Taking responsibility and changing perspectives: 3 months at Jungheinrich Belgium
Maureen worked as a Jungheinrich International Graduate (JIG) in Belgium, where she not only learned new words but also gained new perspectives.
A new country, a new team and a completely new environment: starting out in Belgium was as exciting as it was challenging for me. I'm Maureen from Singapore. From January to April 2025, I was in Belgium as part of the Jungheinrich International Graduate Programme. Just a few days after my arrival, my initial uncertainty disappeared: greetings in the local language, varied lunch breaks and regular exchanges with colleagues from a wide range of departments made it easy for me to feel welcome.
A real highlight: our very own ‘Dessert Friday’. Every Friday, someone brought in a dessert from their home country. What started as a small idea quickly became an integral part of our week – and the sweetest way to experience intercultural exchange and make new friends. Mousse au Chocolat, Mochi, Frangipane, Limburg pie or Advocaat – every week brought a new taste experience and a new story behind it.
Of course, tasting local specialities was also a must. What would a trip to Belgium be without ‘moules-frites’ – mussels with chips? So, I bravely ordered them, tried them out of curiosity – and was promptly rewarded with an upset stomach the next day. Whether it was the mussels remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the memory will last, even if my relationship with this national dish remains... cautious for the time being.
Career insights: data, responsibility and change
My stay was also an enriching experience from a professional point of view. One of the most important projects I was involved in focused on data-driven efficiency improvements in sales. What made it particularly exciting was that the project was not tied to a specific department, but allowed me to work across teams – both with the regional sales units and with colleagues from headquarters.
This was my first experience of not just taking on operational tasks, but also being responsible for an entire project – including stakeholder management. It wasn't always easy. Delegating tasks and trusting in the expertise of others was particularly challenging. But it was precisely this change in perspective – from ‘doer’ to project manager – that had a decisive influence on my personal and professional development.
Between pace and team spirit
Compared to my home country of Singapore, the pace of work in Belgium was often a little slower – but this allowed for more in-depth discussions and a better understanding of the business environment. This made it all the more important to show initiative and actively approach others. The work culture in Belgium felt familiar in many ways: a high value placed on punctuality, group-oriented work and a rather indirect style of communication – very similar to Singapore.
Language barriers and learning opportunities
‘Hip hip rose!’ – Connections that last
One phrase I will probably never forget was said by a colleague after work: ‘Hip hip rose!’ – a charming mixture of toast, team spirit and joie de vivre. For me, this saying symbolises the positive atmosphere I experienced in Belgium.
My advice to future JIGs: make the most of your time outside the office. That's often where the deepest connections are formed – and that's what makes the difference between a stay abroad and a real international experience.
