As part of our series of articles highlighting the roles and success of women at SThree we asked Christina Schmid, Senior Sales Team Leader with Progressive Pharma in Munich, about her career and for tips on being successful for women who might be considering a career in recruitment.
Tell us a little about your career so far at SThree
I started working for Progressive in April 2011 and was promoted to Consultant 6 months later. I was quickly rewarded and won an Incentive trip to Mallorca after only 4 months in the business.
In May 2012, I was promoted to Senior Consultant, and by the end of that year I was named the “Top Biller Rookie – Worldwide 2012” at our Christmas Party. In 2013, I was promoted to Principal Consultant and then Senior Principal Consultant. At the end of 2013 I won another prize, this time it was “SThree Europe Top Biller 2013”.
Our team had grown over this period, to a point where a new team leader was urgently needed. This was my opportunity to take on a management role.
My success has been rewarded and I soon after was promoted to Senior Sales Team Leader thanks to what my team has achieved and the feedback I’ve received.
What specific challenges do you enjoy working in a sales culture?
There is always the possibility to achieve more, to reach new and even greater goals. This is why when facing a difficult time in recruitment it can be hard to stay motivated.
Are there any issues which are more difficult as a woman?
It can be difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. For example, it is quite common for women who work in a sales environment to decide not to have children until later in life so they can concentrate on their career.
This issue has been tackled by SThree though, with various programmes, and is a focus of the company as they look to further improve the working environment of their employees.
What are the secrets to your success?
The main secret is the drive and ambition that constantly motivates me to reach the next level. I am always trying to achieve more and be the best in what I do. Competition and success it what drives me.
What top tips would you give a woman joining recruitment at SThree?
It’s a great company for a woman to start a successful career with. I also think it’s an area where women can build good relationships based on excellent communications. I also think that although there are more men in management roles in German industry that’s not a bar to women doing well.
What do you want to achieve next?
My goals are to push the Pharma Contract team to become the most successful team in DACH. I would also like to grow the team and potentially expand in Europe.
If you’d like to learn more about a career with SThree, then visit or LinkedIn profile or browse our most recent job opportunities here.