INTERVIEW WITH ANAND ARUN IYER
- PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
My name is Anand Arun Iyer. I am from Nairobi, Kenya. I just recently graduated from the Print Media Technologies course after doing my bachelor thesis with the luxury packaging company, Jung Verpackungen, based in Steinmauern.
- WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE PMT COURSE, AND WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS REGARDING THE COURSE?
The main reason that I chose the PMT course is due to my family having an offset-printing company back home in Kenya, Excel Packaging Ltd. I had already interned in my family’s company and was no stranger to the industry. When I saw this course, it immediately caught my eye as it was very specific to the printing industry. The course definitely surpassed my expectations. The facilities provided to us by the university were state of the art and the professors were all veterans in the industry, with many years of experience under their belts with some of the biggest names in the industry.
- HOW DID YOU EFFECTIVELY MANAGE THE PMT COURSE DURING YOUR STUDY PERIOD? COULD YOU SHARE SOME TIPS FOR UPCOMING PMT STUDENTS?
Throughout the course, I allocated my time efficiently. For certain subjects which I was weak in, I spent more time concentrating on those subjects in comparison to the ones which I performed better in. I also regularly consulted my professors when I had difficulties with understanding certain concepts and they would help me to grasp those concepts. During my study course, I would also consult my seniors and they would provide me with a lot of useful insights. My main advice for upcoming students would be to be serious with your studies right off the bat, schedule your time efficiently and regularly consult your professors.
- COULD YOU SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE DURING YOUR INTERNSHIP AT HENKEL AG & CO KGAA?
I did my internship at Henkel AG & Co KGaA in Düsseldorf, in the R&D packaging department, laundry and mono-dose team. It was an amazing opportunity for me to work in such a huge company. I learned a great deal from my internship. I learned a lot about work culture, project management and the packaging industry.
- WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO PMT STUDENTS WHO ARE PREPARING FOR THEIR INTERNSHIP SEMESTER?
I would advise these students to be prepared to learn. When students are set to begin with their internship, they have already gained a great deal of theoretical knowledge from the university. However, when they begin their internship, they are exposed to a very practical and applicational world. Students have to be willing to constantly learn from their bosses and colleagues. They also need to learn the necessary social skills in order to be effective at their workplace. I would also strongly advice students to polish their German skills. This would enable them to be able to communicate properly with co-workers during their internship.
- WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WORKING ?
The thing that I enjoy the most about working is that every day there is something new to learn and the fact that there is always a new obstacle to overcome. The industry requires you to truly apply yourself in order to solve day-to-day problems. There is never a dull day in this industry and you get to learn something new every single day.
- IN YOUR OPINION, DOES THE PMT CURRICULUM SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTE TO PREPARING INDIVIDUALS FOR THE PRINTING INDUSTRY?
I personally think that the PMT course does an amazing job of preparing students for the printing industry. Students gain immense exposure both theoretically and practically from the course which would enable them to be productive in the industry right from the get go.
- FINALLY, IS THERE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR INSIGHTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
The printing and packaging industry is huge and does not disappoint. There are various opportunities available in the industry. I would strongly recommend this course.