Learning, Transformation and Global Connections: A Schneider Electric Alumni Journey

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I’m Jon, a Schneider Electric Alumni, and I’m excited to share my Schneider Electric Alumni Journey story with you. I invite you along to start this journey at the beginning of my career at Schneider, continue it to where I am today, and see how it has taught me about leadership, strategy, and the value of networking.

My Journey at Schneider

I joined Schneider Electric in 2016 and spent almost four and a half years there. During only these 4 years, I had the opportunity to take on three different roles. I first joined as a Sales Manager for the Home & Distribution Team, where I was responsible for the Transactional Sales Team. Later, I took on additional responsibilities, by leading the Contractor Sales Team and then at the end moving on to the Country Sales Director role. In my last role I was involved in somewhat of a transformation journey. We merged two departments and remodeled a more transactional sales team into something new, something more modern. It was a great experience where I worked on shifting people’s mindsets and creating a new culture.

After almost three years as Country Sales Director, I felt it was time to give the stage to someone new and I personally also felt the pull of a different challenge. I had the aspiration for a role with even more responsibility, which led me to pursue an opportunity outside of Schneider Electric focusing on the e-mobility sector.

Reflections on my Experiences at Schneider

As I was transitioning from a more conservative industry to the fast-paced world of e-mobility, I found myself drawing on the structured sales processes and project management skills that I gained at Schneider Electric. These skills proved very valuable while navigating the dynamic landscape of the e-mobility industry because structure and processes are crucial to grow in the right way. Now, even after 4 years, I continue to use the structured perspective I gained at Schneider Electric to drive growth in my current role.

Reflecting on my time at Schneider Electric, I would say that there were a lot of learnings I took with me after leaving. I would describe this company as global, but also with a strong local or national presence. This means that throughout my journey there I was able to meet a lot of interesting and diverse people with different backgrounds, mindsets, cultures, and behaviors. This type of environment helps to learn new ways of working, thinking, and reflecting on things you always thought had only one angle.

The management style and leadership values are also a big part of what made me feel so at home at Schneider Electric. The people-first approach is very prominent. All voices matter and employees are given not only the opportunity but also the obligation to participate and contribute. This emphasis on trust and empowerment really resonates with me and made my time at the company very fulfilling. I believe that this focus on people is essential in attracting and retaining the best talent.

Building Bridges with the Schneider Alumni Network

Even though I have left Schneider Electric 4 years ago, as you can see this company kept on occupying some special place within me. When I saw that there is a new Schneider Electric Alumni Network, I registered right away. I really think it’s important to stay connected not only from a personal perspective but also from a professional point of view. Personally, it is of course nice to see old colleague-friends that you used to work with and meet sometimes, but professionally, you may also gain a lot. Networks like this provide a platform that can lead to potential job opportunities, partnerships, and professional collaborations, and you never know which opportunity could be just around the corner. You can also get access to insights and information about industry trends, and events.

For me personally after attending one of the events through this network, which was an alumni breakfast at the Stockholm office, I was able to reconnect with my former colleagues. I scheduled two lunch meetings and got five new LinkedIn connections, so it was a useful morning for me. It was also just nice to see people that all have a positive mindset about Schneider. At the end of the day, I can say that I am still very green in my heart.

The Power of Connection

My journey with Schneider Electric has been one of learning, transformation, and global connections. The emphasis on people, structured processes, and a global outlook has left a lasting impact on my professional path. I’ve found that staying connected with the Schneider Electric alumni community has been very beneficial for me, and I believe it is valuable for both personal and professional growth.

I hope my Schneider Electric Alumni journey sheds light on the value of building and nurturing connections with former colleagues and the opportunities that can stem from them. If you haven’t joined the Alumni Network yet, I would highly recommend that you do so! I hope you enjoyed reading my story, and I look forward to staying connected with you all.

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