Name: |
Viktoria Gaas |
Company |
Bertelsmann, Inc. |
Location: |
New York City |
I plan is to speak Spanish fluently. Therefore, I am going to Spain for 6 months in February 2010.
I would like to live in NY for a couple of years after I have finished my studies.
One time, I would like to participate in a marathon.
Describe your educational background. Where did you study, what degrees did you receive?
Currently, I am in my 3rd year studying International Business and Management Studies at Fontys Internationale Hogescholen Economie in Venlo, The Netherlands. I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2011.
Describe your career history. What have been your professional experiences prior to your current position?
Due to the fact that I decided to attend university right after my graduation, I have never had a ‘career’. Nevertheless, I have some work experience. When starting my studies, I worked part-time in an American logistics company located in The Netherlands.
What are your current roles and responsibilities?
There are always different things you can work on. You can either work on projects in a team or alone. Currently I am working on a brand book for job descriptions. Moreover, I am doing some projects with other intern.
Describe a typical day at your job:
In the morning I have a chat with my colleagues. Right after that I check my mails. And then I start with the projects. After having a lunch at 12:30 pm, I continue doing my work.
What attracted you to your company and position?
Since I am studying International Business and Management, it was very important to me that the company is internationally oriented. And now I am at Bertelsmann. Being a visitor a couple of times, I decided to make the experience of working and living in New York. Besides gaining an insight view into the international business, I am able to extend my knowledge within my field of studies by doing different projects and I am able to improve my English skills.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
The job comprises many different assignments and tasks. There are always new challenges I have to take up. But this way I learn new things every day. Furthermore, the team is very nice, helpful and open minded.
If you could meet anyone from history, living or dead, who would it be?
There are many people I would like to meet, but mainly I would like to meet Martin Luther King. I think he was a great activist.
If I were a cartoon character, I would be…
Lisa Simpson…she is very ambitious and she is eager to learn new things.
What qualities do you feel are necessary to be a successful employee at your company?
First of all, you have to be part of a team otherwise you do not feel comfortable in your working environment. Furthermore, you have to be open-minded and keep learning since everything is changing nowadays. You have to be hardworking and passionate of what you are doing.
Have you had the opportunity to travel as part of your job?
I have not been outside New York, yet. But I plan to go to many different places, such as Washington and
Do you feel you have a good understanding of Bertelsmann and its corporate culture?
The corporate culture of Bertelsmann is mostly about the entrepreneurial freedom. This way you can focus on your qualities and the things you are good at. The department I am working at totally represents the corporate culture of Bertelsmann.
My favorite book is…
The man from Beijing by Henning Mankell.
My favorite movies are…
Save the last Dance, Pearl Harbor, Gran Torino, etc.
