An organization that embraces people from all over the world

Deepika Dronamraju completed one of Volvo Group’s graduate program in 2019. On reflection, she views the experience as much more than an introduction to her job: “It was an opportunity for self-exploration and personal growth – and it was also fun.”
Deepika Dronamraju
Deepika Dronamraju

What was the most rewarding aspect of your time on the graduate program?

It’s holistic training. It complemented my knowledge and expanded it into areas that I hadn’t previously considered. As Volvo Group is an international operation, I got to meet people from different cultural backgrounds and learn about the organization as a whole. From Sweden, I travelled to France, the USA and my native India. It was valuable to experience many working environments and see how that affects the way tasks are carried out.

How has the experience influenced your work?

I come from an engineering background and it has definitely made an impact in what you might call soft areas. It informs my work in meetings, presentations and communications. I established contacts throughout the organization. I can reach out to my contacts for support. It was clear to me the program was providing skills that would be valuable, both within Volvo Group and throughout my career.

Were there other benefits?

There was more than just a professional element. I became friends with the other people on the program and learned about their cultures. Our hosts in each country arranged dinners where we could sample local foods. It was especially fun for me when we were in India, as I got to see how my colleagues experienced my culture.

What makes Volvo Group the right fit for you?

I feel it’s an organization that embraces people from all over the world. For me, it was important to be working in English and I enjoy being in a multicultural environment.

What are your day-to-day tasks and responsibilities at your current position?

I wear two hats. As a requirement engineer for spare parts, I take part in cross-functional meetings to ensure the best spare parts assortment is available in the after-market sector. As a business process developer, together with my global process team, we undertake a range of activities to develop and improve spare parts engineering process according to the business needs, in the context of the organization as a whole.

What advice would you offer someone considering the graduate program?

I would have to say, go for it. It offers you a kick-start to your career. You will travel and see possibilities you haven’t even thought about. You will meet so many specialists and build your network. Be open-minded and ask lots of questions.

Interested to join the program? Apply here.

FACT BOX

Name: Deepika Dronamraju
Job title: Requirement Engineer
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
Education/Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from Linköping University in Sweden
When I’m not at work: I enjoy swimming with my husband and watching movies

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