Sabine Gravite – Balancing personal and professional aspirations

As someone who lives and breathes the holiday spirit, I am, without a doubt, a Christmas enthusiast! I am the person who eagerly waits for November 1st to deck the halls (only because I'm not allowed to do it sooner), and someone who embraces Christmas songs the moment it feels appropriate and who proudly dons festive sweaters at the office come December.

This year, I embarked on a transformative fitness journey, embracing running and hitting the gym with newfound dedication. For the first time, I ran a 10 km race in the Rimi Riga Marathon! I have committed to going to the gym twice a week, and the results have been nothing short of exhilarating. I feel stronger, healthier, and more energetic than ever before.

My boyfriend is my rock, my muse, and my greatest motivator. His unwavering support and encouragement have propelled me to strive for excellence in both my career and personal life. Without his inspiration, I might never have dared to challenge myself, whether it was diving into a bootcamp to study SAP or seizing the opportunity to join this incredible company!

From SAP consultant to finance specialist

Previously, I worked as an SAP Functional Consultant for three years. My journey began at an Accenture bootcamp where I showcased my skills, earning the chance to start my SAP career. I supported users with various finance-related issues and system updates.

Today, I am a Finance Testing Services Specialist, testing finance cases in the new S4HANA system on behalf of business users. Since November 2023, I have honed my communication skills and adaptability, essential for navigating the ever-changing landscape of deployments. Precision and attention to detail are paramount in ensuring that test cases are executed flawlessly.

What resonates most with me is our company culture. I am fortunate to work with colleagues who are not only skilled but also incredibly supportive and respectful. The open and collaborative environment inspires me daily. Even those I don't work with directly extend a helping hand, making the workplace feel like a second home.

Team spirit and collaboration

A common misconception might be that our Testing Services team is nonexistent at Roche. But let me assure you, we are here, and we are making a difference as a new team!

I cherish the unwavering support I receive from my team members. In moments of doubt or difficulty, I can always count on them for assistance and encouragement. As we test on behalf of business users for ASPIRE, our journey is just beginning, especially for the EMEA region team.

Although success stories are still unfolding, my previous SAP experience has been invaluable in training and preparing for the upcoming Waves. In Wave B, I will be testing Record to Analyze Management accounting scenarios and some Plan to Retire Fixed Assets scenarios, thus, reducing the workload for our business users.

To me, success is about finding a harmonious balance between personal and professional aspirations. It is about continuous improvement, making a positive impact, and feeling fulfilled in every aspect of life. I view obstacles and setbacks as opportunities for growth, learning valuable lessons that prepare me for future challenges.

My advice is to embrace the opportunities presented to you—both within work teams and in various communities. These experiences enrich your daily work life, making it more interesting and fulfilling, and they pave the way for personal and professional growth.