Looking back on your career so far, was there a moment when you realised that the path you originally chose was no longer the right one for you?
I originally trained to become a teacher and genuinely enjoyed both my studies and the practical training. But once I really got into the school system, I realised that it wasn’t a good fit for me in the long run. It was during my teacher training that the idea of taking a different path began to take shape. It was only once I fully understood what was involved that I could honestly decide that teaching wasn’t right for me.
A career change means stepping away from what you know. What thoughts and expectations did you have at that stage, and what gave you the courage to pursue a new professional path?
The path had always been straightforward: university, teacher training, then teaching. But the more I got to know the system, the more I realised that I wanted to grow professionally in a different environment. The courage didn’t come from a spur-of-the-moment decision – it came from knowing I didn’t want to commit to something that wouldn’t work for me in the long run. That profound insight gave me the motivation to consciously close that chapter of my life and explore a new direction.
“Even in the first interview, I felt that they were thinking carefully about my strengths and how to make the best use of them. ”
Philipp Baumgärtner, Business Technologies & HR-Training Specialist, Gleiss LutzMany people making a career change wonder how open employers really are to unconventional résumés. What was the application and onboarding process like for you at Gleiss Lutz?
It was a very positive experience. I originally studied to become a teacher and then became interested in IT – an entirely different field. Gleiss Lutz was actually the first and only place I applied, and I heard back very quickly. Even in the first interview, I felt that they were thinking carefully about my strengths and how to make the best use of them. The feedback was encouraging and I sensed that they recognised my potential, even if I hadn’t exactly followed a conventional path to get there.
You now work in Business Technologies & HR Training. What skills or insights from your earlier studies are helpful in your current role?
A lot of them, actually. My German studies gave me a very good feel for language – and excellent communication is key at Gleiss Lutz. My teacher training not only helps me to design training materials and understand learning processes, but also to work with and engage diverse groups. These are all skills I rely on every single day.
Switching careers often means learning on the job. How did your colleagues and supervisors support you along the way?
Exceptionally well. There was clear structure and ongoing dialogue from day one. I wasn’t thrown in at the deep end, but guided every step of the way. My onboarding followed a well-defined approach: first observing, then shadowing, and finally taking on tasks independently. This meant I was never overwhelmed. At the same time, my strengths were actively taken into account, so I quickly felt I was making a meaningful contribution – which accelerated my learning curve tremendously.
You’re studying again while working. What inspired you to take this step – and how does Gleiss Lutz help you combine work and further education?
I wanted to broaden my skills, which led me to start a distance-learning programme in business informatics. Gleiss Lutz was very supportive and worked with me to find a flexible solution. At first, I switched to part-time so I could focus more on studying, but later moved back to full-time. Working from home two days a week also makes everything easier to organise. This setup allows me to fully deliver in my role while continuing my studies in parallel.
“Linear career paths haven’t been the norm for a long time now. Employers appreciate the richness that different experiences bring. But it can of course feel daunting to leave a familiar path.”
Philipp Baumgärtner, Business Technologies & HR-Training Specialist, Gleiss LutzIn hindsight, what advice would you give to people considering a non-linear career path or a change of career?
Linear career paths haven’t been the norm for a long time now. Employers appreciate the richness that different experiences bring. But it can of course feel daunting to leave a familiar path. It helps to think about where you want to go – but you don’t have to plan everything down to the last detail. Having the courage to embrace change makes all the difference, and you’ll be amazed by the synergies that appear, even if the new direction initially feels like a departure from everything you know.
Why do you think Gleiss Lutz appeals to talented applicants ready to take responsibility and explore new paths?
Because Gleiss Lutz welcomes people with interesting backgrounds and personalities and works closely with them to shape individual career paths. Of course, trust is tied to performance: those who deliver can expect greater responsibility and autonomy. What also stands out is the remarkable variety of business services roles, far exceeding what most people associate with a law firm. This mix of openness, high expectations, and genuine growth potential makes Gleiss Lutz especially appealing for those looking to change career.
