Putting theory into practice

Our standards are high. Are you just as demanding? Find out what we can offer you.

Dennis Brümmer
Junior Accounts Receivable Specialist at Abbott in Ludwigshafen since December 2008

’When I heard in 2008 that Abbott was deploying new software for enterprise resource planning, I knew right away that I wanted to write my undergraduate dissertation about it. And they were indeed looking for a student for a research position. I applied and things moved on very quickly. First I had a phone call with the responsible project manager, then a personal interview with him and with the training supervisor assigned to the position. From first contact to final approval, it was only about a month. I was very lucky to support a software deployment for an entire company while still being a student.

The project turned out to be exactly as I had hoped it would, very interesting and to high standards. I still appreciate all the mentoring and help I got from employees even in other departments. I got a good insight into many areas of the company. You realize that teamwork is an integral part of life here. Otherwise, a coordinated, company-wide software introduction would never have been possible. Abbott offered me a new project assignment before I even had completed my dissertation. Now my task was to improve their credit control. I didn’t have to think twice. The job appealed to me, and joining an innovative organization was what I’d wanted from the start.’

Melanie Fröhlich
Psychology student at Mannheim University and intern with Abbott in Ludwigshafen

’I’d barely started to work as an intern in the Human Resources department at Abbott in Ludwigshafen when I was assigned to my own project. My objective was to develop a plan for a better and more efficient integration of new hires. I knew from my own experience how new employees feel. However, how to create a smooth integration? And are colleagues everywhere as kind and helpful as the people in the Human Resources department were to me?

There was only one way to find out. I asked employees from a variety of departments and different levels of the hierarchy about their experiences when they first started working at Abbott, and what measures they thought would make the process easier for new colleagues. In the meantime, I took part in the orientation week for new apprentices and attended a number of seminars with my supervisor. That inspired me with many new ideas. Combining them with my own experience, I was able to develop a draft integration plan and present it to the Human Resources management team before my two-month internship was completed. Not every aspect of my draft may be implemented, but for my personal development, the internship was definitely a success.'