Amar Kaadouch

Can you describe your role at Umicore?

This week I will complete my two-year Young Graduate programme. As a Commercial Engineering graduate with a specialisation in Finance, I was mainly employed to map and analyse existing processes and risks. Together with colleagues, I then went on to look at how certain risks could be reduced or how existing models could be improved. For the Purchasing and Transportation department, for example, I mapped out the various high-risk road transports of our goods in order to work even more efficiently in the future. Since September, as a sales manager Precious Metals, I have been helping to ensure that the financial risks of sales are covered to the maximum extent possible.

What do you enjoy about your job?

The diversity of the projects I work on independently to find different potential solutions gives me great satisfaction. I particularly like the cooperation with other colleagues, not only nationally but also internationally. You often have to organise and come up with ad hoc solutions. I also notice that my input has an added value and this stimulates me.

What do you enjoy about working for Umicore?

I am very curious by nature and I like to learn. At Umicore, there is a good balance between working independently and working with the necessary support of others. You will explore your limits, learn something new every day and you can always bring up your ideas. The open culture within Umicore is very present, which is what makes working here so enjoyable. 

Why did you want to join Umicore?

The programme was certainly interesting, but it is not just Umicore that offers this.
What was important for me is to work for an organisation that has a positive impact on our society, that always strives for the best and that, above all, values its employees. I found all these values here, which made me decide to work for Umicore.  

What do you look forward to when you leave for work in the morning?

Working with others every day gives me a lot of energy. My motivation is fuelled by finding solutions every day and working on them together. That is really the best part of the day.

What has been your highlight so far in your role at Umicore?

Every day where I was able to develop my skills, allowing me to grow, were highlights in the past two years. This continuous, positive development is the engine that drives me to keep looking for new challenges. I hope to be able to pass on my knowledge and skills later to young starters like myself. 

Advice for new joiners?

Sure! Above all, try to keep your scope very broad and dare to ask a lot of questions. Eventually, you will find out which direction you really want to go and you will see how and when you can make your own contribution in our organisation.