“Go ahead and grab this opportunity!“
Brigadier is a young engineer for renewable energy from Tarkwa, Ghana. Last year he did an internship at SolarBakery GmbH in Stuttgart. He talks about his experiences as a Team works! participant and his time in Germany, including a visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
Das Interview
In which company did you complete your internship? What were your main activities?
I completed my internship at SolarBakery GmbH located in Stuttgart. The company is involved in using the sun’s energy (solar power) in the production of sustainable food, for example bakery products such as bread, cake, etc.
My main activities included involvement in the developing of an electromobility concept for use in Sub-Saharan Africa, participating in further technical developments of the SOLARBAKERY prototype and optimisation of the bakery’s photovoltaic-based energy supply.
What did you learn during your internship, whether from your colleagues, supervisors or independently?
A highly valued skill I acquired pertains to effective corporate communication and professionalism. I honed the ability to articulate my ideas with a genuine focus on technical and business implementation.
Establishing connections was as simple as reaching out to colleagues from other teams. I mastered the art of genuinely complementing others, understanding that effective communication and interaction are crucial for advancing in my career.
I drafted an electromobility framework to be deployed when the SOLARBAKERY container in Senegal is fully set up, and I successfully deployed and configured a data monitoring system to remotely oversee and control the photovoltaic battery capacity, efficiency and real-time insights.
Why did you choose Team works! and the AGYO?
As a young expert in the early stages of my career, I undertook this internship in Germany with Team works! and AGYO in order to contribute my expertise towards a shared common goal of promoting sustainable development.
I was enthusiastic to learn from the professionals in the programme which has helped me to channel the acquired knowledge into my current workplace as well as to initiate sustainable programmes in the long run.
What surprised you the most?
Experiencing German winter as a Ghanaian was quite a contrast: the chilly temperatures and snowfall were novel experiences for me. Despite the cold, the clear blue skies and the festive atmosphere during the holiday season added a unique charm winter. It’s a stark departure from Ghana’s tropical climate, but the well-managed winter conditions made it an interesting and enjoyable experience.
What are the advantages of forming a tandem with a senior expert from SES?
Forming a tandem with a senior expert as a young person presents several advantages: it offers a unique opportunity for knowledge transfer, allowing young individuals to benefit from the wealth of experience and expertise possessed by the senior expert. This mentorship dynamic enables young people to gain valuable insights, guidance and practical advice that can accelerate their professional growth and development.
What advice would you give to other young people who are interested in doing an internship in Germany?
Based on my experience, I firmly believe that for young individuals aspiring to contribute to sustainability, Germany offers an ideal environment. Here, you have the chance to engage with fellow enthusiasts, leveraging your expertise to enact meaningful change.
Given Germany’s status as a leading hub of technology, you can rest assured that avenues and resources for implementing your ideas and projects are readily accessible. So go ahead and grab this opportunity!
Name three things or experiences that you away from your internship:
- Effective time management and punctuality
- Cultural adaptation in a short period of time
- Waste disposal and environmental management
What will you never forget?
I had the privilege of visiting the iconic Mercedes-Benz Museum. The experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Stepping into the museum felt like embarking on a chronological journey through automotive history. The museum’s architectural design seamlessly blends with the exhibits, presenting a harmonious flow of technological evolution and design innovation.
Join Team works!
Would you like to join Team works! and do an internship in a German company and gain similar experience? Then apply today using our form. Just enter your data, send it, done!