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How did you originally come to EnBW, and what convinced you to start here?

Vanessa: I went to school in Philippsburg and could see the power plant almost every day. I visited it twice during my school years, and it quickly became clear to me: this is where I wanted to apply. During my interview, I was especially convinced by how diverse the training would be, offering insights into many different areas. So, in 2008, I began my apprenticeship as an industrial clerk, followed later by a dual study program in Business Administration – Industry, focusing on HR and Marketing. Since 2014, I’ve been working in HR Development – first for almost six years as Program Manager for the Corporate Trainee Program, and for the past two years, I’ve been leading Mentoring@EnBW.

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How did the idea for Mentoring@EnBW come about, and what does the program stand for today?

Vanessa: It all started within the Women’s Network. At the end of 2022, beginning of 2023, we launched a small pilot where a few women actively looked for mentors. The feedback was so positive that we quickly realized: we had to expand it. Today, the program is open to all employees. It’s about personal and professional development through regular, self-organized exchanges between mentor and mentee. It also focuses on knowledge transfer, career development, network building, and fostering a strong learning culture. At the same time, we want to counteract the shortage of skilled workers and reduce turnover.

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How does it work in practice?

Vanessa: A new cohort starts once a year. Anyone who wants to join can register, fill out a short profile, and is then matched accordingly. The program framework includes a kick-off and closing event, networking sessions, and a mentoring guide. After that, it’s up to the tandems themselves – they meet independently every four to six weeks. We also offer inspiration sessions on various topics, and of course, we’re always available to support them.

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How do you ensure that mentors and mentees are a good match?

Vanessa: Both sides complete a short profile outlining their expectations, goals, and experience. Based on this information, we check how well the mentees’ requirements align with the mentors’ profiles.

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What makes your program different from classic mentoring formats?

Vanessa: At EnBW, anyone can become a mentor or a mentee – you don’t have to be in a leadership position. That’s exactly what makes the program so diverse and exciting.

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Diversity is a major topic at EnBW. How does that show up in the mentoring program?

Vanessa: Very strongly. Our tandems come from all areas and departments. Within a single cohort, you’ll find everything from young professionals to experienced leaders – sometimes even in the role of a mentee themselves.

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How important is it for participants to look beyond their own department?

Vanessa: Extremely important. Many mentees deliberately choose someone from a completely different field. This allows for new perspectives and insights – and both sides benefit.

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Why would you say mentoring is so valuable for personal and professional growth?

Vanessa: A mentor can both encourage and challenge you. The conversations are inspiring, provide food for thought, and help you expand your perspective. Especially this “look beyond your own horizon” is incredibly valuable.

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Mentor and mentee in conversation.
What kind of support do the tandems receive from you during the program?

Vanessa: We accompany them right from the start. During the registration phase, there are info sessions about the roles. We kick things off together with an opening event, provide a mentoring workbook with tips and information, offer inspiration sessions and networking opportunities, and are always there with advice and support.

Who would you say benefits most from participating?

Vanessa: Honestly, everyone. There’s no fixed target group. Mentoring is great for anyone who has a personal or professional development goal.

And what kind of skills do participants typically take away from it?

Vanessa: They grow personally and professionally, learn to communicate better, practice giving and receiving feedback, and gain self-confidence. Especially the support from an experienced person strengthens one’s own sense of self enormously.

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Have there been any stories or feedback from previous cohorts that stayed with you?

Vanessa: Yes, definitely. One colleague found her dream job through the mentoring program – her mentor helped her sharpen her vision and use her network to get there. And there were mentors who later brought their mentees into their own teams. Stories like these show how powerful the program truly is.

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And how many people have already participated – have you seen growth over time?

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Looking back – what are you most proud of?

Vanessa: What makes me happiest is the consistently positive feedback we receive. It confirms that we’re on the right track with the program.

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What does a typical day look like for you – or is there no such thing?

Vanessa: There’s really no “typical day.” I work mostly from home and go to the office about once a week. This flexibility at EnBW is priceless for me – it allows me to balance work and family life perfectly.

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What do you enjoy most about your work in HR development?

Vanessa: Honestly, everything 😊. I love the combination of conceptual work and direct interaction with people. The best part is accompanying colleagues on their development journey and seeing their progress.

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Finally, what do you wish for the future of Mentoring@EnBW?

Vanessa: I hope mentoring remains a permanent part of our development landscape and continues to support colleagues individually in their growth. We also want to make the matching process even easier and more precise in the future by using AI.

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Describe Mentoring@EnBW in three words.

Vanessa: Connect. Inspire. Grow.