Trainee Experience Report – Cihan Mert / Ryan H. Rickards

What makes BI unique as an employer?

Cihan: Within BI, the employees are always the focus of the company. BI pays great attention to the 
well-being and health of its employees. There are numerous benefits offered to colleagues, including 
several employee restaurants, health management programs, and exclusive insurance offers. 

 Why did you choose a trainee program as an entry position?

Cihan: Large international corporations are very complex. However, the rotations of the trainee 
program are ideal for gaining a quick and comprehensive overview of the organization in a short time. 
I have already had this experience with another company during my dual bachelor's degree, which 
informed my decision to join the trainee program.

How did you like the application process?

Ryan: Applying for the management trainee position was three-tiered: A resume and cover letter, a 
phone interview, and, ultimately, an assessment center. Communication during the process was prompt 
and transparent. I have particularly fond memories of the assessment center: Not only were the tasks 
interesting and challenging, but we were also given the opportunity to meet and query top management 
from BI’s finance department. Getting to know the other applicants was also very enjoyable.

Could you give any tips for future applicants?

Ryan: Firstly, take the opportunity to ask questions about the company, program, and rotations to make 
sure this is the right fit for you. Secondly, be yourself – as cliché as that may sound: This will allow 
you to focus exclusively on the tasks presented to you during the assessment center.

Which additional activities does the trainee program offer?

Cihan: Within the rotations, you may have both operational and project-related tasks. In addition, the 
trainee program offers you the opportunity for personal development. Together with other BI trainees, 
you will attend seminars on leadership, negotiation, conflict and change management.
Furthermore, you can take responsibility within the Trainee Circle – be it by creating our newsletter, or 
organizing annual events for both trainees and alumni. However, most important is the exchange of 
experiences and insights amongst each other. For me it is particularly exciting to hear about the 
activities of non-finance trainees.

How does a typical day as trainee at BI look like?

Ryan: A typical day will invariably depend on the present rotation and responsibilities. In my current 
rotation in Animal Health Controlling Germany, I begin the workday with a team Jour Fixe to discuss 
the tasks at hand. The morning is spent performing a month’s end closing step or preparing analyses 
for our business partners. A half-hour virtual coffee break with the Finance Germany unit serves as a 
welcome interlude. Here we are presented with the latest figures and current affairs.
After an hour-long lunch break, I then participate in calls to address a particular issue in the closing 
process, lay the groundwork for a workshop or continue work on an automation.

What is your experience with mentoring?

Ryan: I have a call with my mentor every one to two months. A top manager with copious experience 
at BI, he advises me on my career plans, choice of rotations, and focus therein. My experience with 
mentoring has been exclusively positive: This approach provides another point of contact within BI 
leadership, with valuable advice for all areas of my professional life.

Which of your projects/tasks were the most exciting?

Cihan: In my current GBS rotation, I am evaluating the possibility of establishing self-service products 
for finance related requests. To do this, I have to talk to different departments and understand the basics 
of all relevant processes. Most challenging for me is the interaction with IT and the software itself –
this makes the whole project very educational.

Which of your projects/tasks were the most challenging?

Ryan: Performing PMO duties on a divestment project in Mergers & Acquisitions. The ability to meet 
the needs of all stakeholders in a new field is a central aspect of the trainee program – and nowhere is 
this more challenging than in a fast-moving, cross-functional environment such as M&A.
 

What was the highlight of your rotation abroad?

Ryan: I particularly enjoyed collaborating with a large number of teams in our GBS Centre in Buenos 
Aires, particularly in the area of process improvement and automation. Beyond the office, Patagonia 
proved well worth a trip. The friendliness of my Argentinian BI colleagues deserves to be mentioned
as well. Because I did not speak Spanish, BI provided language lessons before my transfer to Argentina.