KION Management Trainees talk about their international sections

Where are you currently based, and how are you supporting local colleagues?

I am currently based in Summerville, South Carolina, at KION North America. The New Energy department is being reorganized due to the significant global growth, especially within the U.S., of the Li-Ion battery business. With the experience I have gained in the field of New Energy at KION over the last three sections in Europe, I am supporting my colleagues in setting up the department as well as being assigned to my own project. This project not only allows me to work extensively across different departments but also enables me to familiarize myself with our market, visiting dealers to promote my topic and identify potential synergies.

What has been your favorite experience, both at work and in your host country?

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with every colleague I've got to know thus far. Everyone I've met has been incredibly open-minded and friendly. Moreover, everyone takes your work seriously, which makes you feel highly valued. For instance, my mentors, Christian Loew and Christian Bartl, have facilitated regular updates to KION North America executives regarding my work approach and have also sent me out to various dealers to promote my work, demonstrating their confidence in my abilities and providing ample recognition. Outside of work, I've made a lot of new friends and had some amazing experiences. My landlords are like family—they've invited me to Thanksgiving and introduced me to all their friends. Everyone's been so welcoming! I was also able to pursue my passion for running by taking part in 2 half marathons and other races. I was finally able to improve my personal best time.

Did you have a moment where you thought to yourself "oh, that's why it's like that in that country"?

I've always been curious if college sports events like basketball and football are broadcast live on TV, given that in Germany, we usually only have access to the top three leagues of certain sports. However, after attending these events firsthand, I now understand why they're so highly regarded. They're not just games; they're full-blown events. The atmosphere is electric, starting with lively BBQ gatherings in the parking lot and continuing with enthusiastic cheering and celebration inside the stadium. It's like being part of a big, lively party, something I've only seen depicted in movies and TV shows. I'm particularly excited because my schedule aligns with the Super Bowl, and I can't wait for that day.

How has your international experience affected your approach to your work?

My time at KION North America has really changed how I see things. For example, decisions are made quickly here, and everything is focused on the customer. At first, dealing with all the communication between different departments was a bit overwhelming, especially since English isn't my first language. But I've gotten used to it and learned to be more open-minded along the way. I've come to realize there's no one right way to do things in different work cultures; it's all about finding what works best. Working here has opened my eyes to different ways of doing things. As I move into a project-focused role with an international angle after my traineeship, I'm excited to use what I've learned. That means not just adapting to different work cultures but also understanding where my colleagues are coming from.

What do you think of the opportunity to spend part of your traineeship abroad?

This experience has been one of the most valuable in my career journey so far, and it really influenced my decision to join the KION Management Trainee Program. I absolutely love connecting with different cultures and learning from them. Being part of the international section has been incredibly rewarding. It exposed me to various ways of working and helped me expand my professional network. Collaborating with colleagues from different locations, whom I've met face-to-face, has taken teamwork to a whole new level. It's been an amazing opportunity to work more effectively together. I truly believe that this experience has prepared me to contribute even more meaningfully to the company in future roles.

Can you sum up your international experience in one sentence?

An ideal foundation for pursuing a career with a global focus.

Where are you currently based, and how are you supporting local colleagues?

I am currently based in Cernusco sul Naviglio, Italy which is just outside of Milan. My local colleagues have been very kind in and outside of the workplace. They are always willing to help me with my work and answer many questions. I am very thankful for the helpful demeanor of all my colleagues here in Italy and as well in the surrounding European area. My in office colleagues also spoiled me my first week here and took me out to lunch at a local restaurant!

What has been your favorite experience, both at work and in your host country?

I would have to say that one of my favorite experience in the office is working with my mentor, Marta Rohr. She has been an absolute rock during my move and transition here, not only in the office but outside the office as well. Outside the office, my overall favorite experience is the food. Which as someone who cannot consume gluten in a country whose main cuisine includes pizza, pasta, and pastries, is kind of odd. I'd have to say though, the gluten free bakery in Milan and several gluten free restaurants they have here have been absolutely amazing. I don't think I'll ever find a gluten free croissant as good as one from Italy, ever!

Did you have a moment where you thought to yourself "oh, that's why it's like that in that country"?

Italy is known for having some of the best race car drivers in the world come from their country and I understand why now. After having driven on roads in the Alps of Italy as well as some in the Tuscany hill country near Florence, I can see why they produce so many race car drivers! Their roads in the country side feel like a race track. They are twisty, winding around hills, and are full of switchbacks. Needless to say, it feels like a race track when driving throughout this country. So, it all makes sense now. Why they produce so many race car drivers, Ha!

How has your international experience affected your approach to your work?

One word - Communication. When working with others who speak English not as a first language, miscommunication is very common. It is inevitable. In fact, even if you speak the same native tongue with someone, you can still have miscommunication! This has changed my approach to work to be more patient, kind, and helpful to ensure that everyone understands what is being communicated properly. The biggest of those being patience.

What do you think of the opportunity to spend part of your traineeship abroad?

