Interesting export internship for South Korean Hosung

The South Korean Hosung Suh (with Italian roots) spent the past summer months interning in our sales department, where he focused specifically on export. A short interview about his experiences at the brewery could not be missing just before his departure back to Italy. An enthusiastic Hosung tells us…

"I interned in the sales department, where my focus was on export. My mentor Hans Denecker (commercial director at De Brabandere Brewery) assigned me various projects over two months that I found very interesting. The most important project was the development of an export network that can serve as a tool to assess and identify potential export markets. My research was largely based on market studies, but I also got the chance to go along on field visits in both France and the Netherlands. These were very instructive moments, because I could then communicate directly with the market to discover what is going on and what their needs are.

Thanks to my internship at De Brabandere Brewery, I learned several things. First of all, I was given the freedom to put my own stamp on the assigned projects, which taught me to work independently. My input was greatly appreciated, which kept me motivated to carry out my assignments well. In addition, it was the first time I actively came into contact with various forms of corporate communication, and that taught me a great deal. For instance, I had to present export reports to the management team, which meant I had to actively think about how I would present certain matters. Finally, I also learned a lot about how an independent family brewery works. Thanks to the relaxed corporate culture at De Brabandere, I quickly felt at ease. I sensed that the employees play an important role in the brewery's story. CEO Bert De Brabandere, for example, is always open to exchanging ideas with the employees to improve the brewery's operations. The brewery's employees practise their job with great passion and pride, which motivated me even more to give it my all. They are real Bavik Super People who make the brewery a fun place to work and also always did their best to speak English during the lunch breaks, for example, so that I could get to know them better. Despite the language barriers, I quickly felt part of the group.

My internship experience was short but powerful. I am grateful for the enjoyable and instructive period at this brewery. It was unforgettable, and I would therefore like to warmly thank De Brabandere Brewery and its employees for this opportunity."

Thank you Hosung for your dedication over the past weeks, and hopefully see you again soon!