Tell us a bit about yourself and your RHIM journey so far.

My name is Bowen Tan. I am based in Vienna. I joined RHIM in 2022 as a global corporate function trainee. And now I am the change manager for DigiT rollout in Europe. At the same time, I am also involved in another internal company project, mainly focusing on the project management.

My motto is “the opportunity will not fall on you, you have to chase it!”

What kind of projects have you worked on?

In 2024, I contributed to improving the Process In Full and On Time (PIFOT) KPI for the Europe region. PIFOT measures our ability to deliver products to customers in full and on time, and it was also a KPI linked to performance bonus last year.

My key responsibilities included conducting root cause analyses, identifying opportunities for improvement, and aligning closely with relevant stakeholders. Through these efforts, I successfully supported the region in exceeding the PIFOT target, achieving a performance level above 80%.

What has been a highlight of your experience with RHIM so far?

One of my key highlights at RHIM has been my cross-regional assignment in China. In 2023, I spent five months supporting the regional marketing intelligence team, contributing to various initiatives such as marketing dashboard development and data analysis.

A notable moment during this assignment was attending the Green Steel Summit in Shanghai as a representative of RHIM. The summit offered valuable insights into the Chinese steel industry’s strong commitment to sustainability—an area where RHIM, as a pioneer in sustainable refractory solutions, is well-positioned to support customers in their decarbonization journeys.

What do you appreciate most about RHIM’s culture?

I love the RHIM collaborative culture. In my opinion, our colleagues are quite collaborative and are willing to help each other. Especially in a project where cross-functional collaboration is usually essential, I don’t usually see any obstacles that keeps the project from progressing. This collaborative mindset is the crucial key to project success.

What advice would you give to future trainees?

Whenever you come across any challenges, do not be afraid, do not be worried.

Take the initiative, talk to your mentor / manager, align with stakeholders. Then you will find a way to solve the problem.

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Tell us a bit about yourself and your RHIM journey so far.

My name is Weidan Luo and I am currently working as Group Strategy Expert based in Vienna. Toward the end of my Master’s studies, I discovered that RHIM was launching its Global Trainee Program and especially the cross-country rotation caught my eyes, as I greatly enjoyed my exchange semesters abroad during university and saw this as a perfect chance to also gain some international work experience. I immediately applied for the Trainee Program and started as one of the first-generation Global Finance Trainees in 2020. During the two years, I had the chance to explore a range of functions such as Strategy, Corporate Treasury, Internal Audit & Risk & Compliance, CRM and eventually went to China for a cross-country rotation in the regional Finance team.

My landing position was in the Integration Management Office which is responsible for post-merger integrations. The team was newly established at that time and as the first team member alongside my manager, I was given a unique opportunity to help shape things from the ground up, drawing on the diverse experiences I had gained during my rotations. After nearly four years at RHIM, I was excited to return to where my journey began—joining the Strategy team once again. In this role, I can see an even more holistic picture and apply strategic thinking to support key initiatives.

What kind of projects have you worked on?

Due to the six-month rotation cycle within the trainee program, there wasn’t always the chance to follow projects from the start until the end. However, each rotation provided valuable insights and significantly contributed to my professional development. I had the chance to support the preparation of the Strategy Dialogue for the Board of Directors, participate in risk assessments and an audit, assist the project manager overseeing the development of our Customer Portal and when I had my rotation in China, I even had to step in as the “interim regional Head of FP&A” until the vacancy was filled.

What has been a highlight of your experience with RHIM so far?

One of the highlights was clearly when I was serving as Integration Manager for an acquisition the company made in China. I had the chance to really work “on the ground”, to see the new plant and to build relations with our new colleagues. Furthermore, being involved in each workstream of the integration allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the process and connect the dots across functions and cultures.

What do you appreciate most about RHIM’s culture?

What I appreciate most is the willingness of the company and the leaders to invest in and support the development of young talents.

What advice would you give to future trainees?

Choose your leader and learn from people you admire.

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Tell us a bit about yourself and your RHIM journey so far.

I am originally from Bogota, Colombia, where I got interested in how the economy works, reason why I got my Bachelor of Science in economics. Short after I worked in a production company, in the controlling area, and as a data analyst. Those experiences made me realize I wanted a new challenge, reason why I decided to move to the USA to pursue a Master of Science in Accounting and Financial forensics and gain more experience in the production – corporate finance.

