From business studies to hashtags and live events - Ellen Seifert in the marketing world

Ellen, your business studies with a focus on marketing and management in the healthcare sector led you directly to Eppendorf. How did that come about?

I became aware of Eppendorf through a recommendation from a friend of mine who started at Eppendorf after completing her Master's degree in Quality Management. I always wanted to work for an international, larger company. I then discovered the working student position in online marketing on the careers page and applied straight away. In June last year, I became part of the social media team and also took on my own projects, which were not only operational but also strategic. I particularly liked that, because in the context of working student activities, that is not a given in many companies. For me, it's even more enjoyable to come into the office when you work in a team that supports you and that you can learn from. In fact, I liked it so much that I proactively chose Eppendorf as my first real employer after my time as a working student - not in online marketing, however, but in the events sector.

To what extent did your studies influence your choice of employer?

Part of my studies included management in the healthcare sector. During my studies, I only ever worked for companies in the healthcare sector - it was a common thread running through my CV. The common denominator of all organizations was always that they wanted to help people in some way. I put great attention to this. For example, I couldn't work for a company that sells tobacco or something similar because I would always have in mind that people would be harmed by it. I want to stand behind the products or the mission. And that is definitely the case at Eppendorf. Only then do I have the feeling - albeit indirectly - that I am doing something good because the products are used in science and medicine.

So your focus has shifted from online to live marketing after your time as a working student. What appeals to you in particular about events?

I am particularly interested in the interface between digital marketing and traditional event management. I can play a direct role in ensuring that our events keep up with the times and that digital aspects are given the necessary attention. The event sector itself has great learning potential for me as a newcomer and challenges me to grow into my new role. But I also see a lot of joy and fulfillment in working towards a creative result, which is then also visible to our visitors live in the exhibition halls at Analytica or Achema, for example. In the project management position in Live Marketing, there is a strong focus on developing a digital communication strategy and developing hybrid and virtual concepts for exhibitions. This fits in incredibly well with my previous experience in digital marketing. And I have the feeling that change is not only accepted, but also appreciated and encouraged. That motivates me - especially in the peak phases of exhibition preparation. But all marketers know this - in our field, you not only have to be able to deal with deadlines, you also have to love them a little.

Corporate culture is playing an increasingly important role. If you were to describe Eppendorf as a person, what do you think would characterize it and who would fit in?

In my opinion, Eppendorf is characterized by reliability and trust, but also by a willingness to embrace change. Eppendorf is a good fit for people who want to develop in a secure and international environment, who value an open feedback and communication culture and a good work-life balance.

What do you think makes Eppendorf interesting for young talents in particular?

Working for a secure and meaningful company is already an important criterion for my generation when choosing an employer. But for me, there are also three other important points: Intercultural cooperation, responsibility and mobile working.

Thanks to Eppendorf's global orientation as a company group, I have the opportunity to work with colleagues from all over the world, to get to know many cultures and to further sensitize myself in my communication. I also have an international background myself, as I was born in Kazakhstan and spent my first five years there. That's why a cosmopolitan company suits me best.

On the subject of responsibility: even as a working student, you can be involved in important projects and make independent decisions that have a lasting impact. Being a working student at Eppendorf really enables you to take on a position of responsibility afterwards. That's an opportunity you don't get everywhere.

I don't think much more needs to be said about the possibility of mobile working as a final point. It's simply state-of-the-art today — especially for young talents.

Do you have any tips for future new colleagues on how to learn most effectively as a young professional?

At university, it was definitely super important for me to work with colors and markers in order to internalize the content more quickly. So I am a visual learner. That's still the case. So it's no wonder that I decided to work in the marketing field. As soon as I have all the information together, I like to work with MIRO or Canva to visualize things.

It was also always helpful for me to talk a lot to experienced colleagues and get tips on how to break down large task packages for projects, for example, and how to bundle information and prioritize. These are skills that you will need in any subsequent position. But communication is key - so be brave and talk to colleagues either digitally or in the coffee kitchen. You never know who you might end up working with.