How did you end up working abroad? And what made you choose Sweden?
From the very beginning, one of the main reasons for choosing a dual work and study programme at Messe Frankfurt was the chance to gain international experience. I actually wanted to spend my overseas semester in a country further south during the theory stage, but as this didn’t materialise, I looked for another option together with my training supervisor and decided to spend the practical part of the course abroad instead. When the opportunity arose to spend three months working at our Swedish sales partner, I didn’t have to think about it for very long. Looking back, this was exactly the right decision.
What was particularly special for you about working at the sales partner?
Even though I knew Messe Frankfurt had a network of over 50 sales partners worldwide, it was only when I went to Stockholm that I really understood what an important role they play in the Group’s international activities.
Sales partners are key contacts in the markets themselves. They look after exhibitors, secure new customers for Messe Frankfurt events and are extremely well versed in the specific characteristics of their regional markets. At the same time, they are the link between the international markets and the teams in Frankfurt. I experienced at first hand how varied the work of a sales partner is – with sales, marketing, customer service and networking activities all meshing together. And this allowed me to get to know Messe Frankfurt from a whole new perspective.
What was a typical working day like for you in Sweden?
As we worked in a small team, I was able to play an active part from the very first day. And that’s exactly what made my time in Sweden so valuable for me. No two days were alike – on some days I was developing content for social media channels, on others I was helping to roll out a new CRM system.
One thing I really enjoyed was having direct contact with exhibitors. Together with my colleagues, I visited trade fairs in Sweden and Norway, presented Messe Frankfurt’s portfolio and had meetings with both existing and potential exhibitors from all over Scandinavia. This showed me how differently things work in different markets and what companies expect from international trade fair organisers. It is these experiences in particular that vastly expanded my understanding of international sales.
From a professional perspective, what did you learn from this time?
I learnt how personal customer relationships are built up and maintained and how important direct interaction still is even despite all the possibilities for digital communication that exist.
But above all, I have seen at first hand that personal initiative, openness and intercultural understanding are absolutely decisive for successful teamwork in an international company. And I learnt how to adapt quickly to new situations and to take on responsibility.
Different countries, different customs: what are some of the differences you experienced in your new work environment?
One thing that I noticed in particular was how much value is placed on trust and individual responsibility. From early on, I was made to feel that my colleagues had a lot of confidence in me and gave me responsibility for my own tasks.
Apart from that, people in Sweden actively pursue a healthy work-life balance. Especially during the summer months, many people spend their lunch breaks outside or hang out with colleagues in the long evenings. My team and I also spent quite a few of our lunch breaks out in the open air. I was very impressed by the balance that was being struck between concentrated work and time spent together.
What will you miss most about Sweden?
The people most of all. Although they can be a little reserved at first, they are very open-minded. In both work and private life, if you make an effort, you will be integrated very quickly. I will also miss the unique atmosphere of Stockholm. The proximity to the water and the long summer evenings give the city a lightness that I really loved.
What were your personal highlights?
From a work perspective, the visit by our Senior Vice President Consumer Goods, Stephan Kurzawski, for the Automechanika press conference and my first international business trip to Oslo were particular highlights of my time in Sweden.
As well as this, I will never forget the traditional Swedish Midsommar festival and the many enjoyable everyday encounters. And some of my favourite experiences in the region were walking through Stockholm’s old town, Gamla Stan, and taking the ferry to visit the rocky islets or ‘skerries’.