Intro to the graduate
My name is Afsaneh Izadian, and I moved to Germany in April 2022 to further my studies. I hold a bachelor’s degree in theoretical economics and two master’s degrees: an MBA and a degree in development economics. Before coming to Germany, I worked full-time as a commodity exchange trader. In Germany, I have worked as a working student in the People and Organization Development department at a big company and as a research assistant at the university. I began my graduate program at KWS in October 2024, and I am currently in my first rotation with the Group Strategy Team, working closely with the leadership team.
When did you first hear about the Graduate Programme?
Since I had been living in Göttingen since 2022, I was already familiar with KWS and its industry. When I started looking for graduate programs, I naturally came across the Growing into the Future program at KWS.
What made you apply to the programme?
From the moment I read the job description, I was drawn to the opportunities and development chances this program offers. It felt like the perfect fit for me because it aligned with my interests and experiences like no other job. As I went through the interview process, I became even more drawn to working at KWS. I had a wonderful exchange in my first interview and found the recruiting process to be really fair. Overall, I knew this program would help me grow both personally and professionally.
What has been the highlight of being a graduate so far?
The most unique benefit of this graduate program is the wonderful network you build from day one. Normally, it takes a long time to get to know people from different departments or business units in a company. In this program, you feel like you have been with the company for a long time after just a few months! You also gain a community of fellow and previous graduates to constantly exchange ideas with and have fun together, making the move to a new city much easier as you will have more friends than you ever expected.
What has surprised you the most about working at the company?
From my first week in my rotation, I had the chance to work directly with the leadership team in Group Strategy. They made me feel welcome and accepted in a way I had never experienced before. Even though I was new to the team and KWS, they encouraged me to share my ideas and supported my learning journey. This experience has shown me that the company truly lives up to its values.
What has been the biggest challenge you have had to overcome as a graduate so far?
As someone who cares deeply about the quality of my work, the biggest challenge has been executing high-level tasks I was assigned. It has been an extraordinary learning experience, but also quite challenging.
What advice do you have to other applicants that are considering applying for the programme?
Research KWS thoroughly and put effort into your application. Be authentic, be yourself, and show your passion and eagerness to learn.
