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International Assignment Stories

Nefab Global Trainees talk about working on international projects, learning from top management mentors, and experiencing an intercultural environment.

From international projects to intercultural experiences, Nefab offers a wide range of opportunities for young professionals to succeed through our Global Trainee Program. Learn more about how the program adds to both professional and personal growth and experiences, as told by the trainees themselves! 

Learn more about the Nefab Global Trainee Program and how to apply.

PETROS PETROU
Global Trainee, Nefab Dallas

"My favorite part of the program was having the opportunity to visit local customers with the Nefab Spain team, which included large companies with a global presence. This experience has opened my eyes to how business is conducted in different cultures. It also gave me the knowledge and confidence to pursue a future in Sales at Nefab. I am also proud to have contributed to the new markets research project during my time in Sweden.  

<h5>PETROS PETROU<br />Global Trainee, Nefab Dallas</h5>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">"My favorite part of the program was having the opportunity to </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">visit local </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">customers with the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW228142063 BCX8">Nefab</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8"> Spain</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8"> team,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8"> which included</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">large companies</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8"> with a global presence</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">. This experience </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">has </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">opened my eyes to how business is conducted in different cultures. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">It also gave</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8"> me the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">knowledge and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">confidence </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">to</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">pursue a future </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">in</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">S</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">ales at </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW228142063 BCX8">Nefab</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">.</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">I am </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">also </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">proud to have contributed to the new market</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">s research</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8"> project during my time in Sweden.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">&rdquo;</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW228142063 BCX8">&nbsp;</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW228142063 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:851,&quot;335559738&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;469777462&quot;:[5580,9000],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,4]}">&nbsp;</span></p>
KATE HARRIS
Global Trainee, Nefab Dallas

"Throughout my traineeship, I was able to visit several sites both in the Americas and in Europe. I was given the opportunity to meet the Nefab family throughout the world. I have taken a lot away from every place that I have been fortunate enough to visit. Joining the wonderful team in Chicago and applying the knowledge that I have gained about Nefab through my training has opened my eyes to how helpful the program was. I love being able to help answer questions or just share a different view of a problem with my co-workers. Helping others with the knowledge that I have gained has been something I am proud of. And one of my best memories from the program was ice skating on a frozen lake in Sweden! 

<h5>KATE HARRIS<br />Global Trainee, Nefab Dallas</h5>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW153448580 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW153448580 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">"Throughout my traineeship, I was able to visit several sites both in the Americas and in Europe. I was given the opportunity to meet the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW153448580 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Nefab</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW153448580 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> family throughout the world. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW153448580 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">I have taken a lot away from every place that I have been fortunate enough to visit. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW153448580 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Joining the wonderful team in Chicago and applying the knowledge that I have gained about </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW153448580 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">Nefab</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW153448580 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> through my training has opened my eyes to how helpful </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW153448580 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">the program </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW153448580 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">was. I love being able to help answer questions or just share a different view of a problem with my co-workers. Helping others with the knowledge that I have gained has been something I am proud of.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW153448580 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> And o</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW153448580 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">ne of my best memories from the program was ice skating on a frozen lake in Sweden</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW153448580 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">!</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW153448580 BCX8" data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">&rdquo;</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW153448580 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:840,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[5580,9000,5580,9000],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[0,0,1,4]}">&nbsp;</span></p>
MATT CHANG
Global Trainee, Nefab Malaysia

“The connection between all “Nefabs” around the world was what impressed me the most about Nefab. The program allowed us to meet in person, which made a difference in training efficiency and effectiveness. One thing I take as learning is “Step out of your comfort zone, you have infinite potential”. I appreciate Nefab for providing me and my colleagues with these opportunities. I am looking forward to bringing all the knowledge and experience to my home country and I am ready to put it into practice in the future."

 

<h5>MATT CHANG<br />Global Trainee, Nefab Malaysia</h5>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">&ldquo;The connection between all &ldquo;Nefabs&rdquo; around the world was what impressed me the most about Nefab. The program allowed u</span><span data-contrast="auto">s to meet in person, which made a difference in training efficiency and effectiveness</span><span data-contrast="auto">. One thing I take as learning is &ldquo;Step out of your comfort zone, you have infinite potential&rdquo;. I appreciate Nefab for providing me and my colleagues with these opportunities. I am looking forward to bringing all the knowledge and experience to my home country and I am ready to put it into practice in the future."</span></p>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:851,&quot;335559738&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;469777462&quot;:[5580,9000],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,4]}">&nbsp;</span></p>
BENJAMIN ALEIXO
Global Trainee, Nefab Dallas

My favorite part of the program has been being able to meet Nefab colleagues from different countries. Being able to embrace cultures has allowed me to have added perspective in business as well as my personal life. In my final international assignment, I was very proud to give my perspective on the Nefab Spain’s Sales Dashboard. It was a great opportunity to have my voice heard and learn from the ideas of my experienced colleagues. Also, having the opportunity to accompany Sales personnel on customer visits and be a part of the conversations was a great learning experience as well as extremely fulfilling. 

