Graduate Blog 2024-2025

Hi! My name is Eduard and I am a NKT Graduate placed in Kladno, Czech Republic. My educational background is in International relations and European studies from MUP in Prague.

During my placement, I had the opportunity to get to know different roles in the organization. Initially, I worked on a quote preparation at our Customer Service Center, which included understanding pricing and preparing tailored quotes in collaboration with Sales or Planning, for example. I also gained a basic understanding of operations by working with colleagues in the Supply Chain department.

My most interesting role was that of a Tender Manager. In this role, I was responsible for managing the tender process to the Belgium market, coordinating with various departments, and to ensure that our tender is properly submitted and meets the requirements of the contracting authority with all the necessary details. The role of a Tender Manager has been the highlight of my Graduate programme so far. This position has allowed me to interact with a diverse range of people, both within and outside the organization. I have had the amazing opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of various processes and see firsthand how different functions within NKT work together to achieve common goals. The dynamic nature of this role, combined with the chance to contribute to significant project, has made it an incredibly rewarding experience.

Now, after a successful tender submission, as a newcomer I have been delegated the task of revising and simplifying the newly created . Which makes me feel included and the management is open to my input and perspectives.

A significant advantage for NKT Graduates is the opportunity to meet senior colleagues from different fields, who are very knowledgeable in their area. In just half a year of the program, I got to know a lot of different perspectives. This opportunity to absorb such a wide range of knowledge and perspectives is very valuable and I know it will be beneficial for me long after the Graduate program is over.

Hello! My name is Shaiz, and I am excited to share my journey as a Finance Graduate at NKT. I joined the programme in 2024, looking for an opportunity to develop a broad skill set, work internationally, and experience different areas in finance. NKT’s graduate programme stood out for its structured and international rotations, but also the training opportunities that go beyond finance. With a master’s degree in finance from EDHEC, France, and a bachelor’s degree in engineering, I have found that my financial and technical background has helped me better understand NKT’s business meaningfully.

My first rotation took place in High Voltage Solutions in Cologne. I spent my major part of first six months in Tender and Project controlling. This provided me with necessary knowledge about the onshore and offshore high voltage cable projects and their cycle starting from a tender to project execution. I was fortunate to also rotate through Operations Controlling and FP&A for few weeks, which gave me a comprehensive view of Business Finance at NKT Cologne. What stood out most during this time was the work culture, incredible encouragement to learn and grow, and apply skills during the experience. It is worth mentioning that, working right beside the cable-manufacturing facility, and experiencing the reality is key to excel in business finance and develop strategical viewpoint.

I moved to Kaunas, Lithuania, for my second rotation where I spent 10 weeks in various accounting departments, such as Accounts Payables, Account Receivables and General Accounting. It provided exceptional practical training and a strong starting point for a recent finance graduate. Rotating through accounting departments, supporting different business lines and locations, introduced me to the challenges, opportunities, complexities, and collaboration involved in core finance.

My next stop is Group Treasury in NKTs headquarters at Brøndby, Denmark where I will spend 15 weeks including a summer break. Overall, the NKTs Finance Graduate programme is something I could not have asked for more as a fresh finance graduate. Working in multiple departments, gaining knowledge, applying, and developing new skills, collaboration, meeting amazing people across the locations, and embracing challenges and growth, will be my highlights so far.

Hi, my name is Daniel, and I am here to share my experience within NKT’s Graduate Program so far. Spoiler: it’s been great!

I have a background in Electrical Power Engineering, and joining NKT as my first professional workplace has been like fitting a glove. So far, I have completed two rotations and am about to start my third one. Let me share what each rotation has been about.

I worked on delivering high voltage cable system solutions, handling tasks like ampacity studies and project documentation. This experience highlighted the importance of both theoretical knowledge and inter-departmental collaboration. Meeting customers and visiting installation sites were great experiences since it allowed me to see how all the calculations and plans, finally come to live.

During my second rotation, I moved to Falun, Sweden, where we have a factory that produces various types of cables, from building wire to HV cables for substations, solar parks, wind farms, and distribution grids. During my stay in Falun, I focused on how cables are actually produced and discovered that the process is much more complex than it appears from the outside. I paid special attention to how international standards validate that an HV cable is fit for sale, a process known as “type testing.” I had never encountered this term in university, so the learning curve was steep. A particularly rewarding aspect of this rotation was following the manufacturing of two projects I had worked on during my first rotation. Seeing all the previous work come to life was incredibly enriching. One of these projects is the drum behind me in the picture, being prepared for shipping.

Next, I’ll be moving to the Cable Design department in Asnaes, Denmark. This factory will increase its capacity in the following months and  I’m excited to contribute to the factory expansion and learn how new cable designs transition from concept to production.

