Janina at GF headquarters in Schaffhausen – discovering the world of HR.

Shaping careers: Inside GF’s HR department in Schaffhausen

What’s it like to leave your usual workplace for two weeks and gain insights at GF headquarters in Schaffhausen? Janina, an apprentice Industrial Management Assistant at GF DEKA, embraced the challenge – and returned with new confidence, fresh ideas and lasting impressions.

Janina Sperling, an apprentice Industrial Management Assistant at GF DEKA GmbH in Dautphetal, had the unique opportunity to spend two weeks at GF’s headquarters in Schaffhausen. There, she gained first-hand insights into the Human Resources (HR) department and experienced how an international industrial corporation supports its people worldwide.

From recruiting to culture: learning through experience

During her stay, Janina became part of the recruiting team. She participated in job interviews and learned what matters most when selecting new team members. In addition, she got to know the onboarding, time tracking, and payroll processes – and even took part in a “Culture Movement” session, where leaders discussed values and team spirit.

In her second week, Janina explored topics related to learning & development. She worked on job evaluations, explored digital learning with MyLearning, and experienced how continuous learning is embedded into daily business. Particularly valuable was her interaction with international colleagues, which helped broaden her professional perspective.

Engaging in dialogue: Janina in discussion with colleagues at the GF site in Schaffhausen.

“It was a completely new experience for me!”

Janina, apprentice industrial management assistant, final year

Getting hands-on: Janina explores various departments at GF headquarters.

“I found the interviews especially exciting – I learned what really matters when evaluating candidates. The workshops also showed me how important lifelong learning is to grow professionally.”

Janina, apprentice industrial management assistant, final year

Q&A with Janina

What was the highlight of your stay in Schaffhausen?

“Organising and attending the first three modules of the 7 Habits Sprint with Gabriele Haidt. I was impressed by how hands-on and interactive the content was – I took away lots of practical insights.”

How do HR processes at HQ differ from those at GF DEKA?

“Time tracking and payroll are handled centrally through SAP in Schaffhausen, while at GF DEKA, we use different tools. But learning systems like MyLearning are quite similar. In recruiting, Schaffhausen relies more on LinkedIn – something we’ll likely use more at GF DEKA too.”

What practical experience did you gain in recruiting?

“For the first time since starting my training, I was able to attend interviews. I learned how structured interviews work, which questions are useful and what to look for when evaluating candidates. It really boosted my confidence.”

How do you think the Culture Movement will shape GF in the long term?

“It’s a great way to create a shared culture based on common values. The Ambassadors and Change Agents help embed change sustainably and build a strong team spirit across locations.”

What’s your personal takeaway?

“The exchange with international colleagues was enriching. I expanded my network, used my English more actively, and discovered how flexible I can be in a new environment.”

Discovering new perspectives – learning from experienced professionals in Schaffhausen.

Back to Dautphetal – with fresh inspiration

With new ideas, broader horizons, and greater confidence, Janina returned to GF DEKA in Dautphetal – ready to apply what she learned and continue shaping her career at GF.

Always find your growth. #AchievingExcellenceTogether

More stories

Shaping careers: Inside GF’s HR department in Schaffhausen

What’s it like to leave your usual workplace for two weeks and gain insights at GF headquarters in Schaffhausen? Janina, an apprentice Industrial Management Assistant at GF DEKA, embraced the challenge – and returned with new confidence, fresh ideas and lasting impressions.

Graduation ceremony 2024

On 5 July 2024, the time had finally come: around 90 guests from the locations Schaffhausen, Sissach, Subingen, Seewis, Losone, Langnau and Biel were invited to celebrate the graduation of our talented apprentices at Klostergut Paradies.

Discounted driving lessons for GF apprentices in Schaffhausen

Full speed ahead to your driving license! Take advantage of attractive discounts through our partnership with Fahrschule-VK.

📅 Published: 30 April 2025