, as I learned, rubber sticks, and so I stayed in the tire world. The tasks and organizational developments were always varied enough that I never felt a serious urge to move to another company. After almost 32 years at Continental, I finally retired in May 2022. But this was not the end of my journey with the company…
Into and back out of retirement
I started out as a research scientist and then took on various group management roles such as development of original equipment and technical support for original equipment customers. I was actively involved in integrating the three tire development sites in Aachen, Stöcken and Traiskirchen at the Hanover-Stöcken location, was in charge of quality management – first at a production plant, then for the passenger car division – and was sent to the USA, where I became head of the “Tire Uniformity” expert field in August 2006. This enabled me to do what I had always wanted: combine my understanding of physics and mathematics with my professional communication skills.
In June 2023, after 14 months of full-time retirement, I received a request from Continental asking if I would be willing to work on a project for the Global Internal Audit team as a technical consultant. The topic matched my professional background perfectly, I was interested in the task and had the time for it – and so I returned to Continental as a part-time retiree in the role of a so-called “SeniorProfessional.” The working hours were 15 per week, with flexible scheduling in coordination with the client.
“I take it as a sign of appreciation to be asked for my knowledge”
The new role has shed light on my previous work from a different perspective. In addition to the technical content and its communication, the focus has been on the issue of technical compliance. The practical experience I gained from my previous activities – on the shopfloor, with machines and IT systems, with organizational processes and customer communication – supplemented by my personal contacts has been particularly useful here.
In my opinion, working as a SeniorProfessional is a win-win for everyone involved.
The department in question can draw on specific knowledge gained from personal experience at the company. Moreover, the SeniorProfessionals are familiar with Continental’s DNA. The costs are relatively low compared with external consultants. When a predecessor meets their successor again, the exchange is also more informed than during a job handover. Prior on-the-job experience is generally more productive than the best handover.
With greater distance and a new angle on things, I can now contribute my experience even more effectively, allowing topics to be dealt with in more depth. Another personal advantage for me is that I can organize my time much more flexibly than in a permanent full-time position.
I am also delighted to once again be able to support and train employees in their specific tasks. Personally, I take it as a sign of appreciation to be asked for my knowledge.
The path to becoming a SeniorProfessional
How does an appointment such as this come about? On the one hand, it requires people who are prepared to work again after entering retirement. On the other, there must be a need for the role at Continental. The matching and organizational processing of an assignment is carried out via ContiMotion GmbH. After making initial contact, the employees there manage the entire process and HR support for the appointment.
Therefore, my recommendation to all colleagues who are about to retire is: ask yourselves whether you might enjoy taking on an activity of this kind. And my recommendation to departments and/or projects is: ask yourselves whether the temporary employment of a SeniorProfessional might be an option to ensure that the relevant goal is achieved. If so, contact ContiMotion, who are certain to help you.
I really enjoyed working again with my colleagues at Continental and learned a lot of new things.
In folklore, revenants do not have a good reputation; they are said to haunt the living and refuse to let them rest. However, if you actively call on them yourself, they are extremely kind, helpful and supportive.From a friendly revenant. Bye and see you soon!
P.S.: Trust between those involved is the key factor that leads to success. This is what makes the difference.
Interested in the SeniorProfessionals program? Contact us!
Your contact:
Oksana Mehner
E-mail: kontakt@contimotion.de
Phone: +49 511 93813617
Find out more about the SeniorProfessionals program on this page or register easily and without obligation using our registration form.
