Intro to the graduate
I started as a Graduate at BEC in the software engineering track in 2023 programming in COBOL and some Java. After eight months, I did a rotation in a different area where I started working with Salesforce in Scoutz. The position fit me very well so that I decided to stay with the Salesforce team after my rotation.
My academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Cultural and Media Studies and an AP in Multimedia Design. During my Master’s, I decided to switch to IT and pursue a degree in Software Design at the IT University in Copenhagen.
When did you first hear about the Graduate Programme?
For a long time, I knew that I wanted my first job after school to ideally be part of a graduate program, so I actively looked for opportunities that interested me. I first heard about BEC when they came to the career week at my university, even before their applications were open.
What made you apply to the programme?
I was interested in applying at BEC because the graduate program offers a lot of hands-on learning and has a long onboarding period with plenty of training, which makes the transition from school to a full-time job much smoother.
Lastly, I liked that the program offers the chance to rotate and explore different teams at BEC. This way, I can gain insights from various parts of the organization and learn from different perspectives.
What has been the highlight of being a graduate so far?
I really enjoyed the first five weeks of training and social activities at the beginning of my graduate program. It was a lot of fun and a great way to start. A big highlight was also the Hackathon we did in Warsaw, where all the graduates got together.
I also appreciate having the network of other graduates. Most of us work in different teams, and it’s special to have a connection with each other and know what other teams are doing.
What has surprised you the most about working at the company?
Once I started in my team, I felt very welcome and included from day one. Right from the start, I was given a task with high ownership and responsibility. I really liked how I felt like a part of the company immediately.
Another pleasant surprise was how much time my mentor took to introduce me to new tasks. He was always ready to answer all my questions, which made the transition easier and more enjoyable.
What has been the biggest challenge you have had to overcome as a graduate so far?
One of the challenges I’ve faced as a graduate has been learning a new programming language. In the team I started working with, we used COBOL to program on the mainframe. I hadn’t even heard of the language before, but we received a thorough three-week in-depth introduction to COBOL during our initial training in the graduate programme. It was challenging to learn the language and then apply it to real projects, but it was also a rewarding experience.
What advice do you have to other applicants that are considering applying for the programme?
Since BEC is a large company, there is plenty of room for growth and many opportunities to find the right fit. Just keep an open mind and be ready to explore different areas.
