Abroad with the family. ABB makes it possible. While still on parental leave, Miriam Schaible was offered an international Short Term Assignment (STA) opportunity—together with her family.
— Miriam Schaible
Technical Sales Engineer Mannheim, Deutschland
„I’ve always wanted to go abroad, and when I was offered a Short Term Assignment, it was clear to me that my family would come along with me.“
Miriam Schaible has been with ABB more than 10 years. She started her journey in 2014 with a dual degree in industrial engineering and secured a role in technical inside sales with ABB after graduating.
Her job at ABB combines the best of both worlds: implementing projects in collaboration with clients and customers while providing technical support from the factory. For Miriam, her team is the real cornerstone – the colleagues make ABB a very special employer for her.
One highlight of her career was undoubtedly her Short Term Assignment (STA), which she was offered during her parental leave in 2021. Her team leader approached Miriam about this opportunity and asked whether she could imagine working abroad for a while. Miriam was thrilled at the chance to spend a few months working internationally. Having spent part of her youth in Canada, Miriam had always felt drawn to living abroad. One thing was clear from the start: “My family is coming with me.” Thanks to good planning and preparation, she was able to travel abroad with her husband and young son.
The Short Term Assignment was intended to give Miriam the chance to temporarily step out of the sales world and gain insights into the daily operations of a motor factory. This led to the choice of Vaasa, Finland, home to one of ABB’s largest motor factories. In Vaasa, she not only had the chance to support the Global Customer Support Team but also to work in product management, enabling her to explore two new areas of work and their methods. The insights she gained into various interfaces and the expansion of her network benefited not only Miriam but also her team in Germany, with whom she shared her newly acquired knowledge.
Miriam encourages everyone to seize such an opportunity and “leave their work in Germany behind for a while to focus on new tasks abroad.” Organizing an STA requires a certain level of commitment and persistence, as well as support from your supervisor. Miriam’s manager and HR business partner strongly supported the project, which had a positive impact on the entire organizational process. Such investments in employees not only create personal value but also strengthen the team by expanding expertise and building networks.
The overall process and lead time for an STA depend on many factors, including the destination country, as different visa processes may be required. Another essential aspect is support in the destination country from the local team. Ideally, one finds a contact person as supportive as their own manager – someone who takes responsibility and eases the transition abroad. In Miriam’s case, this was exemplary, and her experience in Finland became a unique adventure.
Not only did her integration into the new team and onboarding go smoothly, but Miriam was also able to handle the non-work-related organizational tasks with ABB’s outstanding support. For example, they quickly found family-friendly accommodation that prioritized child-friendly amenities. Additionally, Miriam and her husband were provided with a local contact who organized various family-oriented activities, making the transition to life in Vaasa a success for the whole family.
Miriam and her family used their new routine and weekends for excursions in and around Vaasa to better explore their temporary home. Overall, they were pleasantly surprised at how quickly and easily they could make new connections, particularly through the daycare centers in Vaasa that Miriam’s husband attended with their son.
Reflecting on her Short Term Assignment, Miriam emphasizes the importance of setting personal goals for an international stay and recognizing the immense value it can bring to both the individual and the team. She believes that with commitment, initiative, and a proactive mindset, anyone can achieve a successful international assignment.
Miriam's journey is a testament to the power of stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing new challenges. She encourages everyone to seize such opportunities, as they not only foster personal growth but also strengthen the collective expertise and spirit of the team. "Stay committed, take initiative, and be proactive," she advises, "and you'll find that a world of possibilities awaits you."
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