In the absence of essential Vitamin B in the upper echelons, the HR head reveals strategies for effective functioning despite technical disruptions.
Rewritten Article:
Annika in der Beek, HR Director at Statista, insists she reached the top not by rubbing elbows with the right people, but by seizing opportunities given by those who recognized her potential. Paving her road through internships and strategic HR moves, she faced setbacks like getting fired during probation - but didn't let them derail her dreams.
Her current network's not the product of social position or family ties, but a collection of individuals she's built over the years. It's not about career advantage, but establishing relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
Glancing at Annika in der Beek's resume, it appears she's constructed an immaculate success narrative - with a degree in economics psychology, an MBA, stints at high-profile consulting firms, later HR responsibilities at the online clothing store About You, and now HR Director at the online platform Statista [Citation needed]. But her journey was far from a given. Networking wasn't the ticket; it was sheer grit and the fortuitous encounter of those who had faith in her.
In an interview with our site, Annika, aged 35, shares insights into how one can ascend to management realms without "'Vitamin B'" - and what truly matters instead.
It ain't 'Vitamin B', it's a believer
"It's not the famous 'Vitamin B' that makes the difference," Annika states. So, what's vital? "A person who sees potential in you, opens the door, and gives you a shot." This person may not be someone she knows, they could simply see her potential during the application process.
Throughout her career, Annika has never had someone else submit her application nor has she been recommended often [Citation needed]. Yet, each time she faced someone who said, "We see potential, let's work with you," that was her ticket to embark on new projects, contribute, and eventually make her mark.
From the Ruhr to the C-suite sans academic pedigree
Originating from Gelsenkirchen in the Ruhr area, Annika grew up in a family that ran a small business in steel and plant engineering – none of her family members had attended college. "I wasn't raised in an academic setting where I was told to pursue higher education or maintain a specific career path," she explains.
While her parents were supportive, they couldn't provide a career roadmap – no help with her resume, no internship placements [Citation needed]. After graduating from high school, she pursued a degree in economics psychology and later earned an MBA.
During her studies, she landed numerous internships and worked as a student in renowned companies like KPMG, Kienbaum, and Horváth. She worked initially to earn some money and gain professional clarity. "I juggled assignments between consulting and HR departments," she recalls. "I didn't know if I wanted to stick with HR long-term."
Her first full-time job was with a consulting firm, which she felt was ideal for her. She learned about various topics and figured out her interests. Ironically, this gig, which she later buried in her resume, only lasted a few months before she was let go during probation. A partner at the firm once told her, "Really think about whether you should do something in economics. I don't think you'll make it here."
Scaling the Peaks - Without a Map
Annika eventually found stability at the consulting firm OC&C, where she worked for two years in the private equity practice, focusing on M&A projects in Hamburg and London. "It was an education in itself," she notes. However, she realized the M&A scene wasn't her versus battlefield in the long run. "I'm an analytical person, but in the M&A world, you'll be confronted with people who are analytically way to the right of the normal curve – I struggled to keep up."
She moved to Accenture to join a consulting unit with a significant HR focus. Finally, Annika discovered her HR sweet spot. "I had the luck of having a supervisor and two satisfied clients who backed, nurtured, and gave me exhilarating projects."
In 2020, she switched to About You and took charge of the HR department. Just like earlier encounters, she moved up the ranks again when one person opened the door. This time, she still lacked a typical HR profile with hands-on experience, but they saw her potential nonetheless [Citation needed].
Crafting Her Own Network
After four years, Annika switched to Statista and assumed the role of CHRO a year ago. What's the story behind it? Creating her own network throughout her career.
She started building her network during her time at About You - out of necessity. She recalls, "I had many topics on my plate that I knew little about." So, she began actively opening discussions. "Through my boss, through friends, from old consulting colleagues, and by sending messages on LinkedIn," she recounted. " Slowly but surely, a reliable group of ten to fifteen people emerged."
Her network today isn't meant for career propulsion, but for support. "They are colleagues on an equal standing," she says. When she finds herself in a difficult situation, she knows she can always seek honest feedback from a handful of people from her network. "They sometimes also say, 'Don't even consider this unrealistic idea.'"
Networking isn't a one-sided endeavor for Annika. "I'm always considering what value I can bring to our conversations. This world I've entered has brought not only professional relationships, but also real friendships," she smiles.
While she acknowledges that having a network can be helpful in the long run, she stands firm on her belief - "At the start of one's career, it's possible to succeed without an existing network, provided there are people who believe in you and are willing to give you a chance." As one advances, however, a solid network becomes significantly important – "Not in the traditional sense of 'connections' and direct benefits, but as a source of exchange and knowledge."
- "What about those who argue that networking is key to career advancement? Annika in der Beek disagrees, stating that it's not about who you know, but who recognizes your potential and gives you a chance."
- "Annika believes that personal growth, education-and-self-development, and career-development are crucial for elevating oneself in the management realms, rather than relying on social connections or 'Vitamin B'."
