Everyone has their own unique professional background, and career paths often vary greatly. Our employees and their stories give our company a human face. Today, we sat down with our colleague Sara to talk about her work at LAN-COM-East, as well as her career path in general. Sara has been with us since 2022 and is part of the Finance and Controlling team. We hope you enjoy getting to know her!
What was particularly important to you about your new employer?
I had been wanting to change jobs for quite some time and was looking for a flexible and family-friendly employer. As a single mother, it was especially important to me to be able to balance family and work in a flexible way and to be able to talk openly with my employer about personal matters as well.
Wie bist du zu LAN-COM-East gekommen?
By chance, I heard from a friend that LAN-COM-East had job openings, including a position in accounting. In my professional career up to that point, as a trained bank clerk, I had had absolutely no exposure to IT or even microwave radio, and accounting wasn’t exactly one of my favorite tasks at previous employers. Despite some skepticism, I was nevertheless open to embarking on a new career path and gaining a foothold in an industry that was completely new to me.
What was your application process like, and what made you decide to apply?
The application process followed the standard procedure: I sent my cover letter, resume, and transcripts to LAN-COM-East. Then everything happened very quickly. I was promptly invited to an interview. The interview was with my current team lead, and we hit it off right away—I felt right at home. From the very first moment, all my initial concerns were put to rest.
What stands out to you as particularly positive about the application process?
One thing that stands out in my memory as particularly positive is that they agreed to my request to do a trial period at the company. Those two days on the job were the deciding factor in my decision to join LAN-COM-East. I got to know the team and gained a first impression of the work. It quickly became clear to me that the job was a good fit for me and that the people there were a good match as well.
So, how exactly did you get started in your job?
Looking back, I have to say that my colleagues really took me under their wing and guided me through my responsibilities step by step. I had a very intensive onboarding period and a six-month training plan that systematically covered every aspect of the job. It was important to me not to be thrown in at the deep end and to get to know the new job at my own pace. Plus, I always had a point of contact who was there for me if I had questions or needed clarification. I felt very well taken care of.
How important is microwave radio to your job?
Sure, LAN-COM-East is an IT service provider specializing in microwave links, but to be honest, I don’t really deal with the technical side of things. I once received some “private” training from management to get a better understanding of the subject, and I’m still learning more about it every day.
What is your typical workday like?
I would describe my job as a traditional yet very varied office role. My responsibilities range from front-office duties and contract-related matters to standard accounting tasks. However, I also occasionally pick up the mail or set up the conference room, and I’m the first person to answer the phone when someone calls our office.
The variety and the great team spirit are what make this job special. Even the best job isn’t worth much if you don’t feel comfortable at work.
Do you feel like you can grow within the company over the long term?
I’m surprised by the skills people attribute to me and how much they believe I’m capable of here. It’s actually not really in my nature to think about new opportunities beyond my current work, but this trust and external motivation—which I’ve received in particular from the CEO—has given me an extra push to consider taking on new responsibilities within the company. For me, it’s a real highlight that someone sees something in me and then actively supports it.
Is it possible to balance work and family life the way you imagined?
The position was actually advertised as a full-time role, but with a young son at home, I’m unable to work full-time. I was invited to an interview anyway, and they immediately showed understanding for my personal situation. I mentioned that I could see myself working full-time in the future, and the company made it very clear that this would be possible down the line. I especially love that we can spontaneously coordinate within the team to respond flexibly to exceptional personal situations, such as a sick child or pediatrician appointments. I’m very grateful for the family-friendly environment at LAN-COM-East and how well I can balance the job with my personal life. The team spirit and understanding for family needs are simply great.
How important is long-term job security to you?
Job security is essential to me. As a single mother with a family to support, I need a reliable employer that is well-established in the market and can offer me long-term financial security and career prospects. The fact that LAN-COM-East has been in business for more than 30 years was a deciding factor for me. Since joining the team, I’ve also come to realize that many of my colleagues feel very comfortable at the company and have been working here for many years.
Actually, everyone always says that we want to grow old with LAN-COM East.
Hattest du Bedenken als Frau in einem IT-Unternehmen anzufangen?
That didn’t really matter to me, and to be honest, I didn’t have any concerns about it. You always hear that it’s a male-dominated industry, but the company is run by a woman, and that really says it all. To be honest, I see the fact that LAN-COM-East is led by a woman as a particularly positive thing. I feel like I’m better understood, and a woman’s empathy and sensitivity also contribute to a special work environment. I can handle performance pressure much better here, and I find it easier to address problems.
Is there anything else you'd like to say about LAN-COM-East as an employer?
I feel that I’m valued here not just as an employee, but as a person. I want to stay here.