Claudia Schmidt, HR Development Intern.

A Praktiker internship takes place in a one, specific department, but the intern will also get to know work carried out in other departments. This comprehensive experience is what really excited me – only cooperation provides smooth processes. Another huge advantage was Praktiker’s flexibility: I was able to fit the internship period neatly into my curriculum.

I was met with a kind reception and mentored from day one. In cooperation with the Going Circle (Goinger Kreis), Praktiker hosted an event named “Fit for Application” at its Kirkel headquarters. I was involved in organizing the project; on the day of the event, I was one of the main contacts for pupils, teachers and employees. I’m still thrilled about having been deeply involved in an important project at such an early stage of my internship!

My tasks as an intern included supporting the team in their day-to-day business as well as assignment to several projects. I was involved in brainstorming sessions for strategic projects and in the preparation and execution of big events; I redesigned the training material for HR development and organized group selection procedures.

I also found it really interesting to cater to or provide support for participants at different events – such as students (during the alumni event “Praktika für Praktiker”). I enjoyed answering their questions. The human factor - which is an important part of these events – demands flexibility.

Praktiker is keen to keep in touch with current and former interns and provide them with information on corporate career opportunities, thus offering them attractive advantages. To this end, the corporation even developed a special program. I was involved in developing the program’s contents – you can read about it here.

Basically, working for Praktiker means working towards a common goal; it also means accepting challenges as a member of a team, as the only constant in the retail sector is change, in the sense that one has to optimize one’s focus and objectives within a competitive environment. So work remains interesting and filled with challenges.