Who are you and what do you do at Panasonic?

I’m Alena, 27 years old, and I work as a Project Controller at Panasonic. In my daily work, I plan and control the income and expenses of various projects. I analyze deviations and clarify the causes. I also provide support for new projects, particularly with quote preparation and costing.

How long have you been working at Panasonic and in which department?

I started my apprenticeship at Panasonic in August 2018 and during this time I was able to work in many commercial departments, including HR, Purchasing, and Accounting. I found it particularly exciting to work in the Business Group, where I primarily supported commercial project issues. I quickly realized that I particularly enjoyed the work there and received an offer of employment while still in my apprenticeship. In 2020, this became an independent department: Project Controlling. Today, we have seven employees in our team.

How has your career developed at Panasonic?

I completed my apprenticeship in June 2021. About a year before, initial discussions about my future role within the company took place, including whether I wanted to go to university. After discussions with colleagues, I decided on a part-time degree program, which was also financially supported by Panasonic. Initially, my supervisor at the time and I worked together to develop our work processes and structures, which ultimately led to the establishment of our own department. Two months after completing my apprenticeship, I began my part-time bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Hamburg, which I completed in 2024. Since September 2024, I have been pursuing a part-time master’s degree in Management and Controlling.

Were there any special milestones or turning points during your time here?

The first major milestone was, of course, completing my apprenticeship. A noticeable change in my daily work life was the establishment of our own department, which allowed us to design our own processes and work in a much more structured manner. Another special moment was my bachelor’s degree in 2024. My colleagues supported me throughout my studies and even surprised me with a small gift at the end.

Which project or experience are you particularly proud of?

In the 2023 fiscal year, our business group was given particularly ambitious targets. The entire team worked intensively on them for months, and we actually achieved our goals. We were even recognized by our parent company for this and received prize money, which we used to organize a fantastic team event.

What are your wishes for your future at Panasonic?

I hope to continue working in such a great team; it makes a huge difference in my daily work. At the same time, personal development is important to me. I want to take on new tasks and expand my knowledge. Panasonic has supported me greatly on this path so far, and I hope it continues in the future.