Charting the Graduate Path: From Academia to Professional Success at BEC – Carolin’s Journey”

My name is Carolin, I graduated from MSc in Business Administration and E-business (now Digital Business) from Copenhagen Business School. Prior to starting as an IT infrastructure specialist for BEC, I worked at Talenthub, Eva Solo, and Innovayt in various roles. I’m currently on my first rotation in our main office in Havsteensvej within IT Operations under the Capacity & Optimization Management team.  

 

How did you end up at the BEC Graduate Programme?

I attended a meet and greet BEC graduates session in Graduateland where I had the opportunity to hear first hand from current graduates back then, Camilla and Ludvig, on how it is to be a graduate at BEC. Then I had a 15 minute zoom call with Natalie where I discussed which graduate role would fit me best. That’s how I decided that I should apply as an IT Infrastructure Graduate. Before long, I was called in for an interview, then an assessment day, and the rest is history!  

 

What attracted you to BEC as an employer?

I deeply resonated with BEC’s company culture, which focuses on continuous learning and where there is a strong intersectionality between business and technology, as that was relevant to my academic profile. Through the graduate event, I got to learn about some of the employees’ vastly different backgrounds and how they received support for their learning and development journey. BEC is also attractive as it promotes mobility within the organization. Employees are encouraged to venture into new roles and responsibilities; figuratively speaking, BEC can be your oyster. In my head, this translates to working with a diverse group of people who are equally as motivated to learn as I am, and that is the group of people I like to surround myself with.

What has been the highlight of being a graduate at BEC so far?

The highlight has got to be the amazing professional growth and support that came with the graduate program. During the first three weeks, you got to meet with the other graduates and be onboarded together, so it was nice to have a like-minded community right from the start. Afterward, you join your team and can’t help but be baffled at how warm and welcoming everyone is. My manager, in particular, is a rockstar as she paves the way for me to network throughout the organization, get certified in change management, and assigns me fulfilling tasks.

What has surprised you the most about working at BEC?

I’m surprised at how much BEC trusted in my capabilities as a professional, even though I’m technically fresh out of university. I get to fulfill tasks that make a difference to the organization. I am involved in dialogues about what tasks motivate me and whether I am ready to lead a change within the organization. This speaks volumes about BEC’s investment and commitment to their graduates. 

What is the biggest challenge as a graduate so far?

This whole experience of transitioning from being a student to a full-time employee is a challenge, but you are not without support. I get challenging tasks that push me out of my comfort zone, but I welcome them with open arms because I know that my team, my mentor, my manager, and the rest of BEC have my back.

I get challenging tasks that pushes me out of my comfort zone but I welcome them with open arms because I know that my team, my mentor, my manager, and the rest of BEC has got my back. 
Carolin, BEC Graduate

Advice to other applicants?

Reflect on your goals and assess whether the company you’re applying for can support you in fulfilling your goals. Stay true to yourself and your principles, and stand your ground even when you feel like conforming is what the company wants. I think originality is memorable and helps you shine as an applicant.

How do you see your future with BEC?

BRIGHT! I see endless opportunities to venture into, and I’m confident I can bring value to BEC. I would be interested in leading more projects and rapidly expanding my technical capabilities. I am passionate about fostering cross-department collaboration as I see that as something that BEC can improve. Finally, I am placing myself to be more involved with social activities within the BEC community by being an active member of Young in BEC and taking social initiatives with the other graduates.