I just finished my master’s degree in sustainable development in the Spring of 2022. I moved to Stockholm from Germany, where I did my bachelor’s in Biology before I came here for my master’s.

I love the trainee sessions as a contrast to the usual workdays. We meet up regularly for workshops, have learning modules, go on company visits, share our experiences with each other and get new perspectives on our challenges. My absolute highlight is the reversed mentoring – a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

The trainee role is my first full-time work experience. Starting my first real job was a bit nerve-racking in the beginning – everything is new and you need some time to familiarize yourself with it. But that’s the great thing about the Axplore program: you can shape your role and you have one year to explore different companies and teams,  try things out, and grow as a person.

Never be afraid of change and promoting it – even if you’re a trainee. Because that’s exactly what you’re for!

Before joining the Axplore program I studied Industrial Engineering and Management at Linköping University.

Probably that even though you are a trainee, you get the chance to work with projects where you can really make an impact on the companies.

Tough question. I could list a lot of things that have been fun. But the thing that stands out is probably meeting all the people from varying parts of the companies. There are so many talented and interesting people in the Axel Johnson group and the three rotations create an opportunity to meet a lot of them.

My first rotation was at Axbeautyhouse (Kicks), where I worked with projects related to Category Management and Analysis of the assortment. I also got the chance to try out and work as a buyer.

In my second rotation at Martin&Servera i was involved in a relocation project and also a business development-project related to sustainability.

Now, during my final rotation at Axfood I work in the Strategy Team within business development.

Since Axel Johnson is a family owned group that is very value driven, one tip is to read about these values and see if you feel that they describe what you believe is important and how you want to work. Furthermore to do some research on the varying companies of the group and see if there's any one of them that you are particularly interested in.

Before joining the Axplore trainee program I studied for a master's in Innovation and Business Development at Copenhagen Business School. I also completed a bachelor's at Lund University and did an exchange semester in Singapore.

The most important thing so far has been the network that is set up for you from the start. Together with your fellow trainees, you instantly have people that come from different parts of the organization. The other Axplorers will work as a great sounding board where you can exchange learnings throughout the program. In addition to the trainee team, you also have a mentor, a buddy, and a CEO from one of the group companies with whom you will conduct reverse mentoring. This network gives you a great foundation and will help you succeed during the program.

Although it may not come as a surprise, Axplore kicked off strongly with a great onboarding where you get a feel for how the company operates from an ownership perspective. The sincere and humane leadership was a positive surprise and something that I had not fully anticipated. In connection to this leadership, I am impressed to see how many people have a long history within the group and have gotten the opportunity to move between different companies internally. This would only be possible in an organization where you recognize and encourage great efforts.

Yes! So far my main takeaway is: As a Trainee you could in many ways consider yourself as part of the future of the company. This entails a big responsibility, but also a great opportunity to learn and grow. Not only as a professional, but as a person.

Before joining Axplore, I studied a M.Sc. in engineering in parallel with a Master's in data- and systems sciences. Aside from my studies, I've participated in hackathons, innovation boot camps, internships, and other external forums in which innovation has been a central part. That is where my passion lies and what I enjoy doing the most!

I'll tell you about my first rotation at Martin & Servera where I had two different projects I was responsible for:

1. I led a change management project that was focused on the concept of service design and customer journey mapping. A very valuable and fun (!) case that is a very useful experience that can be applied to other businesses and areas as well.

2. The other project was a "traditional" business development case regarding hydroponic systems and aquaponic farming. A super interesting case where I had to get a grip on the potential of these (relatively new) cultivation techniques and how they are used.

Terrifying! No, just kidding, I had a great experience with my mentee. The reversed mentoring program has really accelerated my Axplore experience. Acting as a mentor for a CEO was scary in the beginning but you quickly get comfortable with the role and understand that your input and perspectives are highly valuable for the CEOs'. 

Have an open mind in the beginning and soak in as much as you can! Also, don't be afraid to share ideas/thoughts/observations with your manager or other colleagues! Your perspective can be a very good asset to finding new ways of working or questioning the status quo and is oftentimes very valuable!