Przemysław Waszczyk

Controller at Distribution, Vattenfall Europe in Gliwice, Poland. Joined the International Trainee Programme in September 2008. Why did you choose Vattenfall and the International Trainee Programme?

Vattenfall operates in one of the most challenging industries. Many opportunities and threats are visible in our surroundings, both external and internal. It is really interesting and fascinating to be inside such a company, observe how these changes can influence our business, current activities and actively participate in this process.

The trainee programme is a great opportunity to develop personal competences, meet new people and maintain contact with them. It is a chance to share experience with other participants, listen to their ideas, opinions and together be a part of cross-border projects and tasks.

What was your image of Vattenfall before you started the trainee programme?

I had already been a Vattenfall employee for over a year when I applied for the programme. Back then when I first came to Vattenfall, I perceived it as a stable and reliable employer, a company that takes into account customer needs, has its mind set on environmental issues and cares about its employees.

During my time at Vattenfall I have had a chance to get to know the company better and in my view Vattenfall has fulfilled my expectations and the image I had of it in the beginning.

What are you doing, workwise, right now (November 2008)?

I am currently working at the Business Controlling Department at Business Unit Distribution in Poland. Generally, my job involves tasks connected with current reporting to the board, preparation of different financial analyses as well as strategy setting. I also take part in projects that are carried out in our BU, like “Enterprise Risk Management” for example.

What do you expect to get out of the trainee programme?

I would like to expand my knowledge about Vattenfall’s operations in other countries and between countries. To get a possibility to see how Vattenfall’s strategic ambitious and targets are carried out in the Nordic countries and Germany.

I will also get a chance to observe how other departments within Vattenfall similar to mine are operating, what kind of topics and challenges they handle and manage and finally to try to adopt the best solutions (best practices) in my home organisation.

What do you think you will be doing immediately after completing the trainee programme?

I would like to continue my work within Vattenfall and take part in other international projects and programmes to develop my knowledge and get new experience.