2024 – ein Bericht zum Auslandspraktikum in Oslo, Norwegen von Benjamin Gast…
Hei,
My 4-week internship at a subsidiary in Oslo was a great opportunity to have a different perspective on the company Imperial Brands. I worked in the product segment called OND (oral nicotine delivery). I learned all about a dark market, which is the market situation for tobacco products in Norway. A dark market is a market in which the products are concealed behind closed doors. So cannot be seen by the customers. Furthermore, a dark market involves plain packaging, which means that all packagings from all brands look the same. This concept is implemented to decrease the consumption of tobacco and nicotine products. This was one of the many learnings I could profit from immensely.
Working in Norway
In my time in Oslo I encountered very welcoming employees, who helped me get around and had extremely helpful tips for me. The work environment was an entirely different model to get to know. Working in a very small company for the first time was a very wholesome feeling. Everyone ate lunch together, which was prepared by one of the employees each day. This made it feel like a family. The benefits of weekly massages for the employees is something I will never forget.
Exploring Norway
I was able to go on field trips with the field force (Außendienstler) in Norway, which gave me the opportunity to experience the market up close. Furthermore, I had the chance to visit Bergen for a weekend in combination with a field trip to the city. It was an amazing adventure with a train ride through an incredible landscape.
Oslo
Besides work I did a lot of sightseeing in Oslo. Not only that but also trips into the beautiful nature right outside of Oslo. Many hikes, a trip to Holmenkollen, a round of golf, a mountain bike tour are all adventure I will never forget.
Thank you very much for the breathtaking experience. I learned a lot about myself and a new culture!
Text und Fotos: Benjamin Gast