My name is Anna Mezentseva. I'm a discovery management trainee in Finance and Controlling. I'm working for Boehringer Ingelheim for around a year and a half. So far, my activities were focused in German headquarters in Ingelheim and I'm really looking forward to my rotation abroad, which will certainly be a highlight.

After finishing University, you have a unique situation where many opportunities are open to you. Choosing a trainee program gives you the chance to experience as many of these opportunities as possible. You learn a lot about Boehringer Ingelheim, leadership, and yourself in a new environment.

Being a trainee at Boehringer Ingelheim means to be open-minded and ready to adapt to new teams and tasks really quickly, as well as to carry responsibilities for your own decisions from the very first day. Also, don't forget to stay positive. Drive your own ideas. Contribute to your knowledge and experience. People appreciate that. You have the full support of an experienced leadership team. You are backed up by mentors, supervisors, and fellow colleagues.

Regarding my future in Boehringer Ingelheim, it was definitely an advantage to have experienced the different rotations in finance and strategic departments. I am confident that this will help me to make the right choice in the end of the program.

My advice to someone in the early stage of their career is to use your fresh perspective on how things are done. Don't hold back your ideas, but share them with a smile. A career within Boehringer Ingelheim is a world full of open doors.