How being yourself can unlock career opportunities?

I arrived at the Siemens Energy office in Bucharest at lunchtime, stepping out of the taxi in front of a modern glass building. The lively atmosphere stood out as businesspeople entered restaurants and grabbed snacks nearby. I was excited to spend the day with Ramona and Madalina, two colleagues with diverse backgrounds and fascinating career paths, and to uncover what makes their stories unique.

Inside, the office matched the energy outside. Spread across two floors, it featured not only meeting rooms and desks but also inviting spaces like the Chill and Diversity rooms, kitchens for lunch breaks, a cozy book corner, and even a massage therapy area. Walking through departments such as Engineering, Customs, Finance, Accounting, or IT, I noticed each space had its own personal touch—some creative, others practical—reflecting the authentic environment of the teams working here in Romania. As I explored the office, I kept reflecting on one thought: what does it really mean to embrace your individuality at work?

I sat down with Ramona in one of the office lounge areas to discuss her role as an IT partner professional. In her position, Ramona collaborates with colleagues both locally and globally, providing essential IT services and solutions. She organizes various training sessions and events, creates content to support her colleagues, consults with them, and offers guidance. As we chatted, I quickly realized that Ramona’s passion for learning is a driving force behind her enthusiasm for her work. “Your ideas are heard, and you have the space to develop them further,” she shared, describing how Siemens Energy supports her innovative spirit. Ever since she was a child, she has been curious about how things work, often taking toys and remotes apart, only to reassemble them on her own. This natural curiosity has shaped her career, allowing her to thrive in an environment that encourages exploration and values her contributions. She especially appreciates the freedom the company gives her to “make things happen,” something that is very important to her.

Currently, her focus is on AI, a field where her thirst for knowledge meets her love for technology. She recognized early on that this rapidly evolving area could not only advance her career but also allow her to pursue something she is passionate about. “The most rewarding part of my job,” she shared, “is the feedback I receive. I see my colleagues taking the information and turning it into something impactful.” She lit up as she told me about a recent success: one of her training participants launched a significant AI project that boosted productivity in his department.

Her motivation to empower those around her is evident in the initiatives she takes on beyond her day-to-day responsibilities—whether it’s hosting anxiety workshops to support mental health, organizing blood donation campaigns, or co-leading the 'Women in Tech at Siemens Energy' community in Romania to inspire other women. As our conversation unfolded, it became clear that Ramona is more than just an IT professional; she is a vibrant individual with a creative spirit. Outside of work, she sings, acts, writes, and channels her creative energy into everything she does. Ramona’s proactive mindset—whether through participating in the Siemens Energy mentoring programs to grow and connect, proposing new ideas, or driving impactful initiatives—reflects how the company’s culture supported her development, both personally and professionally.

Energized by my conversation with Ramona, I couldn’t wait to meet Madalina. She greeted me in the office area of the Customs department, where she leads Process Operations. In her role, she manages a team of experts responsible for customs activities such as imports within Siemens Energy’s global operations. Before joining the company, Madalina gained experience across diverse corporate roles and industries, proving that extensive knowledge of the energy sector isn’t always required when you bring a broad range of expertise to the table. She acquired energy-related skills through projects along the way, demonstrating that entering a new environment can be an opportunity to learn something new.

Before stepping into the corporate world, Madalina had a unique background in sports, spending ten years as a basketball referee. At the time, the players were often surprised when she showed up at the game, being one of the rare women doing that job. But it pushed her to learn early on how to stand up for herself, something she is trying to pass along today. Her ability to make quick, fair decisions under pressure and foster teamwork on the court now translates into her leadership style, ensuring her team operates efficiently and collaboratively. “As in basketball, a team is not about individuals—it’s about how everyone comes together and works towards the same goal,” she explained. She is dedicated to helping her colleagues develop, excel, and enjoy their work – it’s what drives her the most about her job. “It’s not just about business connections; it’s about building human connections,” she emphasized, sharing how her weekly team lunches create space for bonding within the team. 

For Madalina, Siemens Energy offers more than just a career - it provides an environment where she can be herself and encourage others to do the same. The leadership team of the Customs department played an important role in supporting her development, recognizing her potential and guiding her on the path to becoming a manager for the first time. This encouragement empowered her to lead with empathy, fostering a workplace where her team feels valued and inspired—a reflection of her own growth. Along that path, giving back to the community has always been central to Madalina’s work and life philosophy. She dedicates herself to organizing charity events that support those in need and appreciates that Siemens Energy provides her with the time and space to pursue these initiatives. Most recently, she organized a bake sale in one of the kitchen areas, where colleagues sold their baked goods and donated the proceeds to a good cause. Watching Madalina interact with others in the office, I was struck by her caring and supportive nature, and her story reminded me that the office can be a place of genuine connection.

As our time together came to an end, I felt inspired by the stories and the unique path of the two of them. Whether it’s through empowering colleagues, driving impactful projects, or giving back to the community, Ramona and Madalina embody what it means to contribute to our collective success as a team and as a company. If you’re someone who wants to make a difference, contribute your ideas, and work with a team that shares your passion, we’d love to hear from you. Explore jobs in the energy sector — you might just be the next inspiring story we are looking for.