NKT’s Graduate Programme has been incredibly enriching, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience. From project engineering in Copenhagen to cable manufacturing in Falun, and now moving to cable design in Asnaes, each rotation has offered unique learning opportunities. I look forward to continuing this journey and contributing to NKT’s innovative environment.

Hi! My name is Juliana, and I am a graduate from Copenhagen, Denmark. My background is in Mechanical Engineering from DTU, with a passion for connecting the technical and commercial aspects of a project.

My first rotation has been in Brøndby within Project Engineering with a commercial focus. Here, I had the opportunity to develop a pipeline for our current and future projects, as well as engage in dialogue with the sales team on future possibilities. During the rotation, I attended customer meetings across Denmark, which gave me insights into customer relations and an understanding of how to deliver great service, no matter the complexity of the project.

Simultaneously, I gained first-hand experience with site visits to witness the testing of cables and worked closely with the electrical engineers in our team. This collaboration gave me greater knowledge of the electrical properties of the cables and how they interact mechanically. This understanding was further enhanced by factory tours in Asnæs and Karlskrona, where I saw how the machinery works.

I recently embarked on my second rotation in the Sales Team within Service & Installation in Brøndby, where I look forward to working closely with our customers and on installation projects.

I am grateful to join the NKT Graduate Program, as there is a strong focus on growth, both professionally and personally. The program encourages us to be proactive in solving problems. This is seen in our Graduate Module 2 in Malmö, where we dove deep into our personality types, how we work in teams, and how we navigate conflicts. It was super fun as we got to experience each other’s different motivations and see how we grow stronger as a team through our differences.

It is a great network of graduates, where we arrange Graduate Talks and social events. NKT is a big company, but I assure you that everyone will greet you with a smile, and you will feel welcome.

Hi! My name is Samuel and I am a technology graduate in Karlskrona. I studied engineering physics in Lund and graduated in the summer of 2024. At the end of my studies I was uncertain about what to do after graduating, I did not know which type of engineering role would suit me. I looked around for different jobs and found this graduate program. What caught my attention was that I would be able to try out different engineering roles and learn more about the energy industry and the business as a whole.

I started my graduate year in September with my first rotation at the simulation department here in Karlskrona. At the simulation department, I got the opportunity to apply my knowledge from university to solve real-life problems, such as performing mechanical, electrical and thermal simulations. I was also given the task of performing analysis on data recorded from an operational cable system. I found it exciting to find new areas to apply concepts and methods I learned at university, something that was made possible by the modularity of the graduate program and the way the program is tailored according to our specific backgrounds.

My current rotation is within the engineering department, where I have been working together with the team that designs the cable systems according to each specific delivery project. Since every project is unique, there are a lot of parameters that play an important role in the design of the system. During the rotation I have learned about the requirements that go into a project, and how to take them into consideration when designing the cable system.

During the first half-year of the graduate program I have learned a lot about the technology, designs and components of NKT’s cable systems. The opportunity to see the entire process - from acquiring projects, to designing the system, producing the cable and then installing it - has given me deep insight into the business and our role in the market. The graduate program has allowed me to dive deep into the theory and technology that drives the development of future high-voltage cable systems. I am looking forward to the rest of my rotations in Karlskrona, Västerås and abroad!

I'm Alin, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be part of this year's NKT Graduate Programme. With a background in Civil Engineering and Construction Management, I joined the programme as a Project Installation Management Graduate for the Rotterdam branch. Since September, my journey at NKT has been nothing short of extraordinary! As part of the programme, NL graduates like myself relocate to Karlskrona, Sweden, for the first nine months. Adjusting to life in Sweden has been an exciting challenge, and I've grown immensely both professionally and personally.

My role involves rotating across multiple departments, each offering unique experiences. I began in the Installation department, where I gained valuable insights into the tasks I'll be handling when I return to Rotterdam. I also assisted the PIM of the Biscay Gulf project with the Logistics Scope of Work for the Onshore Cable Installation. Next, I moved to Service & Installation, where I shadowed and supported the Project Manager of the East Anglia 3 project. This rotation culminated in an incredible site visit in Stord, Norway, where NKT Service was performing a Topside Cable Installation on the Converter Station of EA3. For a week, I shadowed the site manager, experiencing firsthand the dynamic reality of fieldwork. This rotation was so enriching that I extended it to work on a report for the Hornsea 1 project, which proved to be both challenging and fascinating. At the moment, I am in the Project Planning department helping the planners with the schedule for the Ijmuiden Ver projects in the Netherlands.

The flexibility of the programme has allowed me to tailor my rotations to align with my interests, and I've had the opportunity to work on projects that truly excite me. As I continue my journey, I'm eager to embrace new opportunities and challenges.

