26 FEBRUARY 2024
International Short-Term Assignment scheme: experiences working from different offices around the world
What if you could work in a different country for a few months without changing your job or your team? That's what our international Short-Term Assignment (ISA) scheme is all about. It's a unique opportunity to learn from a different market, explore a new culture, and broaden your horizons. We talked to our colleagues who took part in this exciting program and asked them to share their experiences.
Maria Bjelland, Technical Product Manager, went to our office in Langenfeld, Germany, for three months.
How was your stay, and what were the most valuable learnings you gained from working in one of our offices abroad?
I had a great time spending almost three months in Langenfeld with the German team. And, coming home, I brought with me lots of new inspiration and motivation! It was both fun and interesting getting to know Dusseldorf and the surrounding area better, and learning about German culture. The most interesting and valuable part was getting to know the German colleagues, learning about what is important to them, and exchanging thoughts and ideas. With that, I now have a broader and more accurate picture of the German market, which will benefit me greatly in new tasks and projects to come.
What were the most memorable moments of your stay?
It is hard for me to pick out only a few, but experiencing the opening of carnival season was definitely something special and a deep dive into the German culture! Also, at the beginning of my stay, a group of colleagues joined a relay run in Cologne and went out together afterward, which was a great time. I am also happy I got to experience the German Christmas markets. Other than that, I am grateful for all the trips my colleagues took me on, to see different stores and facilities with TOMRA installations. The different reverse vending solutions we offer in Germany and mountains of different drink container crates definitely made an impact.What surprised you the most?
What surprised me the most was probably how fast the three months went by. I guess time flies when you are having fun!Kacper Meller, Test Developer, went to our office in the USA in Shelton, Connecticut, for five weeks.
How was you stay, and what were the most valuable learnings you gained from working in one of our offices abroad?
My stay in the US was incredibly enriching, both professionally and personally. One of the most valuable aspects of my experience was the opportunity to connect with colleagues at our US office and expand my network. Building relationships with people on the ground allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives, work culture, and the challenges they face.
Witnessing how the solutions and products developed at The Solution Hub in Asker were introduced and adapted in the US market was both insightful and fascinating. It provided me with a first-hand look at the dynamics of localization and the need for flexibility in our approach.
Moreover, being on site allowed me to identify and address specific challenges that our colleagues in the US were grappling with. By providing practical assistance and forwarding these issues to The Solution Hub, I was able to contribute to problem-solving and strengthen the collaboration between our teams across borders.
What were the most memorable moments of your stay?
Undoubtedly, the most memorable and exciting moment of my stay in the US was the grand opening of the new redemption center in Stratford, featuring the introduction of five TOMRA E1 bulk installations and the Canadian sorting system. The enthusiasm and energy surrounding the opening were palpable, reflecting not only the culmination of hard work and dedication but also the commitment to innovation and advancement in our operations.
What surprised you the most?
What surprised me the most was learning about TOMRA's involvement in the entire material-handling process. Not only do we provide innovative solutions for recycling through reverse vending machines, but the company also plays a crucial role in the downstream processes. It was fascinating to witness first-hand how TOMRA is actively engaged in the recycling and reproduction of plastic and glass materials.
The realization that TOMRA goes beyond just selling machines but actively participates in the recycling ecosystem by reproducing materials and supplying them was truly eye-opening. This holistic approach to sustainability and recycling was not only surprising but also highlighted the company's commitment to making a positive impact on the environment
Marthe Løken, Product Manager, went to our office in Apeldoorn in the Netherlands for three months.
How was your stay, and what were the most valuable learnings you gained from working in one of our offices abroad?
My three months in Apeldoorn flew by very quickly, and it was a great experience, both professionally and personally. Even though I had mostly similar tasks and projects as in Asker, it was very interesting to be part of a new workplace culture, which I believe has given me fresh perspectives. During my time in the Netherlands, I got the opportunity to expand my professional network and gain a deeper understanding of the market dynamics. In addition, I got insights into their problem-solving approaches and got to learn how they work in a solution-oriented way in the Dutch office using TOMRA technology, market knowledge, and their own creativity.
What were the most memorable moments of your stay?
I was in Apeldoorn when they installed the first TOMRA R1 in the Netherlands, and it was very exciting seeing everyone's reaction and talking to the customer after the installation. I also saw how the changes in their deposit return system, like adding cans in 2023, posed needs for the customers and how TOMRA handled these issues in their market. The most exciting part for me, however, was the first week: meeting new people, navigating the office, and exploring Apeldoorn, which is a lovely place, especially if you enjoy nature and biking.What surprised you the most?
What surprised me the most was their production facility in the Netherlands. They have an extensive product portfolio that is developed and manufactured in Apeldoorn.How was your stay, and what were the most valuable learnings you gained from working in one of our offices abroad?
The stay was excellent! The most value was from the snowball effect of little things learned over the stay. "Oh, so that's what the DMDs module looks like inside." "Different stores in the same chain might accept different bottles?!". "I didn't realize that chains restrict outgoing network access from the RVMs." "~60% of service calls are solved on the phone". I'm fairly new at TOMRA Collection, so that sort of context is very useful to my everyday life and hard to learn otherwise.What were the most memorable moments of your stay?
One of my colleagues gave me a tour of Köln, which was a fun day out. I managed to visit three different train museums. Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord (an old metalwork turned into a park) was extremely interesting.
What surprised you the most?
I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming my colleagues were. They went out of their way to spend time together with me, even in the evenings and weekends, and tried to answer my (many) questions. This was despite their varying levels of comfort with English and my unusual accent, sometimes making communication challenging. It was both well above my expectations and much appreciated.
We recognize the importance of exchanging ideas across markets. The International Short-Term Assignment scheme is just one avenue for embarking on an exciting career journey in TOMRA. We’re always on the lookout for new talent to join us in Leading the Resource Revolution. If you’re passionate about making a difference, explore our current job openings at our career page.
