15 SEPTEMBER 2023
International Short-Term Assignment - An opportunity to experience our offices located across the world
This fall, four of our employees from the TOMRA Collection Solution Hub in Norway are setting out for an exciting short-term assignment abroad. With our International Short-Term Assignment (ISA) scheme, we wish to further strengthen our team's understanding of local markets and their needs.
Maria Bjelland, Technical Product Manager, going to our office in Langenfeld, Germany, for three months.
Who are you and what do you do in TOMRA?
My
name is Maria Bjelland and I work as a Technical Product Manager in TOMRA
Collection in Asker. In my role, I support the service network in TOMRA and
work with developing new products and solutions.
Why did you apply for the International Short-Term Assignment?
In
my role as technical product manager, I work as a link between the markets and The
Solution Hub in Asker. It is, therefore, key that I have a good understanding
of the perspectives, priorities, and decisions of both R&D and the markets.
I believe staying a few
months in Germany and getting to know the organization there better will
improve our work and cooperation. Also, I find living in another country and
experiencing a new culture super exciting! I am sure that this will benefit me
in my work and hence TOMRA when I come back.
What are you looking forward to the most?
I
am especially looking forward to getting to know my German colleagues better
and learning more about German culture!
Marthe Løken, Product Manager going to our office in Apeldoorn in the Netherlands, for three months.
Who are you and what do you do in TOMRA?
My name is Marthe Løken, I'm from Askim in Norway and I currently live in Oslo. I've been working for TOMRA since April last year. I started as a junior Product Manager and now work as a Product Manager focusing on front-end machines.Why did you apply for the International Short-Term Assignment?
I applied to the International Short-Term Assignment because I thought it would be a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the market dynamics, learn more about the business units from a Solution Hub perspective, and expand my network both within and outside the company. Overall, I thought it was a great opportunity, both professional and personal. I am confident that this experience will be rewarding and I hope to bring back new knowledge and feedback when I get back to Akser.What are you looking forward to the most?
I'm looking forward to meeting new people in the organization and learning more about the exciting projects and activities that are going on in the Netherlands. They are very creative and have a lot of interesting projects going on, which I'm excited to learn more about. In addition to the professional benefits, I am excited about the opportunity to experience a new country and culture. I look forward to exploring local food, architecture and landmarks and interacting with the local people. I hope this experience will enhance my personal growth and also enable me to bring a fresh perspective and ideas to TOMRA.
Kacper Meller, Test Developer, going to our office in the USA in Shelton, Connecticut, for five weeks.
Who are you and what do you do at TOMRA?
I am Kacper Meller, a dedicated member of the TOMRA family. As Test Developer, I play a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and reliability of our software products. I am not just a tester; I am an architect of excellence, working at the forefront of our product development cycle. As a Test Developer, I'm like the guardian of quality. By identifying and addressing issues before they reach our customers, I play a vital role in upholding our reputation for delivering top-notch software solutions. It's a rewarding feeling knowing that my work directly impacts our users' experience and satisfaction. I am deeply committed to contributing to the company's success and embracing new challenges that come my way.
Why did you apply for the International Short-Term Assignment?
One of the driving forces behind my decision to apply for the ISA was the chance to collaborate with colleagues from across the globe. Working alongside professionals in Shelton, Connecticut, means exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, and gaining insights I wouldn't have access to otherwise. This intercultural exchange is invaluable, both personally and professionally.What are you looking forward to the most?
One of the things that truly excites me is the opportunity to immerse myself in a completely new culture and environment. Exploring Shelton, Connecticut, and experiencing the local way of life is a chance to broaden my horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Alastair Hughes, Software Developer, going to our department in Langenfeld, Germany, for five weeks.
Who are you and what do you do in TOMRA?
I'm a software developer, primarily working with microcontrollers. I am relatively new to TOMRA Collection, having been here in Norway for just over a year. When I am not at work, I enjoy playing board games and exploring new places.
Why did you apply for the International Short-Term Assignment?
I believe that good
software puts users first, and I hope to better understand what is important
for those using, running and maintaining our reverse vending machines. Germany has a large
and unique deposit return system, so I'm excited to learn more about how that
affects our operations. I also enjoy traveling and am looking forward to seeing
a new part of Europe!
What are you looking forward to the most?
It's probably being in a new country. I expect that the weeks will be both challenging and entertaining – the sheer novelty of a completely different city to navigate, with strange food, language and cultural expectations, will give me plenty to learn about!
