Apprentice talk with Madlin and Friedrich

19 apprentices graduated at Beiersdorf in mid-July: five Chemical Laboratory Technicians, one Chemical Technician, two IT Specialists, three Digitalization Management Clerks, four Mechatronics Technicians, and four Industrial Clerks who are completing their Bachelor´s Degree in Business Administration at the end of their study-integrating apprenticeships.

After the joint Graduation Ceremony with the Training team, we asked Chemical Laboratory Technician Madlin Hornbostel (21 years old) and Friedrich Jaques (22), Digitalization Management Clerk, for an interview. What did they look back on? We asked them what the highlights of their apprenticeships were – and what tips they could offer future Beiersdorf apprentices.

Madlin: For me, “diverse”, “developmental” and “supportive”.

Friedrich: Very similar for me. The words “individual”, “diverse” and “supportive” come to mind.  

Madlin: In addition to deepening my knowledge and skills through regular training, my expectation was to be able to contribute in other ways via ideas and projects, to connect with people and to experience Beiersdorf as a whole. And that has definitely come true!

Friedrich: First and foremost, my goal was to gain practical experience and understand the structure and functions of Beiersdorf as a large corporation. I also wanted a sound understanding of process digitalization and automation. All in all, my expectations have been more than fulfilled!

Friedrich: What I liked best was being able to express my wishes at any time. I was always able to say which areas interested me further – and this was also considered when planning my upcoming apprenticeship assignments. Of course, taking the initiative personally is key here. But if you took initiative, you always had a chance to shape your apprenticeship to meet your individual needs and interests. I thought that was outstanding!

I left each department with valuable new experiences and made new personal contacts. I was usually able to apply these right away at my next assignment in a new department. I also loved working on many small projects of my own. That said, my two foreign assignments in Mexico and Italy were definitely among my personal highlights. Besides these, it was great that I was able to train for a certificate in AI, as this topic fascinates me.

Friedrich: I will be happy to! I did my first stay abroad through the Erasmus+ program. I worked at a small startup in Vicenza, Italy, and was primarily responsible for the design of the website. It was such a cool experience working in a startup with 10 employees, especially because so far I´d only worked at a large company with 20,000 employees. I gained a lot of experience during this time, both at work and in my leisure time. My second stay abroad came through a project in which I was a team member, focused on the rollout of a new pricing tool. Being part of the project and planning the individual steps together was a great experience. The major highlight, however, was my one-week trip to Mexico, where we presented the new tool to our colleagues on location and accompanied its rollout. I learned an incredible amount here too, especially through working with international colleagues.

Madlin: Yes, I also went abroad during my apprenticeship – and it was an outstanding highlight for me as well! Last year I had the opportunity to work at our Innovation Center in Florham Park, New Jersey, for around 3 months. I supported a range of projects in the lab, was invited to participate in meetings and events, and gained a comprehensive insider view of research and development processes onsite.

Besides this I was also able to contribute my own knowledge from departmental assignments in Hamburg and helped trigger a stimulating exchange of views. I took so much with me from this period – I made great some professional contacts, gathered fresh insights about culture and life in the United States and, just like Friedrich, developed a better understanding of global collaboration. I´m infinitely grateful for all these experiences!

Madlin: I experienced first-hand that if you want to take on project responsibility as part of your apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity at Beiersdorf! For example, in my first apprenticeship year I took over a Laboratory Sustainability project that some fellow apprentices had set up before completing their training. This project gave me the opportunity to gain various skills – I learned to lead a team and project, and got hands-on with the Teams and Outlook platforms, which I can still use effectively today. I was also able to learn things that would not normally have been part of my apprenticeship, such as shooting and editing videos. But what pleased me the most was making so many personal contacts in the Chemical Laboratory Technician area, but also across professional specializations.

Madlin: Following my apprenticeship I´m going to start as a Junior Technician for Creme & Hand. I was already able to spend my final departmental assignment there, so I´m looking forward to working with this great team again and naturally also to the upcoming projects. I am excited about finally getting to know all the facets of our innovation process and continuing to meet many great new people.

Friedrich: I´m starting my law studies in October, but I will continue as a Working Student at Beiersdorf. I´m very pleased about this opportunity to continue my education and in parallel to apply the knowledge I´ve acquired at Beiersdorf. I will then support the department where I also had my in-depth apprenticeship phase – Sales Core Applications.

Madlin: Beiersdorf is a company committed to its apprentices and paves the way for their future careers with diverse opportunities. This is why I can wholeheartedly recommend an apprenticeship at Beiersdorf.

Friedrich: I definitely agree with Madlin. As I mentioned, on the one hand at Beiersdorf you can shape your apprenticeship very individually and always have the chance to build your knowledge in various directions. On the other hand, collaboration here is thoroughly collegial and harmonious – and lunch in the Company Restaurant is simply superb! (grins)

Madlin: Apply your skills and ideas, seize opportunities to get involved, develop yourself and help shape your own apprenticeship.

Friedrich: Precisely! If you have any specific ideas or wishes, share these in good time! Reach out to your colleagues proactively. Most of them are delighted to pass on their knowledge to apprentices, especially when you ask questions actively and show commitment.

Thank you both for this interview – and all the very best for your future! 

Anna is part of the Corporate Communications team and responsible for the topics of Human Resources (HR) as well as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I). Anna firmly believes that diversity is the foundation for innovation and success. Her stories are about inspiring personalities at Beiersdorf, exciting career paths and Beiersdorf’s ambition to fostering a culture of equitable opportunities for all.