<h5>BENJAMIN ALEIXO<br />Global Trainee, Nefab Dallas</h5>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW263123168 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263123168 BCX8">&ldquo;</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263123168 BCX8">My favorite part of the program has been being able to meet Nefab colleagues from different countries</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263123168 BCX8">.</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263123168 BCX8">Being able to embrace </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263123168 BCX8">cultures</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263123168 BCX8"> has allowed me to have added perspective in business as well as my personal life. In my final international </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263123168 BCX8">assignment,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263123168 BCX8"> I was very proud to give my perspective </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263123168 BCX8">on the</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263123168 BCX8"> Nefab Spain&rsquo;s Sales Dashboard. It was a great opportunity to have my voice heard and learn from the ideas of my experienced colleagues. Also, having the opportunity to accompany </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263123168 BCX8">S</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263123168 BCX8">ales personnel on customer visits and be a part of the conversations was a great learning experience as well as extremely fulfilling.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW263123168 BCX8">&rdquo;</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW263123168 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:851,&quot;335559738&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;469777462&quot;:[5580,9000],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,4]}">&nbsp;</span></p>
KARLIE CUMMINS
Global Trainee, Nefab Dallas

My favorite part of the program was our Sweden rotation, where I got to meet the other trainees from around the world. During my international assignment, I learned how diverse and accepting our company is. Our company has great people all around the world who are willing to help and teach which has been great! I have also learned how much variety we offer to our customers. I had the chance to visit our CPS facility and our thermoforming tray company Szkaliczki (both in Hungary) as well as our ExPak supply unit in Slovakia. It’s really cool to see all of the different types of solutions we have to offer and how all of the different Nefab units support each other. 

<h5>KARLIE CUMMINS<br />Global Trainee, Nefab Dallas</h5>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW193152277 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW193152277 BCX8">&ldquo;</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW193152277 BCX8">My favorite part of the program was our Sweden rotation</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW193152277 BCX8">,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW193152277 BCX8"> where I got to meet the other trainees from around the world. During my international assignment, I learned how diverse and accepting our company is. Our company has great people all around the world who are willing to help and </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW193152277 BCX8">teach</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW193152277 BCX8"> which has been great! I have also learned how much variety we offer to our customers. I had the chance to visit our CPS facility and our thermoforming tray company </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW193152277 BCX8">Szkaliczki</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW193152277 BCX8"> (both in Hungary) as well as our </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW193152277 BCX8">ExPak</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW193152277 BCX8"> supply unit in Slovakia. It&rsquo;s really </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW193152277 BCX8">cool</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW193152277 BCX8"> to see </span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW193152277 BCX8">all of</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW193152277 BCX8"> the different types of solutions we have to offer and how </span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW193152277 BCX8">all of</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW193152277 BCX8"> the different </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW193152277 BCX8">Nefab</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW193152277 BCX8"> units support each other.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW193152277 BCX8">&rdquo;</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW193152277 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:851,&quot;335559738&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;469777462&quot;:[5580,9000],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,4]}">&nbsp;</span></p>
JASON CHANG
Global Trainee, Nefab Taiwan

"The importance of listening is the thing I learned the most. When we were attending the Pakademy training in Runemo (Sweden), our mentors gave each group a business case so we could discuss the customer's pain points. During the workshop, we focused most of the pitching time on the packaging solution, while ignoring some of the customers’ needs, like the fact that they care more about sustainability than we first assumed. After the training, I realized the importance of listening”. 

