From trainee to division manager: Christian's path at STRABAG PFS
24 Feb 2025
Christian chose STRABAG PFS as a student and would do so again. In this interview, he explains why and what his career path to becoming a division manager has looked like so far.
At STRABAG PFS, everything revolves around building solutions: technical and infrastructural facility management, building technology, property management and special industrial services. This is where Christian, recently appointed division manager, has found his professional home. He is now responsible for clients in the financial sector. But from the beginning ...
Christian, what was your start at STRABAG PFS like?
Christian: While I was studying industrial engineering with a focus on facility management, I applied for a three-month mandatory internship at STRABAG PFS. I was familiar with STRABAG and I quickly received positive feedback. The friendly atmosphere quickly eased my tension when I first stepped into an imposing office building. During my internship, I was literally able to sit in the site manager's chair and, as he said, do a real internship. I then also wrote my bachelor's thesis on public-private partnerships at STRABAG PFS.
What were your career steps after graduation?
Christian: I opted for the trainee program at STRABAG PFS, then spent a year as a coordinator for property management, followed by property manager and then moved up to team leader.
I then wanted to change my perspective and find out whether I liked working on the owner's side better. That's why I worked for another company for almost two years. During this time, I realized that real estate services suited me better.
In addition, it was important for me to work for an employer that I could identify with in the future, so that I could remain authentic, including in terms of sales. As this was the case for me at STRABAG PFS, I came back as a group leader.
What motivated you to take on management responsibility?
Christian: I enjoy supporting and developing people in their careers and building on their strengths. I also enjoy working on strategic goals, both developing them and convincing employees to believe in these visions and stand up for them. However, you also have to want this personal development with the constant growth of responsibilities yourself and make a conscious decision to do so.
You've been Division Manager since January 1, 2025, why did that appeal to you?
Christian: I can now transfer the Group's strategies to a broad organization and lead a level of managers with different skills and experience profiles. I was keen to take this and the next step in my personal development. In addition, after six years as a Group Manager, it was the right time to do something new and get involved with new employees and customer levels.
What does Work On Progress mean to you?
Christian: We must always continue to develop, moving away from a singular focus on providing our traditional building management services towards holistic solutions with the aim of making a contribution to protecting our planet. For me, Work On Progress also means not stopping to think about what real estate-related services our customers need. Because with the STRABAG Group, we are able to provide everything.
Today, it is about much more than maintenance and inspection, for example, it is about creating decarbonization through expertise in energy management or construction in existing buildings. As STRABAG PFS, we deliver and offer a contribution to climate neutrality, in addition to many other internal measures. We can only achieve this with satisfied employees who identify strongly with the company.
What tips or advice would you give to young people aspiring to a similar career at STRABAG?
Christian: Always stay curious and don't stop wanting the maximum, on the premise that it's always fun, even if there are "restless" days. If you don't enjoy it, you can only be successful to a certain extent. I am convinced of that.
And for all those who have not yet decided on STRABAG: Regardless of what you want to do around the property, the answer can always be STRABAG. From building the roads that lead to the property, project planning, building construction to operation and redevelopment, everything is possible with us. STRABAG combines this offer with a wide range of entry opportunities, further training and career opportunities, as you can see from my own example.