Secondments, Job Swaps, Rotations or simply a Job Visit for a day – these are all development opportunities available to RWE Supply & Trading (RWEST) staff thanks to HR People & Organisational Development’s (POD) new Job Discovery initiative. Launched in June, the initiative offers colleagues the chance to broaden their professional experience via several different Job Discovery measures.

Sarah Mann, Development Partner UK, has already taken up the opportunity of one of these measures as she embarked on a six-month Secondment to the UK as of April this year, having originally been based in Essen. Sarah stayed in the same role but instead changed location to experience it from a new angle and get closer to the teams she supports.

So, how has Sarah’s experience been so far? #TeamRWE caught up with her to find out.

Sarah, what motivated you to pursue a Secondment in the UK?

I was motivated to do this as I wanted to enhance my understanding of our UK business and build stronger relationships with the colleagues on site. Being physically present allows me to offer continuous support and address challenges more effectively. Additionally, this experience provides an opportunity to broaden my perspective and develop my skills in an international context.

What long-term professional benefits do you see from your Secondment that you would not have achieved with shorter visits?

The long-term professional benefits include a deeper understanding of the UK business development needs and the local team dynamics, which are not achievable with shorter visits. This extended period allows me to fully integrate with the colleagues in the UK, fostering deeper connections and trust. It also provides the opportunity to lead and implement projects from start to finish and offer long-term development support. Additionally, it enhances my adaptability and cultural competence, skills that are invaluable for future international roles and career development. 

What was your biggest learning during your Secondment?

My biggest learning was that I must have been British at heart all along! I quickly adapted to the UK work culture and felt right at home. This experience taught me the importance of being open to new environments and how smoothly transitions can occur when there’s a genuine alignment with the culture. It was both surprising and rewarding to see how effortlessly I fit in, which made the entire Secondment incredibly enriching.

In what ways has this experience enriched you both personally and professionally?

Personally, I've embraced the UK's vibrant culture and formed meaningful bonds, making me feel at ease. Professionally, the positive environment and strong team dynamics have motivated me to decide to move permanently to the UK. This move benefits the business by having a dedicated Development Partner locally, ensuring continuous support and fostering closer collaboration. The overall positive experiences have confirmed that the UK is the right place for my personal and career advancement. 

What advice would you give to colleagues considering a Secondment?

My advice would be to fully embrace the opportunity and have confidence in your own judgement. It’s important to stay true to yourself and not be influenced by the opinion of others. Always remember, this experience is about your own development, so it’s essential to prioritise what feels right for you. Overall, I would really encourage anyone to discuss with their line manager what Job Discovery option would suit their development and the RWEST business goals.