“It makes sense when you can feel you are making a difference”
At DESMI in Nørresundby, taking in students is not just a good deed - it is an investment in both quality and the future.
When Karina Poulsen, Senior Manager, Global Marketing at DESMI, speaks about media graphics students from Techcollege, it is with both professional pride and great commitment. She knows what it takes to train – and what it gives back.
“We get new energy and fresh eyes on our tasks – and it surprises me every time how quickly we become addicted to them.”
In DESMI's marketing department, Karina has had media graphics students for more than 10 years, and according to Karina, it is largely about responsibility and professionalism.
“As a company, we have a shared responsibility for educating the employees of the future. It is not something we do halfway. They are given strategic tasks, and we have high expectations.”
The students help produce everything from advertisements and rollups to video production and graphic identities – and what they create is used and noticed.
“It’s their posters that hang on the bulletin boards. It’s their graphics that are used at trade shows and in campaigns. It gives pride – both for them and for us.”
Karina emphasizes that it takes effort to onboard a student – but she has a clear call for other companies:
“Do it. Start with six months, for example. Once the student has gotten into things, you get so much in return. It raises the level, it becomes fun and, as I said, we quickly become addicted to them.”
In other words, at DESMI they are very committed to the “mission” of contributing to young people’s future careers. The fact that they can help apprentices succeed in their careers makes working with apprentices both exciting and meaningful.
Karina's advice: “It is also my responsibility to make the apprentice feel at home”
For Karina, having apprentices is not just about tasks and production. It is just as much about taking responsibility for the community.
“It has gone super smoothly. However, as a manager, it is extremely important that I myself be active in the process and introduce the apprentice to colleagues around the organization. It is not only the apprentice's responsibility – it is also mine – to ensure that they feel at home in the community.”
"“You quickly feel like part of the team”"- The students
Melissa Katrine Kristensen
Melissa Katrine Kristensen has just completed her apprenticeship as a media graphic designer at DESMI. She describes how she was thrown into real tasks from day one – and how it has strengthened both her professionalism and self-confidence.
“Being given responsibility from the start has made me more mature and has strengthened me in daring to take on new things – also in my private life. It gives me a feeling that 'you can do it' and that you are taken seriously as a professional.”
Her apprenticeship has included everything from designing banners and flyers to international trade fairs and communicating with colleagues around the world.
"In DESMI's marketing department, there are rarely two days that are the same. Of course, I have some regular tasks, but you can be sure that new tasks come in from the sidelines every day. We have the most wonderful team, so the only thing I can be sure of when I come in in the morning is that there will be smiles, laughter and a good atmosphere."
Sebastian Brix Hermansen
Sebastian Brix Hermansen, who has just started at DESMI as a student, experiences the same thing from day one. Already in the first week, he was given tasks with real output – and was met with expectations.
“It gives a big boost when you feel like you are really needed from day one, and that the tasks you are given are real and useful. I could feel that I was taken seriously.”
And Sebastian clearly feels that this responsibility is not just empty words.
“As a student, I get the opportunity to build a trust that makes me feel like a valuable part of the team – not just the new one. It motivates me to take initiative and learn even more.”
Both students describe how DESMI has met them with openness, warmth, and room to grow from the start.
“I never feel like 'the student', but just an equal part of the team,” says Melissa.
“Other companies should learn from the way DESMI integrates students. Here we become part of the community and are allowed to make a difference,” adds Sebastian.
About DESMI
DESMI A/S is a Danish pump supplier headquartered in Nørresundby. The company was founded in 1834 in Aalborg by Henning Smith under the name De Smithske. Today, the most important business segments are Marine, Industry, Oil Recovery, Fish Farming, Defense and Utilities.
DESMI develops, manufactures, sells and services pumps and pumping systems, environmental equipment and solutions related to these areas.
The marketing department in Nørresundby currently consists of 5 employees - of which a permanent apprentice is an important and integrated part of the team.