"It is true that in many areas of the EPS industry, you often work primarily with men. However, it is noticeable, especially among customers, how this landscape is changing."

Katrin is a Senior Specialist Sales - Account Manager EPS Consumer Customers at BASF and she accept to be interviewed to share her experiences in the EPS world.

Work and responsibilities

“I am working as external sales representative at BASF, focusing on the sales of EPS to European OEMs and consumer clients in Germany. I am 41 years old, mother of two little kids. Working 23 years in BASF and thereof since 16 years at BASF Styrenics devision mainly in Sales or Marketing. Living in Germany.”

Biggest challenges and achievements in her career

“Throughout my career, I have encountered several significant challenges and achievements that have shaped my professional growth. One of the biggest challenges I faced was transitioning from a steering and planing role to a sales position. This shift required me to develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a deep understanding of customer needs and market dynamics. In the last 16 years that I have worked in the EPS business, there have been and continue to be new challenges, such as the constantly changing raw material situation, regulatory changes and requirements, increasing competition, and shifts in applications away from EPS to other materials. My lesson learned is that when you collaborate with customers and industry associations in a partnership approach, you can achieve a lot together to remain successful and also grow again.”

A word of advice

“Certainly, it is true that in many areas of the EPS industry, you often work primarily with men. However, it is noticeable, especially among customers, how this landscape is changing. I also have many female contacts among my clients. So, I encourage you to embrace the challenge and take your place in this industry.”