My RHIM journey has been a hands-on experience, combining training and with real-world experience. Where I have been assigned meaningful tasks and projects that helped to improve different financial process. On top of that I have been able to work with different teams, which has helped to gain a holistic understanding of the company. It has also been challenging, but without a doubt rewarding!

What kind of projects have you worked on?

I have worked in projects focused on improving current process of FP&A and developing tools to show the financial impact in an easier way to the leadership team at the plant.  The first project I was assigned was the creation of a “target cost calculator” on Power BI, with the goal of bringing FP&A closer to the operations, by improving the accuracy in our forecast. And Lately I have been working, with the FP&A team, on an automated report to get a more granular and detailed information regarding the cost of goods sold by material product groups (MPG).

What has been a highlight of your experience with RHIM so far?

How supportive the people are at the company, culturally they are very open to helping.

What do you appreciate most about RHIM’s culture?

When projects and tasks have been assigned to me, I got the independence and the challenge of doing it by myself. I am being able to gain real experience by working with different teams, performing meaningful tasks, and managing my own projects knowing that I will always be supported by my coworkers. Collaborations are something I really appreciate about the RHIM’s culture.

What advice would you give to future trainees?

Use the length of the program to ask a lot of questions! Even if you must do it twice or more! Also try to get involved in other departments, if you are interested in wat they do. Play your trainee card and tell them you want to learn what they do! The answer will always be yes!

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Tell us a bit about yourself and your RHIM journey so far.

My name is Ragini Agarwal, originally from Jaipur, and currently based in Gurugram, India. I joined RHIM as a Global finance trainee with a focus on Financial Planning and Analysis. This journey has been a great blend of learning, responsibility, and real-world exposure. If I had to sum up my approach to work in one line, it would be: “Stay curious, stay committed.”

What kind of projects have you worked on?

At RHIM, I had the opportunity to work on several high-impact projects. This included preparing quarterly board and investor decks, conducting revenue analysis, and leading the automation of the investor data preparation process.
One of the most rewarding aspects was seeing how these projects tied directly into strategic decision-making — especially when automation efforts began saving significant time and improved data accuracy.

What has been a highlight of your experience with RHIM so far?

A standout moment was seeing the board and investor decks I had worked on being published on the company’s official website. It was a proud reminder that the work I was contributing to, was not just internal — it was outward-facing and integral to how the organization presents itself to the external world.

What do you appreciate most about RHIM’s culture?

RHIM fosters a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous learning. What stood out to me most was how approachable and supportive everyone is — from team members to senior leadership. There’s a strong focus on encouraging fresh perspectives, valuing contributions at every level, and helping you grow through feedback and hands-on experience. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to think, contribute, and grow — not just complete tasks.

What advice would you give to future trainees?

Take initiative, stay open to feedback, and don’t hesitate to ask questions — that’s where the real learning happens. Try to understand the bigger picture behind the tasks you’re assigned and take pride in even the small wins. Every deliverable, no matter how routine, plays a part in the larger goal — and you might be surprised by how quickly your contributions start to make a visible impact.

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Tell us a bit about yourself and your RHIM journey so far.

Hi, my name is Anna Fehleisen, I am 26 years old and I grew up in northern Italy. I moved to Austria for my studies and during my Master in Geosciences I got to know RHIM.

I am currently based in Leoben as a Global R&D Trainee. My motto is “Trust the process.”

What kind of projects have you worked on?

Thanks to the rotations in different departments, I gained insights both within and outside the world of R&D. These experiences focused on the products and their fields of application.

So far, I have been involved in the chemical, physical, and mineralogical investigation of post-mortem samples, the process of product development itself, and currently, in the everyday tasks of technical marketing.

What has been a highlight of your experience with RHIM so far?

There have been many highlights during the last few months. One of the first that comes to mind is the opportunity to meet my fellow trainee colleagues in person. This has allowed me to grow and gain insights into different departments, ways of thinking, and cultures. Other great experiences include plant visits and the chance to accompany the products through various company processes.

What do you appreciate most about RHIM’s culture?

Two things I appreciate the most are the collaboration and inclusion, and the company’s genuine commitment on giving each employee the opportunity to grow and develop in the direction and role that best fits them.

What advice would you give to future trainees?

My first advice would be to take advantage of every opportunity given to you as a trainee. Secondly, get to know as many people as you can. Finally, give yourself time; you’ll learn a lot of new things, and it will be challenging. The most important thing is to stay curious and engage yourself.

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Tell us a bit about yourself and your RHIM journey so far.

My name is Klea Xhetani and I’m the Global Digital Transformation Trainee. I am 24 years old and come from Albania.

