Nadine Mabaso (31) studied tourism management and has been working for X1F, or more precisely IKOR – a subsidiary of the X1F Group – since 2019. After working in consulting for some time, she switched internal sales within the group of companies and is currently supporting the team as Project Staffing Manager.
There used to be the saying: “ Stick to your last.” Translated: Don’t make any changes in life, especially not in your job. In Germany, it used to be the case that once you had completed your apprenticeship, you were stuck in one job for the rest of your life. This also meant that a certain lifestyle was predetermined. Other paths meant many obstacles. All this has now changed with the digital disruption. Something has changed in Germany. Nadine’s career path also reflects this major professional and social change.
Nadine Mabaso, Project Staffing Manager at X1F subsidiary IKOR, has made a remarkable career change: from tourism into the tech industry. Secondly, from England and Ireland to Germany. And thirdly, from external consulting to internal Project Staffing Manager. Nadine’s path not only represents her personal growth, but also dynamic change in the world of work: within the X1F Group and its subsidiary IKOR, she has opted for a flexible and individual career path.
Nadine Mabaso, Project Staffing Manager at X1F subsidiary IKOR, has made a remarkable career change: from tourism into the tech industry. Secondly, from England and Ireland to Germany. And thirdly, from external consulting to internal Project Staffing Manager. Nadine’s path not only represents her personal growth, but also dynamic change in the world of work: within the X1F Group and its subsidiary IKOR, she has opted for a flexible and individual career path.
Polyglot work experience in the Irish and British Isles
Nadine’s professional career path began far away from technology consulting for insurance companies, financial institutions, etc. After graduating from high school, she studied tourism management in Holland and moved to England with a bachelor’s degree in her pocket. Because the jobs in the tourism sector in London were not financially viable for her, a coincidence brought her to Ireland’s neighboring island in 2015: “Within three weeks, I switched from planning tourist travel groups to Apple in Ireland, that was in 2015,” smiles Nadine.
From Apple to IKOR: Nadine's first career steps
Nadine not only got her start in the IT industry at Apple, but also found her first vocation. “I started there in the call center and was part of the team that set up chat support for the German region.” Nadine’s skills did not go unnoticed, nor did her clever and charming manner. A promotion and a life connection followed, because: There was a spark in the chat between Nadine and a team member who was born in Bavaria but grew up in South Africa. Today they are both happily married.
The job in Ireland was fun, but there was a longing for home: “I wanted to be closer to my family in northern Germany,” says Nadine. After four years in Ireland, the young couple packed up their tents, settled in Hamburg and started looking for a job.
Career restart: A stroke of luck called IKOR
“The move to IKOR – the company has been part of the X1F Group since 2021 – was a stroke of luck. I found my job at IKOR through LinkedIn,” says a beaming Nadine. ”The company was willing to give me a chance even though my experience wasn’t directly aligned with their requirements. They saw potential in my attitude and my ability to be flexible.” And this despite the fact that Nadine’s hair was dyed completely dark purple. – For the interview, mind you.
Not every company goes along with this, especially not the first time you meet them.
The industries that X1F and IKOR work for tend to be conservative, even if banks and insurance companies have changed a lot in recent years in terms of clothing style and customer approach.
After starting at IKOR, Nadine began a three-and-a-half-year career as a consultant – with many client appointments on site. Her previously brightly colored hair remained blonde from then on, and she adapted her otherwise casual outfit to the pre-pandemic consulting style. Although Nadine was successful in her work, she soon noticed a certain dissatisfaction with all the traveling.
“Consulting is a fantastic job. However, it didn’t really satisfy me. While many colleagues missed traveling during the pandemic, I realized that my job at the time was not the right one in the long term,” says Nadine. “My passion is not in field service, but in improving internal structures and supporting colleagues.”
Courage is good for you: changing career paths
So what if you’re no longer happy with your job but think the company you work for is great? Leaving X1F or IKOR was not really an option for Nadine. Nadine took courage and said that she would like to move to an internal position, for example to plan department meetings, run workshops and support managers.
This was followed by discussions with superiors, who are always willing to listen. The fact that she was able to talk openly about her internal desire for change is a first-class experience for Nadine: “Elsewhere, especially here in Germany, it would be difficult to say to your boss: Can we talk?” At both X1F and IKOR, you can talk, regardless of whether it’s a personal or professional problem. Because the group is based on partnership, there is always someone to support you. “You notice that at every turn,” says Nadine.
Career stage: Nadine's latest calling
In summer 2023, Nadine switched from external to internal services – into the sales team. “This included coordination and workshops with our key account managers, tool and process support, sales-oriented training and general support where it was needed,” explains Nadine. Nadine is now taking on a new role: as a former tourism manager, she is now responsible for tenders and the staffing project for the “Public Sector & Banking” industry.
The power of transformation
Nadine’s journey at X1F and IKOR is not just about her own professional transformation. The transformative power of the technology industry allows her individual career paths and the group encourages them – a testament to the flexibility and openness of the modern working world. Nadine’s story is an inspiring example of how to find your true calling beyond the beaten track. It also reflects the importance of internal mobility and the support of the Group. And: “How valuable it is to work in an environment that promotes not only professional but also personal progress,” summarizes Nadine. The X1F Group has proven itself to Nadine – as one that recognizes the potential of its employees and gives them the opportunity to develop. And it does this in close cooperation with the X1F company siblings, including IKOR.
This article first appeared on the website of X1F subsidiary IKOR in 2024 and perfectly reflects the culture that not only IKOR, but also the entire X1F Group stands for.
