Groupon Employee Spotlight:
Janine Schmidt

Explore our interview with Janine, a Key Account Manager at Groupon since 2013, the first of our incredible team members to take part in the Employee Spotlight interview.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Groupon. 

I am 36 years young and have been working for Groupon in Outside Sales since 2013. I am a Key Account Manager and am responsible for the cities in North Rhine-Westphalia (Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund and many more ). 

I am a northerner by birth, as I was born and raised in Wilhelmshaven on the North Sea.

I was a trained retail specialist and instructor in retail and actually only wanted to stay at Groupon for 1-2 years to then become a teacher at a vocational school. As you can see, I changed my mind ;) 

How did you get started in your career, and what brought you to  Groupon?

I discovered Groupon in 2012 because I had booked a trip through the platform. Later, the app was used for all my trips to take advantage of the cheap activities. Groupon was looking for new employees in 2013 by posting deals on the platform that people could apply for. Which I did and here I am :) Started in Hannover and then moved to Cologne for Groupon. 

What's the most exciting thing happening in your department right now?

Since the strategic transformation began to modernize Groupon, it has introduced new processes and weekly updates. It's an exciting journey, and we can't wait to see where it will lead us 

Describe your team in three words.

Communicative, Agile, Flexible

What's a fun or interesting way your team collaborates or bonds together?

Prior to the pandemic, our workplace dynamic was quite vibrant, with a strong emphasis on team bonding and traditions that we've managed to preserve despite the challenging times. We've upheld the tradition of the Christmas sweater challenge, ensuring that it remains a cherished part of our festive celebrations.

In addition, we've introduced new social events to keep our team connected and engaged. For instance, we recently organized a painting workshop, which was a fantastic way to foster creativity and camaraderie within the team. 

We've also maintained our tradition of daily lunches, where we come together to share a meal and our daily experiences. Moreover, we continue to liven up our team chat with amusing sales and office-related memes to keep the spirit high.

Share a memorable moment, project or event from your time at Groupon.

I was on vacation in America and talked to some nice people. When they asked where I would work and I told them that Groupon is my employer, I was celebrated like a rock star :D After that I celebrated myself too :P 

What's the best piece of advice you've received from a colleague at Groupon?

Well meant, is not well done. Should mean no half measures. 

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

Good time management, setting priorities right, open and honest conversations with my manager.

Can you share any tips for staying productive and motivated?

My motto: to have is better than to need. I try to get everything out in my negotiations and deal with every industry so my everyday life is not monotonous. If there is one thing Groupon is not, it is boring. 

What was the first Groupon that you even bought, or experienced?

One hotel night in the Harz Mountains.

What is one non-work activity or hobby that you're into? 

I love to travel and play badminton.

What’s one thing about you that surprises people?

I am creative and make my own personal advent calendar for my family members every year.

Rapid and Fire Questions

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only have three items, what would they be?

Sunglasses, Flip Flops, Cell phone 😎

If you could have any fictional character as your best friend, who would it be?

John Wick :D

What's the most embarrassing song on your playlist that you secretly love?

Klaus and Klaus - On the North Sea coast.

If you could only eat one cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Italian 🍝

If you could time travel to any era, past or future, where would you go?

I would travel into the future and look at the lottery numbers. The rest, you can then think for sure ;) 

What's the most unusual talent or skill you have?

I can fall asleep anywhere and instantly. On the train, at the sink at the hairdresser, on the plane - just about anywhere 😴

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

Sean Connery or Marilyn Monroe, two icons, which became successful at a completely different time. 

What's your guilty pleasure when it comes to TV shows or movies?

Action and trash TV.

What was the last book you read?

Clothes make the man by Gottfried Keller 📖

And finally, what was the last Groupon you bought?

UCI Cinema Tickets 🎥