Corinna - commercial assistant
Corinna joined CWS Fire Safety over five years ago and has been with us ever since. Since 2021, she has been supporting the management of the Fire Safety Academy, our internal training centre in Rödermark, as a commercial assistant.
Corinna puts her heart and soul into ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes: she organises, coordinates and maintains an overview even in stressful moments. Whether room preparations, participant support or scheduling - she makes sure that all participants feel that they are in good hands.
Organisational talent with an eye for detail
As a commercial assistant, Corinna has a varied working day. Her tasks not only include traditional tasks such as preparing the training rooms, answering emails or checking invoices - a central part of her job is also planning the training course calendar.
The organisation of training courses for the coming year begins as early as October of the previous year. ‘Our aim is to offer employees in the branches several dates per course,’ explains Corinna. ‘It is crucial for the company that all technicians have the same level of knowledge - this is how we ensure uniform quality for our customers.’ The commercial assistant is also responsible for the participants' physical well-being: she organises the catering, takes allergies and individual wishes into account and ensures that everyone feels well looked after. During the training courses, the commercial assistant is also the central point of contact and acts as an interface between the technicians and the branches. Challenges that previously went undetected in day-to-day work are repeatedly addressed in this context. ‘I'm constantly learning new things, both professionally and personally,’ says Corinna. ‘And I'm happy to be able to support our technicians in the best possible way.’
From the toy trade to fire protection
After 17 years in the toy industry, the commercial assistant found her way to CWS Fire Safety through an acquaintance - a change that may seem surprising at first glance. But for Corinna it was clear: ‘I've always enjoyed working with people - and I consciously wanted to try something completely new.’
In her previous job, she was already travelling a lot, attending trade fairs and interacting with people from all over the world. At CWS Fire Safety, she now experiences this diversity in a different form: At the Fire Safety Academy, the commercial assistant meets participants of all ages, origins and professional backgrounds. The switch to the world of fire safety has not only opened up new perspectives for Corinna professionally - she has also become even more personally aware of the importance of this subject area.
Challenges in a male-dominated industry
The change from the toy world to the more male-dominated fire protection industry brought some new experiences for Corinna. The commercial assistant quickly got used to the sometimes ‘harsh tone’ in communication - with a wink and a lot of composure. The greater challenge lay in the technology: she had to familiarise herself with a completely new, complex specialist area in a short space of time. But with great commitment and a genuine interest in the processes and interrelationships in fire protection, she also grew into this role. The support from the team was particularly important to her: ‘I was never left alone - that gave me a lot of security,’ she says. Today, the commercial assistant has not only arrived professionally, but also feels like a permanent member of the fire safety community.
Start-up feeling at the Fire Safety Academy
Corinna faced a particular challenge at the start of the newly opened Fire Safety Academy: the still provisional equipment. The first training courses took place even though the premises were still under construction. Instead of modern seminar rooms, some of the participants sat on camping chairs - in the warehouse, heated by mushroom heaters. Even the coffee was thought of: Corinna brought the machine from home without further ado ‘It felt a bit like a start-up,’ she says with a smile. ‘But we made the best of it.’ After all, some successful companies have started out in a garage.
Campsite or training centre?
When asked for an anecdote from the early days, Corinna doesn't have to think long: ‘In the beginning, there weren't even any usable toilets - we bridged the gap with porta-potties for about three to four months.’ Despite the circumstances, everyone involved took it with humour. Complaints? None.
The "A-Team" - three personalities, one strong we
Today, the commercial assistant, together with the training manager and a training officer, form the heart of the Academy - affectionately known as the ‘A-Team’. They have been working together in this constellation for four years and have mastered many a challenge in the process. ‘Everyone brings their own strengths to the table and we balance each other out,’ says Corinna, describing how they work together. She particularly appreciates the trust and understanding they have for each other. Their team ritual shows how close they are: Whenever there are no training sessions, they eat ‘Strammer Max’ at the team meeting. Their verdict on team spirit? ‘10 out of 10’ - short, honest, convincing.
Corinna's tips for future commercial assistants
If Corinna could give one tip to a future commercial assistant, it would be this: ‘Do what you enjoy, what you are interested in and what you are really passionate about.’ Because, as she says: ‘A job can only be fulfilling in the long term if you put your heart into it.’
Become part of the team
Would you also like to start as a commercial assistant in fire protection at CWS Fire Safety? We have over 20 branches across Germany, are growing rapidly and are looking for more people who, like Corinna, are passionate about what they do. Take a look at our job market or send us an unsolicited application. We look forward to hearing from you!