My journey … 25 years in business, 8 years in public administration
From my apprenticeship at Nordland Papier to my role as managing director at the Emsland Business Association. A look back at the stages of my career that have shaped me.
Sabrina Wendt
My career began in 1998 with a commercial apprenticeship at Nordland Papier in Dörpen. From there, I progressed step by step … first as a specialist buyer, then taking on increasing responsibility.
Between 2006 and 2011, my husband and I left the Emsland region. Professional posts in Austria (Voith Siemens, later UPM-Kymmene Steyrermühl) gave me international procurement experience. At the same time, I studied business administration part-time … graduating in 2011 with a Diploma in Business Administration (FH).
In 2012, I returned to Papenburg. At Ems PreCab, a subsidiary of Meyer Werft, I spent four years building up the supplier network. There, I learnt how the Papenburg shipyard site functions from an industrial perspective … and the role played by strong regional supply chains.
Then, in 2016, I made the move into local government. For eight years, I was the business development officer for the city of Papenburg. I headed up a specialist unit, served on the supervisory board of Seaports of Niedersachsen, and worked on the ‘Digital Places in Lower Saxony’ programme. Key projects: Value Port Papenburg (81 hectares) and the 2018–2022 Economic Development Strategy. Plus further training as a business coach (IHK).
During this time, I learnt a great deal … about the city, about administrative processes, and about the interplay between politics, business and the community. But also about where structures help … and where they hold things back.
Since May 2024, I have been Managing Director of the Emsland Business Association (Wirtschaftsverband Emsland e. V.) and the Emsland Foundation for Work and Family in Meppen. It’s a role that fulfils me … because it shows how regional economic policy can really make a difference.
And since early 2026, I have been standing as a candidate for mayor of Papenburg.
What links all these stages of my career is an interest in people, in structures and in solutions. Understanding industry, building structures, bringing people together … that is the common thread.
I believe that is exactly what Papenburg needs right now.