Learning and Growing in a Global Company
Oct 8, 2024
Luis Gaona works as a Marketing and Communications Trainee at Valmet in Chile. He has a study background in journalism and digital marketing. Luis took a moment to answer a few questions related to his role as a trainee.
Luis Gaona started as a Marketing and Communications Trainee at Valmet in Chile in January 2024.
How did you find out about Valmet’s trainee program in Chile?
"I learned about Valmet’s trainee program through a friend. Naturally, I wanted to learn more, so I read some articles about internships at Valmet. It caught my attention because Valmet was seeking professionals eager to expand their knowledge in their respective fields. Although I hadn’t worked at a company like Valmet before, I decided to take the risk and apply."
How has it been going so far and what have been your tasks?
"As of October, I have been working at Valmet for ten months, having started in January 2024. Although my role is a trainee, I’ve had the opportunity to work independently and take on important tasks. During the first few months, I handled minor tasks that helped me adapt to Valmet’s work culture and learn more about the company. Now, I mainly work with Internal Communications, doing weekly updates to our info screens. I also update our Flow intranet section for Chile with local and relevant South American news. Additionally, I’ve assisted with external communications and event organization, such as the 5th anniversary of our service center in Concepción, which was a success and something I’m proud of!"
What are the most important things you’ve learned as a trainee at Valmet?
"Honestly, it may sound weird but one of the things that I have learned here is about working in an open office environment. Since I graduated during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of my work experience and internships have been remote. So, working at an office is new to me, and I have learned more about teamwork and office relationships. Additionally, I have refined my communications skills to better adapt to the corporate world and a global company such as Valmet.
More importantly, I learned to value my skills and work. Working at Valmet’s Marketing and Communications team in South America has helped me realize how valuable my contributions are and how they support Valmet’s strategy in Chile. Recognizing the value of my work has also boosted my overall happiness and productivity. I’ve learned that we value each other’s work and encourage each other to be the best versions of ourselves!"
Who would you recommend Valmet’s Trainee Program in Chile for?
"This program is the perfect match for anyone who’s just starting their professional career. It’s the perfect way to explore your skills and to learn. Although there are some expectations to meet, there is a lot of room to grow, and in this extremely competitive job market, it’s something that I value a lot.
So far, my experience has been extremely positive! I was scared at first, since I’ve never worked in such a big company before. However, the team welcomed me with open arms, and since then they have helped me with every question that I’ve had. There are no dumb questions! I’ve been lucky to work with such an amazing team. Some days we have more workload, but there’s always time to laugh and lift each other’s spirits. I am very grateful for that, as it has made every day easier and more fun."