Nermin & Priscilla Our trainees
"Development, fun, diversity - Open, innovative, varied"
Priscilla (left) and Nermin have been part of the Lightnet team Cologne as trainees since September 2024 – and they have already achieved a great deal during this time. We would like to introduce them here and give you an insight into their tasks, experiences and development at Lightnet. Their stories clearly show how much commitment, willingness to learn and team spirit enrich everyday life at Lightnet.
Nermin – From entry level to expertise in national sales
Nermin has completed training as an office assistant and speaks German, Azerbaijani, English and some Turkish. She became aware of Lightnet through an advertisement on Workflow and was immediately enthusiastic about the topic of lighting and luminaires. ‘What I particularly like about Lightnet is the working atmosphere, my colleagues and, in sales, the contact with customers. There is a certain routine, but there is always something new, whether it's enquiries or special projects,’ says Nermin.
During her training in sales for the German market, she was able to get to know many other departments, and she was particularly fascinated by lighting design: ‘I really enjoyed recreating buildings and the creative part of selecting luminaires. It was sometimes tricky to comply with all the standards, but it was worth it.’ She describes the teamwork as harmonious: ‘If you have any questions, you can always ask. Even with more complex issues or personal concerns, I can always turn to my colleagues.’
Nermin was particularly impressed by a visit to the factory in Poland: ‘It was amazing to see how many steps and employees are involved in manufacturing the luminaires. You get a much better understanding of the products.’
Nermin already showed an interest in economics and technical subjects at school: she particularly enjoyed wholesale processes (GHP) and cost/performance accounting (KSK). She has clear ideas for the future: ‘In five years, I would still like to be working at Lightnet in National Sales. I would like to learn more about lighting design, but otherwise I am very happy; I really like my tasks, my team and the atmosphere.’
For Nermin, three words describe her training at Lightnet: development, fun, diversity.
‘There is a great working atmosphere and colleagues you can laugh with – that boosts motivation enormously’
Priscilla – International insights and new perspectives
Priscilla currently works in international sales and recently swapped departments with Nermin for two weeks to gain insights into national sales. Before starting her training at Lightnet, Priscilla spent a year learning German in Cologne and began training as a hotel manager. She speaks German, English and Spanish. ‘Multilingualism plays a big role in my everyday work. Among other things, I look after customers from Spain and Portugal and also support colleagues in communicating with international customers. I also regularly write emails to our team in Poland,’ she explains.
Priscilla became aware of Lightnet through the Workwise platform. ‘Light and lighting have always fascinated me. They influence the atmosphere and effect of a room. When I discovered Lightnet's website, I was impressed by the products and projects. During the interview at the office, my expectations were even exceeded: the working atmosphere was very pleasant from the start and the team was friendly and helpful.’
What she particularly likes about international sales is the variety of tasks, working with different countries, languages and cultures, and the opportunity to accompany projects from start to finish. She also finds lighting design exciting: "Creating a 3D plan including furniture from 2D drawings is a bit like “The Sims”. I find the effect that different types of lighting (direct vs. indirect light) have on a room particularly fascinating.‘
There were also challenges: ’Phone calls in German are still a bit of a challenge for me, but I'm working on it." Priscilla describes the teamwork as pleasant, communicative and supportive. A customer visit to Czechia was a real eye-opener for her: ‘Nothing can replace personal interaction on site. You understand the customers better, can respond more specifically to their needs and often clarify complex situations more quickly.’
Priscilla was particularly impressed by her visit to the factory in Poland: "It's fascinating to see how much work, precision and expertise goes into the manufacture of our luminaires, from the raw material to the finished product. I also find the sustainability measures remarkable: plastic-free packaging, water treatment in LED production – that's very progressive."
In the future, Priscilla would like to further develop her problem-solving, relationship-building and strategic thinking skills. Her goal: to work in international sales in the long term, where no two days are the same. Three words that describe her training at Lightnet: Open, innovative, varied.
Work culture at Lightnet
Both emphasise the special work culture at Lightnet: respectful cooperation, open communication, mutual appreciation and a team where you quickly make friends. Little extras such as communal breakfasts, barbecues, company outings or breaks playing table football and table tennis make everyday life even more enjoyable.
‘I was particularly surprised by how well everyone gets along here. You are quickly accepted and immediately feel at home,’ says Priscilla. Nermin adds: ‘There is a great working atmosphere and colleagues you can laugh with – that boosts motivation enormously. People are not afraid to ask questions, whether about work or for advice. You feel supported at all times.’
We would like to thank Priscilla and Nermin from the bottom of our hearts for their great commitment and are very happy to have you as part of our team! Your dedication, willingness to learn and positive attitude enrich Lightnet every day.