<h5>JASON CHANG<br />Global Trainee, Nefab Taiwan</h5>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW52602431 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52602431 BCX8">"The importance of listening is the thing I learned the most. When we were attending the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW52602431 BCX8">Pakademy</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52602431 BCX8"> training in </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW52602431 BCX8">Runemo</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52602431 BCX8"> (Sweden), our mentors </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52602431 BCX8">gave each </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52602431 BCX8">group</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52602431 BCX8"> a business case so we could discuss the customer's pain points</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52602431 BCX8">. During the workshop, we focused most of the pitching time on the packaging solution, while ignoring some of the </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW52602431 BCX8">customers&rsquo;</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52602431 BCX8"> needs, like the fact that they care more about </span><span class="NormalTextRun CommentStart SCXW52602431 BCX8">sustainability</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW52602431 BCX8"> than we first assumed. After the training, I realized the importance of listening&rdquo;.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW52602431 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:851,&quot;335559738&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[5580,9000],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[0,0]}">&nbsp;</span></p>
GILLES MAEBE
Global Trainee, Nefab Belgium

"There are so many great things about my experience in the Nefab Trainee Program, but in general, I loved the traveling! Being able to meet all these wonderful people from all over the globe, learning about new cultures, and making new friends, is something I will take with me for the rest of my life. Also, I have learned that once you have a great team and a good mindset, everything is achievable. Respect and empower each other, don’t overcomplicate and all the rest will follow. Whilst traveling around, visiting customers, learning all the ins and outs of Nefab, I continued to work on two major Belgium projects and, even better, our team successfully closed the two deals 

<h5>GILLES MAEBE<br />Global Trainee, Nefab Belgium</h5>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW107867764 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW107867764 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="eop" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{&quot;ObjectId&quot;:&quot;7b33d210-beef-47b2-8875-239cc94f05c9|113&quot;,&quot;ClassId&quot;:1073872969,&quot;Properties&quot;:[469775450,&quot;eop&quot;,201340122,&quot;1&quot;,134233614,&quot;true&quot;,469778129,&quot;eop&quot;,335572020,&quot;1&quot;,469778324,&quot;Default Paragraph Font&quot;]}">"There are so many great things about my experience in the Nefab Trainee Program, but in general, I loved the traveling! Being able to meet all these wonderful people from all over the globe, learning about new cultures, and making new friends, is something I will take with me for the rest of my life. Also, I have learned that o</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW107867764 BCX8">nce you have a great team and a good mindset, everything is achievable. Respect and empower each other, don&rsquo;t overcomplicate and all the rest will follow.</span> <span class="NormalTextRun SCXW107867764 BCX8">Whilst traveling around, visiting customers, learning all the ins and outs of Nefab, I continued to work on two major Belgium projects and, even better, our team successfully closed the two deals</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW107867764 BCX8">&rdquo; </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW107867764 BCX8" data-ccp-charstyle="eop"> </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW107867764 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:851,&quot;335559738&quot;:120,&quot;335559740&quot;:276,&quot;469777462&quot;:[5580,9000],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,4]}">&nbsp;</span></p>
TRANG DAO
Global Trainee, Nefab Vietnam

"I really enjoyed the session in Runemo, Sweden. It was a golden chance for us to have hands-on experience about how Nefab products are made, not only physically but also the essence of history behind them. The after-work experience was unforgettable as well when we could feel the real winter from up north. During my international assignment, I experienced Nefab working culture in a flexible local way. I was so impressed when having a chance to witness very quick actions and decision making from the company."

<h5>TRANG DAO<br />Global Trainee, Nefab Vietnam</h5>
<p>"I <span class="TextRun SCXW68655398 BCX8" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW68655398 BCX8"> really enjoyed the session in </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW68655398 BCX8">Runemo</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW68655398 BCX8">, Sweden. It was a golden chance for us to have hands-on experience about how </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW68655398 BCX8">Nefab</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW68655398 BCX8"> products are made, not only physically but also the essence of history behind them. The after-work experience was unforgettable as well when we could feel the real winter from up north. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW68655398 BCX8">During my international assignment, I experienced </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW68655398 BCX8">Nefab</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW68655398 BCX8"> working culture in a flexible local way. I was so impressed when having a chance to witness very quick actions and decision making from the company."</span></span></p>
NATALIA TORRELLAS
Global Trainee, Nefab Dallas

"There is something new to learn from each new place we visit. Looking at my time in Mexico, I think what impressed me the most is how much other Nefab companies and customers rely on Mexico facilities. Also, working on one of our transfer projects is a contribution that I am truly proud of. Around 200 items were transferred from the recently acquired Reflex Packaging into Nefab Guadalajara. Mexico took the lead on this transfer, and I am more than happy to have been a part of it."

<h5>NATALIA TORRELLAS<br />Global Trainee, Nefab Dallas</h5>
<p>"There is something new to learn from each new place we visit. Looking at my time in Mexico, I think what impressed me the most is how much other Nefab companies and customers rely on Mexico facilities. Also, working on one of our transfer projects is a contribution that I am truly proud of. Around 200 items were transferred from the recently acquired Reflex Packaging into Nefab Guadalajara. Mexico took the lead on this transfer, and I am more than happy to have been a part of it."</p>
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