Working at BASF’s head office has been a truly enjoyable experience. Our team consisted of eight members, including myself, our office was spacious yet cozy, with everyone having their own desk. It was a great mix, with seven females and one male on the team, each handling different tasks every day. Not everyone worked full-time or in the office every day, which is why we had weekly meetings every Thursday, which were held in the office ensuring everyone was present. Those meetings were a fantastic opportunity for everyone to catch up, share how they were doing, and discuss what needed to be done. If anyone was stuck on a project, we could brainstorm solutions together. Additionally, we held short online meetings every Tuesday, to discuss our tasks and what we could do moving forward.
No days were the same—some days we spent in the office working in front of the computer, while other days involved meetings, events, or photoshoots. This variety gave me the chance to explore different locations and see how things operate in various settings. I’m thankful to each member of my team for including me in these events and helping me experience how everything comes together. I also appreciated having the flexibility to work from home on some days, which provided a perfect work-life balance. Being part of Science Day, the opening of a new site, and Sintfeest allowed me to see firsthand how events are organized and how BASF celebrates its employees.
Once a year, our team also has a full-day meeting outside the office to reflect on the past year and discuss how we can improve for the future. This day felt like a therapy session, where we shared our thoughts and feelings openly while enjoying a nice dinner together. We tried to have lunch together whenever possible in the canteen, and my team members created an environment where I felt comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings. My mentor, who has a lot of experience, never hesitated to share her insights and feedback to help me grow. She also regularly asked for my input on the things she wrote, even when they were already excellent. Overall, I left the company with broader perspectives and a deep sense of gratitude for the experience.
Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add but when there is not much left to take away.