Dawid Amutenya

Ferrum Process Systems Ltd.

Bachelor Student in Engineering
Namibia University of Science and Technology

February 01 - April 30, 2023

 
 

at work

I got the chance to work in Switzerland, at Ferrum Process Systems AG to be specific. An opportunity I’m always truly grateful for. Working at Ferrum has been one of the most life changing opportunities for me, from the first day where they had a welcoming message for me to the rest of my stay at Ferrum. It being my first time working in an industrial company I was a little nervous, but they were quickly overshadowed with comfort. It was a completely different cultural environment from mine, but it only took me a few days to feel at home. The work environment is top notch as you’re not only surrounded by top class professionals who take pride in getting the work done the right way but also great conversationalists who are never afraid to offer their help when needed. Additionally, I’ll never forget the morning talks with the secretary as she’d always try to make you feel welcome and give me suggestions of places to visit in my free time.

I always took the bus to and from work which was very convenient.

I worked in the centrifuge assembly hall which was a first for me and B360. Working with my mentor Christian Henke really did help me grow as an inspiring engineer, as he’d always explain clearly what was expected of me and as to why something had to be done a certain way thus, you’d always feel comfortable doing something as he’d give you that confidence to try and do things on your own.

 
 
 
 
 

living with the host family

During my stay I lived with the Abdulkadir family, which was made up of Madeleine and another student from Afghanistan, Shaban. Mr Abdulkadir came a month after our arrival in Switzerland from his native Somalia. I also got to share the house with another student from Zambia, Mumba Zulu. So, you can definitely say we were very multi-cultural. From the get go, Madeleine made us feel so welcome in their home and the fact that she was so caring and well informed made settling into Switzerland a breeze, she’d always encourage us to travel as much as we can and when we’d spend the day home, she’d offer to take us to the Zoo or other places. So, it’s safe to say I’ve found my home away from home.

 
 
 

highlights and challenges in switzerland

The major thing that really blew me away was the transport system. Not only was it efficient and punctual but easy to understand too, everything was always on schedule so you’d never miss if you’re on time. I also enjoyed travelling a lot during the weekends, there was so much to see, from the green pastures you see in transit on the train to the snowy mountains in Engelberg or Interlaken. The fact that everyone I spoke too was always interested in knowing about Namibia and open to giving advice really stood out for me.

The only challenge I’d say was the language barrier, as there were people who genuinely wanted to talk to you but couldn’t because of the barrier.

My future plans

My future plans can be summed up in one sentence: to make a great career in the international market. I plan on completing my bachelor of technology in mechanical engineering, and hopefully doing my masters as I learned that having a masters is of great importance if you have aspirations of working internationally. Additionally, I’d like to invest the money I managed to save up during my stay here and also help my family as best I can.

 
 

Personal message

I’m forever grateful to the B360 family for believing in me as I’ve been exposed to a different culture and I’ve earned limitless skills going forward. For the future interns, believe in yourself, take on your challenges, set goals for yourself and conquer them. Never let anyone bring you down. You got to keep going and wherever you go, go with all your heart.