Work with Pauline Klipstein

How long have you been with BIOTRONIK, and what do you do here?

I’ve been with BIOTRONIK since September 1, 2019, initially as part of my apprenticeship as an office management assistant. I realized fairly quickly that I particularly enjoy working with people and handling organizational matters.

After completing my apprenticeship, I was initially hired in the Payroll department before moving to the HR Services team a year later. There, together with my colleagues, I handle all contractual and administrative matters for our employees. I especially like that we interact with many different people every day and, in doing so, make an important contribution to ensuring that everything runs smoothly within the company.

How did you first learn about BIOTRONIK?

I first heard about BIOTRONIK through my stepfather. He was already familiar with the company and told me that BIOTRONIK had been recognized as an especially good employer. That piqued my interest.

When I looked into it further, my first thought was: “That sounds very technical—is this even the right fit for me?” But the content on the website, and especially the job posting for the apprenticeship, immediately appealed to me. The slogan at the time—“We put our heart into it. Pioneers welcome."—really stuck with me. I even mentioned it in my application—and to this day, it still perfectly captures why I feel at home here.

What convinced you to join the company?

It was mainly my gut feeling. After the assessment center, I just knew: This is where I'd like to start my career. Everyone was very friendly, open, and warm, which made a positive impression right away.

The day was well-organized, yet still relaxed. The interview wasn't stiff or formal, but honest and on an equal footing. It wasn't just about qualifications, but also about who you are as a person. I especially appreciated that a former trainee was there to answer our questions. That showed me that there's a real sense of community here. The fact that at BIOTRONIK you don’t start out alone, but as part of a training group, was also an important point for me.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

My workday usually starts with checking my emails to see if there are any new requests or documents. After that, I make a rough plan for my day, because things are always busy in the HR Services team.

We handle all contractual matters for our employees—from new hires and contract amendments to certificates and performance reviews. We follow the dual-control principle, so that every document is reviewed by at least two people.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is mentoring our trainees. I support them throughout their entire training period—from onboarding to coordinating with schools and professional associations. I’m often the go-to person for very practical questions, and I’m happy when I can help or support the process.

Even though we work independently a lot, we regularly coordinate with each other as a team. My job has a clear structure, but it's never boring. The mix of routine and new, spontaneous topics is what makes it especially exciting for me.

What makes your work at BIOTRONIK special to you?

I find it very inspiring to work for a company that develops products that save people’s lives or enable them to live a normal life. 

Even though I’m not directly involved in product development, I feel like I’m part of something meaningful. In the end, we all work together to ensure that these products reach the people who need them. This awareness really motivates me and makes me proud to work here.

What surprises new colleagues most about your job?

Many are surprised by how varied and responsible our work on the HR Services team is. From the outside, it often looks like pure administration, but in reality, there’s actually much more to it than that.

We deal with a wide range of topics, maintain close communication with many departments, and ensure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. New colleagues often quickly realize just how much interaction and communication our work requires. Although at first glance a lot of it looks like numbers and documents, in the end it’s always about people—and that’s what makes the job so exciting.

What opportunities for professional growth have you experienced at BIOTRONIK?

My own career path at BIOTRONIK is a good example of just how diverse the opportunities are here. After completing my apprenticeship, I was initially hired in the Payroll department, though on a fixed-term contract. As the end of my contract approached, my team leader at the time told me about an open position on the HR Services team.

I applied through the regular process and became part of the team. I found it particularly exciting that I could now support the apprenticeship program from a completely different perspective. This internal career move showed me that at BIOTRONIK, you can continue to grow and reorient yourself even beyond traditional career paths.

What do you particularly appreciate about your team and the company culture?

I especially value the openness and mutual support within the team. Even on my very first day on the HR Services team, I was immediately included and quickly felt like I belonged.

This openness continues to shape our day-to-day work to this day. Anyone can approach anyone else, ask questions, and get support. This trust and sense of community make my work very enjoyable.

Is there anything that particularly inspires you, either at work or in your personal life?

In my job, I especially appreciate the daily routine and the clear structure—it just suits me well. At the same time, my work gives me a sense of security and direction in my everyday life.

In my personal life, I'm actually quite the opposite. When I travel, I don't plan everything down to the last detail, and even at home, I don't mind if things get a little messy sometimes. I’m also active in a volleyball club. For me, sports are the perfect way to balance out my daily office routine: I can work out, clear my head, and at the same time experience that sense of teamwork, which is also very important to me at work.

What advice would you give to applicants who want to start at BIOTRONIK?

Be open, show interest, and just be yourself. You don't have to be able to do or know everything perfectly. What’s much more important is a willingness to learn and get involved.

If you’re curious, ask questions, and approach people with an open mind, you’ll be very well received at BIOTRONIK and will quickly find your place on the team.