New colleagues, different way of working, same company – two German trainees report on their experiences abroad.
“Train” in China and Brazil
Niklas Rester is completing an 18-month “Global Leader Development Program” at BMW.
He spent three months in Shenyang, China, and twice went on business trips to Brazil. The next foreign station awaits in July 2015: three months in Joinville, Brazil.
“The special appeal of the BMW trainee program for me is the opportunity to take part in two assignments abroad. This distinguishes the program from other trainee programs offered by large corporations. As a trainee at BMW, you get to know the interface areas and what goes on around them through the several-month assignments in different departments. In addition to production planning, I was also able to gain insights into logistical areas and work processes.
After four months in the structural planning area of the paint shop in the research and innovation center in Munich and one month in the Regensburg plant, we went to Shenyang, China, last fall. There I worked in project management. I was already interested in China as the automotive market of the future when I was studying mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Munich. That's why I completed internships at Volkswagen in Shanghai and at BMW Brilliance Automotive in Shenyang.
I have been supporting the construction of the factory in Brazil since the beginning of the year. As a structural planner, I am looking forward to the next three months in Brazil and the start of body shell construction and the paint shop there. There is a relaxed atmosphere among the Brazilian colleagues. Every day at 4 p.m. sharp, work is stopped for ten minutes in order to get up from the computer and follow the sports and stretching exercises of the fitness trainer who storms in.
In China, colleagues are extremely helpful. The community counts more than the individual here. My tip: approach people openly, tolerantly and friendly. A nice gesture is often enough to overcome the distance from the stranger. Trainees are well connected at BMW. In February, a Brazilian colleague took part in our trainee ski weekend and saw snow for the first time in his life. On the second day he daringly threw himself down the steep slopes. In return, we’ll go surfing in Brazil soon.”
A few quick questions for Niklas:
“Typically” German things that I can’t do without abroad are… structured approach, analytical thinking and organization.
My favorite places in China and Brazil are… the Vue Bar in Shanghai, a rooftop bar with phenomenal views of the skyline and riverside promenade, and the beautiful sandy beaches and beach clubs at Florianópolis.
When I have free time as a trainee, I like to do sports: skiing and snowboarding, soccer, jogging, diving, sailing.
My advice for German trainees who are also thinking about going abroad: Don't think about it, definitely do it! There is only one gas: FULL THROTTLE!
Research and meditate in Taiwan
Katrin Renger has decided on an 18-month science trainee program at Evonik Industries. She is currently working and living in Taipei, Taiwan for five months.
“I am very interested in Asian culture and spent six months in Taiwan while studying business chemistry. As a trainee at Evonik, where I work in the areas of new business development and innovation management, I returned there to independently manage a project in the Corporate Innovation Strategy & Management area involving new applications, market analysis and technology assessment in the electronics industry went.
I learned a lot professionally and culturally. Thanks to the young team and the many interns from all over the world, you can always find people to do something with. This is how friendships were formed that last to this day. In my free time, I took part in a meditation weekend in a Buddhist temple and rode a lot through the countryside on my scooter. The sunrise on the over 2,000 meter high Alishan mountain, which has a sea of clouds below, was also impressive.
I was lucky that Evonik organized insurance and housing before I left. The company has on-site apartments for trainees and interns where you can live like in a shared apartment. I just had to take care of the visa and that is quite easy in the case of Taiwan. Life is much cheaper in Taiwan than in Germany. At the night market and at small stalls you can get food for as little as one euro, train rides are quite cheap, only entry to clubs in Taipei is expensive. The trainee program ends in July. After that, I would like to continue working for Evonik in the strategy area.”
A few quick questions for Katrin
“Typically” German food that I can’t do without abroad is …German bread, but luckily there was a German baker in Taipei.
My favorite place in Taiwan is …The Lions Head in Hsinchu. This is a mountain on which there is a beautiful temple from which you have a great view over the mountains.
When I have free time as a trainee , I like to pack my bags and travel around the country.
My advice for German trainees who are also thinking about going abroad: Go for it! It is unforgettable and no one can take the experience away from you!
New colleagues, different way of working, same company – two German trainees report on their experiences abroad.
