First-hand report by a career starter at Kuhn Special Steel

For a graduate fresh out of uni/technical college, several months often go by before actually starting a job. Especially for those with no direct links to interesting companies, this period is frequently associated with large hopes and trepidations. The sometimes very long application processes at many companies also contribute towards this. I was all the more impressed, therefore, by the prompt handling process and constant contact from Kuhn Special Steel during the application stage. The positive first impression continued during the talks that followed: the open and honest way people treated each other, the agreements that were abided by about how the position would proceed, as well as the clearly practised company values, surprised me in a positive way. Everyone took the time to answer all my questions, but also to show me round the company, during which many future colleagues were presented to me at this early stage.

After starting at Kuhn Special Steel in April 2015, I spent the first two months being familiarised with all the stations in the whole value added chain at a rate of one a week. Given the company’s pronounced vertical range of manufacture, not only was this important to get to know the staff, procedures and processes, but also very interesting and important to me personally. During this time I acquired important knowledge for the subsequent process design and optimisation and was received warmly and openly in every department without exception and integrated in the team.

The development opportunities promised in the interview were not long in coming either and became reality after just the first two months. Thanks to my previous experience abroad, I was offered the chance to work on a long-term joint venture project in Norway (BMS Kuhn Steel AS). The opportunity in Norway not only brought interesting activities along with it, but also a great deal of responsibility for a young graduate. From the very start I was able to collaborate on important and challenging topics and also often to handle these on my own. I am very grateful for the confidence that was shown in me.

During my time in Norway and also at Kuhn Special Steel in Radevormwald, I have looked after various projects in the production department. In this respect, I am able to directly implement new ideas with my work colleagues or optimise existing processes. Lengthy bureaucratic channels, waiting for weeks for an approval or decision have, thankfully, not been the case. Topics outside of production also belong to my areas of responsibility, such as taking care of important customers in Norway, introducing new products to the market or developing new business partners for more efficient solutions.

After six months in Norway, I have been back in Radevormwald since January 2016 and have been pursuing the job of process manager at Kuhn Special Steel. I look after three subdivisions in the foundry here and work closely with the machining department. During this time there have naturally been many questions and also plenty of uncertainty, whereby I always received help and support from colleagues and superiors. The numerous seminars and development opportunities gave me additional support to familiarise myself with the new field of work. What I particularly like in the day-to-day work at Kuhn is the balance between relaxed and pleasant dealings with colleagues and superiors and a determined work ethic.

The start in the working world and the first months of my professional career could not have been more exciting and give hope for an interesting future.

Photos: Kuhn Edelstahl; © Nomad_Soul – stock.adobe.com