Careers at Flex: From apprentice trainee to Inside Sales in Switzerland

When did you start your career at Flex, and how have you progressed within the company?

I started my career in 1986 as an apprentice trainee, which laid the foundation for everything that followed. After completing my apprenticeship, I spent two years in the Engineering department. That early technical exposure helped me build a strong understanding of how the business works at its core.

After a short period outside the company, I returned in August 1990 and joined the Sales department, where I’ve worked ever since. At that time, we were still RIWISA, which later became part of Flex in 2013. Looking back, what stands out most is how I’ve grown alongside the company. As the organization evolved, so did my role through adapting to change, learning continuously, and taking on new responsibilities.

I’ve also experienced Flex’s flexibility firsthand. When I was 23, I became a mother to my first daughter and began working part time, first at 70%, later at 80%. At the time, this was quite unusual, and I was the first part-time employee at Flex in Switzerland. The fact that this was supported allowed me to build a long, sustainable career while raising a family.

Today, I work in Inside Sales and am also responsible for our commercial apprentices. A good week is one where communication is clear, priorities are well structured, and I’m able to support both customers and colleagues effectively.

Which early influences most shaped how you see the world and what you value at work?

My family and my early professional experiences had the biggest influence. From the beginning, I learned the importance of responsibility, discipline, and respectful collaboration. Working with people from different cultural backgrounds also shaped my open and solution-oriented mindset. This is something that continues to be very relevant in an international company like Flex.

You have started your career as an apprentice and today you supervise apprentices for commercial roles, how would you describe the experience?

At Flex in Switzerland, I support and supervise the commercial apprentices from the very beginning of their training and serve as their central point of contact throughout the entire apprenticeship. Our apprentices rotate between departments every six months, and I am responsible for planning and coordinating these rotations in close collaboration with the department managers.

As I mentioned, within each department, apprentices are supported by designated supervisors. I maintain close communication with them to discuss the apprentices’ development and progress. Every month, we review their academic grades. If any challenges arise, we provide targeted support, either through internal assistance from employees or through peer support from other fellow apprentices.

When you think about “progress” in your career, what does that mean for you now?

For me, progress isn’t only about job titles; it’s about accumulated experience and trust. Over the years, I’ve developed deep knowledge of the Flex processes and the business. Often, I don’t even realize how much I know until I’m able to help colleagues across different departments. Being an employee with such a long tenure means I can provide context, continuity, and support, and that feels very meaningful.

What’s been a challenge or setback that taught you something important?

Balancing family and work was my biggest challenge. It wasn’t always easy, especially as work became faster-paced over the years. But this challenge also taught me how important prioritization, flexibility, and clear boundaries are, both for performance and wellbeing. Setting realistic boundaries helps me stay focused and productive while maintaining long-term sustainability, something I believe is strongly supported at Flex.

Which skills have been most important in shaping your career?

Three skills stand out and I try to teach them to every apprentice that I have the chance to guide: focus on clear communication, set clear expectations early, and avoid misunderstandings. It’s also important to be reliable, do what you say you’re going to do, and be consistent in your work. Over time, reliability and consistency build trust. And lastly, considering we are in the age of AI, it’s important to never stop learning and adapt to changes. I believe this has helped me grow alongside the company and learn from each challenge.

What advice would you give to your 25-year-old self or someone at the start of their career?

If I could turn back time, I would tell my younger self to actively take responsibility, seek feedback, and invest consistently in personal and professional development. At the same time, I would encourage letting go of perfectionism and unnecessary pressure.