Insights from WS Audiology post-graduates: Throughout the program, I felt immense support in helping me identify my passion and shape my career
Apply now → find the graduate programme here Meet Ritvik Kotval and Yana Pak, our very first graduates who successfully completed the program and secured exciting permanent positions within WS Audiology (WSA). While Ritvik holds a Bachelor’s degree in computer science from India and a Double Degree Masters from EDHEC Business School, France, Yana boasts a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Korea, along with a Master’s degree in International Business and Economics from the University of Glasgow, University of Barcelona and University of Göttingen. Both were part of the first class of the WSA Graduate Program undergoing rotations in Corporate Finance, Global Marketing & Corporate Strategy. Upon their completion in September 2023, they embarked on new adventures as a Financial Analyst, EMEA and a Business Analyst, Rexton Brand team, respectively. Why did they join the WSA Graduate Program? For Yana, the primary motivation was the opportunity to delve into various business functions: “With a background in Business Administration, I was keen to explore different business aspects and find my true passion in my career. Joining the WSA Graduate Program allowed me to navigate the commercial world from different angles”. She continues: “Being part of a multicultural environment was very attractive. With headquarters in Denmark and Singapore, and hundreds of local offices worldwide, WS Audiology provided a unique chance for me, with a multicultural background, to develop professional competencies across countries and learn about new cultures by collaborating with international colleagues.” For Ritvik the selling point was the unique combination of three functional rotations and the opportunity to work in a medical technology company. “Our daily work contributes to improving people’s lives around the world, and that was something I couldn’t let pass by” he added. What were the highlights of your time as a graduate? Both Ritvik and Yana recall numerous highlights during their time in the WSA Graduate Program. Ritvik mentions, “To name a few, working with senior stakeholders globally, contributing to the strategy for one of our most crucial regions and, not least, the countless social activities with other WSA graduates”. For Yana, one highlight was the monthly trips to our office in Erlangen, Germany, as part of her Global Marketing rotation. “I had the opportunity learn about product management from both commercial and technical perspectives during my time in Germany”, she says. Another highlight for Yana was the social activities among all the graduates, including trips to Tivoli, bowling, mini-golf, and dinners. Landing an exciting permanent position After several meetings with the responsible HR manager, where the preferences and ambitions of the graduates are processed and matched with the business needs, they are put in contact with line managers with relevant vacancies. “I had a good idea of the direction I wanted to go, but this process was valuable in clarifying which available positions best aligned with my strengths and preferences”, mentions Ritvik. “During the program, I discovered enjoyment for working with numbers and business analytics while staying close to the local markets. One of the available positions was a role as business analyst in the brand team. As I already knew the manager and the team, from previous collaboration, I accepted the offer without hesitation. Our two-year graduate program is a strategic investment in developing leaders and specialists within WSA. Through the program, participants rotate between different functions, which not only enriches their skills, but also contributes to the continuous development of our organization. This program is a very important step in building a talent pipeline that contributes to WSA's success and enables our people to grow. Chief Financial Officer, Marianne Wiinholt How has WSA supported your growth and development? Yana replies: “Throughout the program, I felt immense support from all the managers I worked with, helping me identify my passion and shape my career. HR‘s consistent communication ensured smooth transitions between rotations and eventual placement in a full-time position aligned with our professional ambitions”. Ritvik adds: “Right from the beginning, we had numerous training sessions in stakeholder management, project management, problem-solving, etc., refining these skills further. Additionally, the company ensured that each project we were working on, contributed to building competencies for continuous growth. Advice to applicants considering the WSA Graduate Program? Both Yana and Ritvik agree that this Graduate Program in Germany is worth recommending, each offering their perspective on why. According to Ritvik, the WSA Graduate Program is an ideal stepping stone for ambitious graduates seeking to explore their strengths through different rotations, challenge themselves, and learn throughout the two years while contributing to making Wonderful Sound for All. “I am very pleased with my decision to join the program and highly recommend it to all those interested in our Graduate Program” he concludes. In Yana’s opinion, this program is suitable for those still uncertain about their career aspirations preferring to explore before deciding. “The WSA Graduate Program provides an amazing opportunity to explore the world of business from different perspectives while being a part of international and multicultural environment. I highly recommend the Graduate Program”.