Unfortunately, I was never able to partake in a study abroad semester in college or in high school, so having this opportunity now has been amazing. From this experience, I would encourage anyone and everyone to take some time to work, study, or live abroad because the amount of learning and growing that is encountered during this time is unfathomable. No matter how much I feel like I've got something figured out or feel like I know what to do, I always find myself learning something new. This opportunity is one of the best opportunities anyone could have.

Can you sum up your international experience in one sentence?

This was one of the best learning experiences I have ever had in my life. So, thank you to KION and all of those who made this experience possible. I can truthfully say this experience has changed my life forever, and in a good way.

Where are you currently based, and how are you supporting local colleagues?

I am currently based out of Dematic HQ, Atlanta, USA. My international assignment is in the Business Transformation (BT) team of North Americas. I have been leveraging my knowledge of BT to support the local colleagues to manage the action items and increase the workflow efficiency.

What has been your favorite experience, both at work and in your host country?

I have had the privilege of collaborating with diverse individuals fostering international cooperation and collaboration within the company. This experience has broadened my network and provided me with insights into Dematic's workflow, enabling me to integrate my knowledge into the Business Transformation North Americas team. A highlight of was volunteering for Dematic's initiative, helping elementary students build a school garden to promote nutrition, sustainability, and STEAM education. This hands-on engagement aligned with the company's social responsibility commitment. A truly heartwarming experience was staying and celebrating Christmas with a fellow trainee and his family. Immersing in American culture, exploring fast-food options, nature hikes, and city life has been a unique and fulfilling experience, combining professional growth, community engagement, and cultural exploration.

Did you have a moment where you thought to yourself "oh, that's why it's like that in that country"?

Well one moment of realization which I have experience in the USA is about the sheer size of this country. The vastness and diversity from the east coast to west coast and from north to south is surreal. No wonder why the USA has four different time zones.

How has your international experience affected your approach to your work?

My international experience has been able to give a deeper understanding about the functioning of different functions of KION Group. This has helped to create a new perspective which enabled me to self-evaluate the impact of my work from a much broader view.

What do you think of the opportunity to spend part of your traineeship abroad?

Absolutely fantastic! I would say that it has been one of kind experience. The exposure offered during my traineeship abroad is unmatched. The opportunity has been crucial for me to understand the work culture abroad and different ways to collaborate in an international environment.

Can you sum up your international experience in one sentence?

My international experience at Dematic has been a transformative journey, enriching my professional perspective through integration of global business knowledge with a diverse team, participation in community-oriented initiatives, and cultural exploration.

Where are you currently based, and how are you supporting local colleagues?

I am currently based in Lainate, which is a part of Milan. Here, I am working on the BT Project, specifically with the local and central Training Team responsible for planning and managing the Trainings for the End-Users. Due to my experience with Workday learning, which I gained during my second section of the program, I mostly support by preparing courses, programs, and offerings in Workday learning.

What has been your favorite experience, both at work and in your host country?

To experience the general atmosphere of working on a huge project close to the go-live date. I am working in a large open office space, and for the last couple of weeks, people from the Central Team in Frankfurt, as well as colleagues from different locations all over Italy, are coming to Lainate to work together on the BT Project. I have met so many new colleagues whom I probably would have never met in my journey at KION if it wasn't for this exciting time in the BT Project. Outside of work, Milan is surrounded by mountains, so as a passionate skier, I took every opportunity to make use of that. With my trainee colleague and friend Madison, I went to St. Moritz and the Matterhorn, and with my family, I have been to the Dolomites. But I also enjoyed Milan as a city. The endless opportunities when it comes to food, as well as the rich history of the city, are impressive and fun to discover.

Did you have a moment where you thought to yourself "oh, that's why it's like that in that country"?

I often heard from people not to travel to Italy in August, and I never knew why. After I talked to my Italian colleagues, they explained to me that because of the heat in the summer, a lot of companies are closing the offices and anticipating their workers to take their holidays at the same time. Other companies are completely shutting down their business for a couple of weeks in August or even the whole month. So in August, a lot of Italians are on holiday, and they enjoy traveling in their own country, which increases the number of people traveling in Italy significantly.

How has your international experience affected your approach to your work?

I think the experience that will mostly affect my work in the future is the knowledge I gained while working in BT. Before my international section, I knew that the BT Project was happening and I understood the basic premise of what they wanted to achieve but not in depth. Now I understand how it will affect our company and the significance behind successfully harmonizing our processes as well as having one common System Landscape. With this knowledge, I hope that going forward, I can support the common goal even from my new position in HR.

What do you think of the opportunity to spend part of your traineeship abroad?

I think every trainee program of every globally-acting company should have an international section. Spending part of your traineeship abroad can be an exciting and enriching experience. It provides you with the opportunity to learn about different cultures, ways of working, and approaches to problem-solving. By immersing ourselves in a new environment, we trainees can develop a global perspective and become more adaptable and resilient.

Can you sum up your international experience in one sentence?

My trainee program in Italy was an incredible experience where I had the opportunity to work on and fully understand the BT Project, develop new skills, and immerse myself in a new culture.