Cory: Hi everyone! My name is Cory, and I’m one of the UK graduates participating in the NKT Graduate Programme this year. I have a background in Geography & Environmental Sciences, so I was brought on board as the Environmental graduate for this cohort. The structure of the programme for UK graduates involves a 9 month relocation to Karlskrona – so since August, I have been adjusting to life in Sweden!

My role at NKT so far has involved a series of rotations around Karlskrona departments; I started in Production Health & Safety, moved through to Project Quality, and am presently sitting in Project Execution. Each rotation has come with a fresh perspective on the organisation, and I think the most fulfilling part of the job has been developing an understanding of how these departments work together to produce the final outcome and business. The rotation plan is flexible, allowing graduates to tailor their experience to their interests and strengths, which is a strong benefit to this programme. We have also received thorough introduction to the facilities here in Karlskrona, including factory orientations and even a tour of the NKT Victoria cable-laying vessel. I have included a picture of myself and the other UK graduate Lauren on top of the NKT Victoria helipad alongside this blog post, showcasing the beautiful view we had of Karlskrona’s archipelago!

A highlight of the programme so far has been the people I have around me – particularly within the whole international graduate cohort and with former graduates now working in permanent roles in Karlskrona. The engagement we have had with other employees has been excellent, allowing me to build a strong sense of community. For example, I was given the opportunity to connect with the entire graduate cohort in Karlskrona at the end of September, where we participated in a 2-day introductory Module surrounding NKT’s culture and shared beliefs. This was a fantastic opportunity to form friendships within the cohort and to learn from inspiring speakers across the organisation.

In my view, the experience of moving to a new country and integrating into the community via my role at NKT has been transformative. I feel so grateful that the graduate programme has given me this opportunity, and allowed me all of the new friends and experiences that have come into my life as a result. I never expected that my first job would look like this, but I am so happy with how things have turned out, and I feel that I’m developing a very strong foundation upon which to build my future career at NKT. I will go home to the UK for Christmas next week, and I am returning there with lots of good memories of my time in Sweden so far 😊

Henric: My name is Henric, and I am one of the Technology graduates based in Karlskrona. I hold an M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Lund University. When I applied for the Graduate Program, I hoped to gain key insights into the operations of a large company like NKT.

The program includes various rotations, for me totaling nine, with two abroad. Additionally, there are different modules where all graduates come together for educational days to learn about the company and receive training in various activities. One of these modules was in Karlskrona, Sweden, where we had the opportunity to learn more about our different business lines, our customers, and company strategy. We also delved into our Shared Beliefs, which are the backbone of everything we do, providing the path to being a good teammate, colleague, and friend at NKT.

My first rotation was at the Laboratories, where the cable system is qualified in different tests. There, I explored the different tests and gained an understanding of the purpose behind each test a cable must undergo before, during, and after production to be approved.

My second rotation was within Production Operations and Production Technology. During the first part of this rotation, I spent one day at each machine line, gaining hands-on experience. Additionally, I gained a good understanding of the production flow and the steps required to manufacture a high voltage cable. The complexity of manufacturing a high voltage cable is fascinating, sparking my curiosity and desire to learn more. Alongside learning about the factory, I was assigned a project from Production Technology to investigate the potential implementation of a cutting-edge tool.

The best part of being a graduate is meeting interesting people with a lot of knowledge in their specific area. Despite being a graduate for a short period, I have been exposed to many different perspectives and met people from diverse backgrounds. This opportunity to absorb such a wealth of knowledge and perspectives is very valuable, and I know it will benefit me long after the graduate program.

Stamena: Hi! My name is Stamena, and I joined NKT graduate program in September 2024.  It's been an exciting journey so far, and I'd love to share some of my experiences with you. 

My first two rotations at NKT were in the Project Execution and Installation departments. For three months, I had the opportunity to follow the Draugen Project, a Power from Shore initiative. When I joined, the project was in its execution and installation phase, which provided me with a hands-on learning experience. 

One of the highlights of my time here was going on the NKT cable-laying vessel, Victoria, for the cable loadout. Witnessing the loading of a cable onto the vessel was an incredible experience. The precision and coordination required for such an operation were truly impressive. 

I also had the chance to join the team for the landfall cable pull-in in Norway. During this operation, the cable is pulled to the shore from Victoria and secured. This was a particularly special experience as I got to see our vessel, Victoria, in a beautiful Norwegian fjord, installing a cable. The scenery was breathtaking, and to top it off, I witnessed the northern lights above us in the sky while the jointers were securing the cable. It was the coolest office to work at! 

Additionally, I got to see how the jointers work on site and overcome challenges. Their expertise and problem-solving skills were truly inspiring. Watching them tackle and resolve issues in real-time gave me a deeper appreciation for the complexity and importance of their work. 

These experiences have not only broadened my technical knowledge but also allowed me to appreciate the work we do at NKT. I'm excited to continue my journey and see what other amazing opportunities lie ahead. 

Stay tuned for more updates!