Coaching with Melanie: Growing together through learning

How did you become aware of the educational initiative?

Through a colleague! She was in her first year with business@school when we met during a departmental assignment. She was an HR trainee, and I was an apprentice. Her stories immediately inspired me, and I knew I wanted to support a high school student group as a coach the following year. I signed up right away and started my journey as a coach the next year. 

What experiences did you have with your high school student group?

My group showed me that business and entrepreneurship can be exciting topics, even at school. When I was their age, these subjects felt abstract and intimidating. My group, made up of four boys, started with a solid foundation of knowledge and a curiosity that made it much easier for me to support them as a coach.

What impressed you the most?

Their use of digital tools! I know a lot has changed in schools regarding digitalization in recent years. But I was genuinely surprised at how advanced things have become—and how 16- and 17-year-olds have not only caught up with many of us coaches but in some cases even surpassed us. I think reverse mentoring is a concept that could be incredibly beneficial here. There’s so much we can learn from highschool students.

What concerns can you ease for colleagues who are considering becoming a coach?

It’s definitely not a time-consuming commitment! Coaching is very flexible and tailored to the needs of the high school student groups. We don’t take on the role of teachers. Instead, we’re there to support the students, offering feedback and constructive criticism to help them grow. You don’t need a degree in business or to know every economic model by heart to be a good coach. Just give it a try and see where the journey takes you. You can only gain from the experience!
 
Evonik has been a partner of business@school, the educational initiative of The Boston Consulting Group, for many years. This educational initiative gives high school students a close-up, hands-on look at business and entrepreneurship over the course of one school year.