A work student role with a view

While studying business administration, Carlo Plaschke was eager to gain practical experience. One day, he came across a job ad from GEA and applied without knowing much about the company. He explains how a work student role can be a gateway to professional growth, unexpected opportunities and an exciting career.

“The hiring manager was very transparent, explaining the job would be very administrative and perhaps not the most exciting, but that it would give me a first insight into how things work. I really appreciated the honest communication,” Carlo recalls.

At first, GEA felt like a huge, complex and rigid corporation – not necessarily the most flexible or creative place. But what he didn’t realize back then, was just how much more there was to discover about GEA.

Taking initiative on the job

What started as a casual application turned into more than Carlo expected; he found himself on the DACH Talent Acquisition team, handling both operational and administrative tasks. Then, after six months, he took on an internship in GEA’s global talent acquisition team which gave him the opportunity to work on global projects which offered a more holistic perspective. 

After returning to his original role, Carlo quickly realized he missed the global aspect of his previous role, which also fondly reminded him of past travels and the excitement of experiencing new cultures. But instead of waiting for something to happen, he took the initiative.

“I reached out to colleagues I had worked with during my internship and that’s when I found out about the newly created Center of Expertise: Employee Attraction and Engagement. They work on projects that communicate GEA’s larger offering to potential and existing employees – from global benefits and diverse international teams to working with a sustainability frontrunner and leading engineering and manufacturing company. It seemed like a really exciting area.”

While still a working student, his tasks in the new team required him to lean in on his creative skills and think more strategically and holistically. “If you’re curious, driven and willing to push yourself, you can open so many doors. My path has shown me that growth isn’t something that just happens to you – you have to go out and make it happen,” says Carlo

Trust and flexibility given

One of the biggest surprises for Carlo was the amount of trust and flexibility he experienced in his new role.

“I’ve always had a lot of freedom in how I do my work; as long as I communicate well and deliver results, I can organize my tasks in a way that works best for me,” he explains.

This level of trust allows him to take ownership of his work, explore new ideas and be more creative in how he approaches tasks. His creativity and the global mindset find expression in his other passions which include painting requested street art in authorized places, traveling and getting to know new cultures.

A creative mindset – on and off the job 

Carlo’s passion for street art has shaped the way he approaches his professional life. His street art can be admired in several authorized locations in larger cities, including Berlin and Bogotá.
“In street art, you’re always trying to improve – your technique, your style and your creativity. It’s a never-ending process of learning and refining,” he says. “It’s the same with work. No matter how much you know, you can always learn more, get better and develop new skills.”

Experimenting, adapting and pushing creative boundaries also translates directly into his work in employer branding. Responsible for initiatives and smaller projects, he contributes creatively while gaining insights into global brand and communication best-practice.

“I get to support my team while taking on my own projects; it gives me a good mix of responsibility and learning opportunities and it’s a great balance between structure and creative freedom,” says Carlo.

Thinking globally, working locally

Carlo’s curiosity about different cultures has always been a big part of his life, shaping both his personal experiences and professional approach. Before starting university, he spent time in Latin America, where he immersed himself in different ways of life and met people from diverse backgrounds. Later, he continued his international journey through an Erasmus program in Spain, where he gained a deeper understanding of cultural differences. Whether it’s engaging with other students in his international master’s degree program or working with GEA people from around the world, he loves expanding his global perspective.

“Having an international perspective helps me see things from different angles and tailor our messaging accordingly. By collaborating with colleagues from different countries, I help ensure GEA’s employer branding initiatives resonate globally,” Carlo explains.

If you’re wondering whether a working student job is worth it, take it from Carlo: “I never expected that this job would give me so much, but looking back, it was one of the best decisions for my career. It opened doors, gave me valuable experience, and helped me grow in ways I never imagined.”  A working student role can be your gateway to unexpected opportunities, professional growth and an exciting career path.