Dieter was hired at Unilin as a Young Graduate and is now a plant manager
December 20, 2022 • 2 minutes reading
Dieter hadn’t even graduated when he signed his contract at Unilin Flooring in Wielsbeke. He started as a Young Graduate the day he obtained his engineering degree.
Dieter was hired at Unilin as a Young Graduate and is now a plant manager
Dieter hadn’t even graduated when he signed his contract at Unilin Flooring in Wielsbeke. He started as a Young Graduate the day he obtained his engineering degree. “Young people get so many opportunities and responsibilities here and that really appealed to me”, he explains.
“Finding ways to improve the production of laminate was part of my job description back then”, Dieter remembers. “A very interesting and challenging job.”
He was introduced to Unilin at a job fair in the final year of his training as an industrial engineer. “Right away I felt that the company culture at Unilin was a good fit. I was also applying for jobs with other companies but where I would have to follow a kind of standard development path. In fact, they said as much: in the first year you do this and then that. But I wanted to carve out my own path. I wanted to have a say in my future and make a difference that way.”
From Wielsbeke to the US and back again
It’s fair to say his personal path took a very unexpected turn from day one. “The ink on my contract wasn’t dry yet when I got a call from HR: would I be interested in working in the US?”, Dieter continues. Eventually he built useful experience in Wielsbeke for one year before leaving for Thomasville in North Carolina. Dieter: “Initially the plan was that I would work there for three years. I ended up staying for seven.”
Meanwhile Dieter has returned to Wielsbeke after seven years in the US. With a rucksack full of experience.
You end up working in a team and not in a job
Back in Belgium he completed a training course at Vlerick and today he is the plant manager in Wielsbeke. Meanwhile he himself has Young Graduates in his team. “I always emphasise that as a young graduate you end up working in a team and not in a job. Together we determine how we can make the most of their potential. How Unilin Group treats its young graduates is part of the business culture, which combines passion with entrepreneurship.”
Whether or not you look beyond our borders: as a world player Unilin offers a host of perspectives for new graduates.
Interested in a job at Unilin? As a young graduate you are in the driving seat.
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