Lara Spaan: "Think about the future …and start your future career at Henkel.

In the framework of the Henkel innovation Challenge (HIC) groups of three students have to think about how the world would look like in 2050. The purpose of the game is to adapt a Henkel product to the challenges it would meet at that time.

Firstly, the teams should make a video film and present their product in an original way. After which the best products are chosen to go the national final. The winner of that final goes through to the international final.

That is where my story begins. As my team, Triple Single had the honors to go to Brussels and meet up with teams from 10 different countries. For three days we had to give presentations and adapt our product and marketing plan to the changing environment, like you would encounter in everyday business. It was an extremely interesting experience as you come into contact with the managers of the different countries and learn a lot from their experience.

Today, I work as a Junior Brand Manager for Henkel where I already feel like I am part of the Henkel family. I really feel that the values the company aspires are put into practice. Thinking about innovation and sustainability are part of everyday business at Henkel.

The Henkel Innovation Challenges was a really amazing, once in a lifetime experience, and it gave my career a boost. Don’t hesitate… just do it!"

Yilmaz Can Akbulut: "HIC has touched my life in so many ways; all the way from the beginning till the end. I remember shooting our promotional video for the national finals on a rainy Istanbul day, and then editing it the entire night.

At the national finals, we were thrilled by the tough competition and the innovative spirit. Luckily, we were able to impress Henkel TR and walk to the international finals. I did the final presentation in the splendid Atomium and had a king size bed in a single 5-star hotel room. Working really hard, I think we definitely made all the comfort worth it! What' s more, I was able to have precious conversations with Henkel top managers. Ever since, I felt like a member of the team . And I met great people from all over Europe, and still do.

Overall, I had such an amazing time, so it' s no surprise I am back in Brussels now for a challenging internship. For me, HIC represents the milestone of moving on from school years to an exciting international career.

A big thank you to the Cubers, HIC team and everyone who made it an awesome experience."