It wasn’t a foregone conclusion that Erik Hedborg would apply to LKAB, but at the trainee programme interview all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place.
Erik will get the opportunity to work with something he has a passion for at the same time as LKAB gains an individual who is ideally suited to becoming part of its ongoing investment in Asia.
- I lived in China on and off for two and a half years, among other things when I was doing my thesis on purchasing for a company in China. Personally I find it incredibly exciting to be part of the start-up of our new organization in Shanghai where I’ll be working with global purchasing and market intelligence, Erik tells us.
Erik has also studied Mandarin and he’ll benefit from that when he travels east in September to spend the remainder of the year at his post in China.
- For my part the trainee programme is a little different since I’ll be stepping straight into my new professional role in the autumn. LKAB is facing an exciting challenge where its purchasing organization works increasingly in a global market, and it’s truly inspiring being part of that development. I’m interested in international affairs and other cultures so I’m extremely pleased that I chose to work for LKAB, says Erik.
The trainee programme began in February and during the spring the trainees were out among different operations to see the complete production chain within the company.
- I will definitely benefit from knowing how it all works and what different people in the company do. It gives me a head start and I gain confidence from understanding the business. It’s also a great way to learn about the company’s culture, and thus far I have an entirely good impression.
The opportunity to travel and broaden his horizons is important for Erik. During his student years in Luleå he worked as a basketball referee so he could see the world, and he did two stints as an exchange student through the university. But he thinks Kiruna can be a great place as a base for the time being.
- I’ve only lived here six months, but I like it. You can see there’s a great deal going on here in town. Next I’m looking forward to trying my luck at hiking in the mountains for the first time in my life,” Erik tells us.
Before he boards the plane for Shanghai he’ll also have had time for his first visit to India. And his journey in LKAB has only just begun.