“Innovate, explore, be patient,” — CEO of Siemens Ltd. on his journey through the corporate world

October 1, 2012February 26, 2015 Jaai Vipra

Dr. Armin Bruck has been the MD and CEO of Siemens Limited since 2008. Armed with a PhD in Operations Research and a Business degree in Economics and Informatics, Dr. Bruck has been associated with this company since his student days. Read as he tells us about his rather interesting and inspiring journey from intern to heading Siemens operations in India, along with some helpful advice for students just starting out in their careers.

1. In your college days, where did you do your internship and what project/assignment did you work on?

I started working quite early. Interestingly enough, I worked regularly for Siemens as a student in Mannheim. My job included implementing software applications for the company’s UNIX (SINIX) systems.

My first assignment was in 1986-87 as a Sales Assistant for Data and Communication Systems, Siemens AG, Mannheim, Germany. After one year in this role, I became Sales Representative and later Account Manager.

2. How was the experience in terms of the work that you did, the mentor, and the work culture?

The fact that I have worked with Siemens throughout my career in all kinds of different groups and functions and in many different locations within and outside Germany speaks for itself. Siemens provides a fabulous opportunity for talent in several areas: engineering, manufacturing, R&D, sales, marketing, project management and supply chain management. My experience of the past 25 years here is that it has always provided a vibrant, dynamic workplace, justifying the perception that it attracts and develops exceptional employees who are rewarded for their contributions to our business.

My experience is that it has always provided an excellent work culture, one that fosters people excellence by providing learning and development opportunities. Our employees can continuously enhance their skills and competence.

3. Are there any key lessons that you learned during your internship which you still remember and apply in your work even today?

The most important thing to remember is that people are very important to any organization, and they have to be treated with respect and care. If you take care of the employees, they will not only stick with you but also take the organization to greater heights.

I would not say that I had especially changed my working style or management methods when I came to India. At the end of the day, you have to trust your people and give them the necessary freedom to act and the confidence that you are there when they need you.

4. How does Siemens view internships? If you hire interns regularly, what is the main objective behind investing time and money in such programs? If not, why not?

At Siemens, interns play a critical role. Internships are an investment for the future. Continuous learning starts at the intern level, followed by Graduate Trainee Engineers or Management Trainees. As an intern at Siemens, you are simultaneously translating learning into action. It is a win-win: Siemens early enough gets to know talented people, and the intern gets an early reality check.

5. What would be your top 3 career advices to the students who will be starting their professional career soon?

While choosing a career, you should know your strengths, skills and talents. You will see ups and downs in your career, and it’s only your experience and passion to continue doing what you know best that will see you through the tough times.

Innovate, be open to explore new fields and strive to excel in every aspect of your job, right from the day you join an organization. If you are patient, it will pay dividends in the long-term.

Be ethical in your dealings with everyone in the organization and outside; your colleagues, business partners, clients.