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In our StartYourCareer@NORMA series, former apprentices, working students and interns talk about their career start at NORMA Group and the changes that they faced when they switched to a permanent position.
Brandon Werth, Supply Chain Management Rotational Associate at our site in Auburn Hills, USA, got his start at NORMA Group as an intern and now works full time for the company. In this interview, he talks about his career at NORMA Group and his goals for the future.
Brandon, we have already had an Interview with you in February 2022 when you were still an intern. But you’ve been working full time at NORMA Group since November 2022. Congratulations!
Thank you! I am really happy that I had an opportunity to return to NORMA Group.
Why didn’t you take a full-time position right away?
After I completed my internship, there were no full-time positions available in my department right away. I finished my studies and always kept in touch with my former colleagues. That’s also how I found out that a job had become available and applied directly. I got hired and I’m still very happy about it today.
Why did you want to come back to NORMA Group?
Before I started my internship, I only had some theoretical knowledge that I had acquired in the courses it took at university. NORMA Group gave me the opportunity to supplement that knowledge with practical experience. My colleagues taught me everything I know today. They assigned me to different departments and I collaborated on a number of large projects. That really gave a considerable boost to my level of confidence – I felt that I could actually make a contribution.
So your colleagues played a big role in your return?
They sure did! Without exception, everyone has always been extremely nice and helpful, and they always let me know when I’ve done a good job.
“There is always someone who has an open ear and is willing to answer my questions.”
The positive feedback from my colleagues shows me that they appreciate me and that I can be counted on as a member of the team, even if I don’t have as much experience as people who have been with the company for a long time. They make me feel like I’m really a part of the team.
Was it hard to juggle your studies and work?
It certainly was, especially at the end of my studies when I was taking my final exams. But I was lucky in the sense that my colleagues and supervisors were very understanding and accommodating.
I did not originally expected my internship to be any longer than my summer vacation, actually. But they asked me if I would be willing to reduce my working hours to three days a week, and that gave me the flexibility I needed to schedule my classes accordingly. It was a compromise that meant a lot less pressure and a lot less stress. I am very grateful for that.
What does a typical day at work look like for you? How is it different from when you were an intern?
As an intern, I always worked on different projects because I was assigned to different departments – most recently the logistics department. That’s also where I got straight back into the company.
“There is no real routine in my job – every day is different.”
Today, among other things, I process the invoices for all suppliers in the U.S. and make sure they are paid on time. My tasks also include communication between suppliers and customers.
What is it about your job that is important to you?
The fact that I can contribute to the success of NORMA Group and develop myself in the process. I like my area of responsibility and working in an outstanding team. I also really like the fact that I can work from home.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am a really big sports fan and I collect autographed sports cards. A new hobby I’ve discovered for myself is the gym – I’ve already lost over 40 pounds. I also play basketball.
I also like playing video games. And on weekends I often go on trips with friends and family.
What are your goals for the future?
Personally, I want to continue to lose weight and one day have enough money saved to buy a house.
Professionally, I would like to develop even further, learn more and make progress in my career. I used to just want to be part of the team and not stand out. But I’ve become more confident with time and now believe that I can also have a career – NORMA Group has played a big part in this transformation.
With all the confidence and experience I’ve gained, I now feel comfortable pushing myself to my limits. Being part of this outstanding team is a great success for me.
