How did you come across the Athletes Network?
I heard about it from a colleague who knew Julia from her student days, so I went ahead and signed up as an athlete on the website.
What do you think about the Athletes Network’s brand and services?
As I often say, the unfortunate truth is that the idea of starting a new job after a career in sport is very often taboo. That’s why I think the Athletes Network is especially important. As professional athlete, you devote all your time, energy and passion to your sport. I think it’s so important that you approach athletes to broach the topic of their career after professional sport.
How did you come across the internship at OBT?
I saw the Athletes Network positions advertised in a newsletter. I thought “I’ll still be a pro athlete even if I don’t get the job”, so I decided to submit my application. I’d actually budgeted for that summer so I could live off my income from sport, so it was a bit of a bonus that I ended up with an internship that was the equivalent of 60% of a full-time position.
What did you think about the internship at OBT? Can you tell us a bit about it?
I was warmly welcomed and onboarded by a fantastic team. Before I knew it, I was responsible for a project of my own and had the freedom to work independently. I visited all 11 offices in Switzerland and felt genuinely welcome in every single team. The team spirit at OBT is off the chart! The flat organisational structure also helps to make it a great place to work. There was never a day when I didn’t feel happy about going to work.
I spent a lot of time at training camps and events during the summer months, meaning that I was out of the office sometimes. But OBT AG completely understood the situation, and they accepted it. As employee, if you have an employer like that, you really want to give something back.
Can you briefly tell us how OBT ended up becoming your helmet sponsor?
OBT has been sponsoring another bobsledding team in Switzerland for years now, so my getting a job there was a bit of a happy accident. Initially, I didn’t want to ask for a sponsorship deal for my team, because I’d already received another offer and OBT had already been so supportive. But then one of my superiors told me I should show them my sponsorship portfolio. That’s exactly what I did, and I ended up with a sponsorship deal. I was over the moon!
