Five weeks at GEZE Turkey – our trainee Jonas Sehmsdorf reports
GEZE trainee programs are flexible, and are tailored specifically to the needs and skills of our trainees. If trainees are interested in doing so, they can even spend a longer period abroad at one of our 37 subsidiaries. Jonas Sehmsdorf took advantage of this opportunity, and left for around 5 weeks near Ankara. He returned to Leonberg having gained lots of valuable experiences and knowledge.
Getting started in the Engineering trainee programme
When Jonas Sehmsdorf completes his Master’s degree in industrial engineering, he already knows he wants to return from where he is studying in Kaiserslautern to his home in Gefilde. Having been born in the area, he is familiar with GEZE from Leonberg. A report on the diverse trainee programme ultimately convinced him to apply with us. “With my focus on production engineering, the content of the Engineering trainee programme appealed to me completely. The application process was also very positive, and I felt I was being treated as an equal. Sandra Alber from the board of management was even present at our second meeting. You feel valued, even as someone just starting their career” says Jonas Sehmsdorf. “And the best thing about my trainee program is that I can individually choose the stations where I work in coordination with my advisor from the HR department.”
The best thing about my trainee program is that I have flexibility to choose the stations where I work in coordination with my advisor from the HR department. With this approach, you can really test out your strengths and abilities.
Jonas Sehmsdorf, Engineering Trainee at GEZEMultiple stations, one goal: Global Industrial Engineering
The positions Jonas Sehmsdorf worked in led him to the Engineering department and to Global Industrial Engineering. He then worked in production controlling and supply chain management, finally ending up at GEZE Service GmbH: “There, I was on site with technicians at our own construction sites around Leonberg – that was all practical experience”. Ultimately, he landed in work preparation at Global Industrial Engineering. “This area offers exactly what I am most interested in: that is why I am so glad I will continue to work in this department after the end of my trainee program”. There, he handled tasks like optimising the production layout in Leonberg and developing and expanding future production sites in collaboration with different subsidiaries. This was also why he decided to ask his supervisors about working abroad. He definitely doesn’t want to miss the opportunity for an international assignment.
Jonas gained lots of experience, and met new friends. He also enjoys cooking, and was able to expand his recipe repertoire while he was there to include lamb kebabs, bulgur, Çiğ Köfte and more. © GEZE GmbH
Setting off for Turkey
Just a short time later, he landed in Ankara late at night to support GEZE’s subsidiary Edora. “The site is located in an industrial area at the edge of Ankara, in a barren and mountainous landscape. The area is exactly the opposite of the people: all of the employees there welcomed me very warmly. Even if you don’t speak a word of Turkish – like me – you can either make yourself understood in English, or with your hands and feet”. Edora has been building revolving doors here for many years, which are very well-known on the Turkish market. “Even the hotel where I was housed during my assignment has an Edora revolving door in the entrance area and GEZE door closers on the rooms”, Jonas Sehmsdorf says with a smile.
Specific duties at the plant
After a short onboarding period and plant tour, he was ready to get to work. Jonas Sehmsdorf primarily handled the following duties: first, he was expected to understand local production processes, then develop suggestions for optimisation and promote digitisation. “Everyone was very open with me, understood the challenges on site, and was really glad for my assistance. We created a great working environment”. He was also tasked with intensifying discussions between Germany and Turkey – this wasn’t difficult for the quick-witted, communicative industrial engineer, and he remains an important contact person for his Turkish colleagues even after his return to Leonberg.
Diving into a different culture
He was particularly impressed by the working culture and collegial environment. “Everyone there is very hospitable. For example, every day one of my colleagues brought tea, coffee and treats – right away, my desk was full of all kinds of sweets”. The assignment was also unique because it began in the middle of Ramadan. The cafeteria was usually empty during this time, but “on the evening before Eid al-Fitr, the whole site became one big party. Everyone waited for sundown, then they enjoyed a traditional date, and then there was a real feast. I think it’s great that people here order big platters together, instead of each person having their own plate and their own dish. People share here, which makes everything very friendly and relaxed.”
I was particularly impressed by the working culture and collegial environment in Turkey. Everyone there is very hospitable – right away, my desk was full of all kinds of sweets.
Jonas Sehmsdorf, Engineering Trainee at GEZE
Jonas took the opportunity to explore the country. Along with his friends, he visited destinations like Istanbul and walked among the hoodoos in Cappadocia. © GEZE GmbH
Learning about the country and its people
Of course, Jonas Sehmsdorf also used his time to travel through the country, such as to Cappadocia and Istanbul. “My colleagues let me use a car, which was really great. That meant I could go on outings in the surrounding area and show it to my girlfriend as well, when she visited me”. Jonas Sehmsdorf also met another trainee from Romania by coincidence at a laundromat in Ankara, then hit the road with him on the weekends. “In general, it was a very exciting time both professionally and personally. It is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to really get to know the culture and experience everyday life here. I am really glad I have this experience, and will always remember it fondly”.
Well-equipped and networked for future challenges
In a couple of weeks, Jonas Sehmsdorf will be ending his trainee programme and continuing his career at GEZE as a production planner “The last 18 months were a unique experience, with lots of highlights. My trip to Turkey stands out of course, but ultimately the entire trainee programme was a great discovery process. I was able to try out my skills, learn about lots of different departments, and make important contacts. You also get the opportunity to work closely with other trainees and dual studies students, and you have a great network afterwards”. That means he is well-equipped to handle future challenges.