I’m currently based in Vienna, where I moved to continue my Master’s studies in Business Informatics, a degree that gave me the chance to explore both business and IT, and most importantly, understand the value of bridging the two.

During this time, I came across the Global Trainee Program 2024. The role of Global Digital Transformation Trainee in Information Technology, really stood out to me, because it aligned with what I’m passionate about and where I want to grow professionally in the future. So, when this opportunity came up, I knew it was one of those moments that you either go for it or let it pass. I went for it, and honestly, I’m so glad I did!

What kind of projects have you worked on?

During these months, I have been closely related to one of the biggest projects going on, DigiT (Digital Transformation).

I started my journey with the Data & Analytics Delivery team, where I learned a lot about data engineering tasks and got familiar with current solutions. I had the chance to understand and contribute to the end-to-end process of preparing a version of one of our analytics solutions under the scope of DigiT. Even contributing through small tasks and steps, being part of the enhancement and standardization of our solutions has been incredibly valuable to me!

Now, I am part of the Digital & Cloud Solutions team, which has exposed me to a completely new area, while being focused more on application development and integrations. I am also closer to topics that aim improvement and increased efficiency of the workflows through automation and AI. 

Overall, what I love most about this space is the pace: there’s no room for comfort zones. Things move fast, and that keeps my curiosity and motivation high every day as I keep learning about new technologies.

What has been a highlight of your experience with RHIM so far?

In just a short time, I’ve had the chance to experience so many meaningful moments that have helped me grow both personally and professionally, such as:

• Getting to see real business cases during such an important step that a company can take – its digital transformation journey.
• An enriching onboarding week, where I had the chance to connect with the EMT and the Board, participate in various trainings, visit plants, as well as meet and share this experience with an amazing group of trainees.
• Saying yes to being on stage at the Christmas Party, stepping out of my comfort zone and speaking in front of so many people for the very first time!

What do you appreciate most about RHIM’s culture?

What I appreciate most about RHIM’s culture is the truly international environment, where I’m constantly broadening my horizons by learning from people with diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.

I really value the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues who are not only highly skilled and professional, but also incredibly supportive and always willing to help.

On top of that, there’s so much room for learning, asking questions, and staying curious, which makes it a very inspiring place to grow!

What advice would you give to future trainees?

As someone who’s passionate about painting alongside my IT tasks, I encourage you to see this program as a white canvas, where with each offered opportunity that you take, task you complete, lesson you learn, connection you make, and contribution you offer, you’re adding vibrant colours and rich details to it. Also, don’t be afraid to face challenges or embrace the small imperfections that come with trying something new, as they’re what make the final picture truly unique.

Most importantly, enjoy the journey, because it’s the steps along the way that turn this canvas into a masterpiece!

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Tell us a bit about yourself and your RHIM journey so far.

My name is Büsra, and I am from Türkiye. I’m currently a Global Operational Excellence Trainee based in Vienna. I have a background in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering and hold a master’s degree in Sustainable Materials Engineering. My first professional experience was in the semiconductor industry. I bring diverse knowledge from various fields, although I am relatively new to Operational Excellence.

I consider myself an open and approachable person, a good team player, and someone who adapts quickly. I’m also a fast learner, always eager to expand my skills and knowledge.

What kind of projects have you worked on?

The Operational Excellence System (OES) is one of the Big 6 programs in our company. Currently, I manage our department’s CAPEX budget for improvement projects, overseeing the distribution of 3 million euros to plant initiatives and ensuring their timely execution.

Additionally, my team and I visit plants to conduct initial health checks on their operations, organize ideation workshops to brainstorm savings initiatives, and provide training on topics such as 6S principles and Lean methodologies.

I’m also responsible for the governance and execution of the OES program, including all aspects of Change Management within it. I’m one of the key individuals accountable for this area.

Lastly, I coordinate 6S activities at one of our plants to enhance operational KPIs and ensure our standards are upheld.

What has been a highlight of your experience with RHIM so far?

There are many highlights, starting with the OES program itself. It gives me the opportunity to visit various plants, observe operations on-site, and collaborate on impactful projects.

The trainee onboarding week holds a special place in my heart—it was a time of deep connection, excitement, and incredible training sessions and networking events with the EMT and fellow trainees.

Another unique experience was co-presenting a Christmas event with my trainee friends in front of a few hundred people.

One particularly special moment for me was the Lean Academy event, where we met and worked face-to-face with colleagues for the first time. We also participated in a fantastic communication training session, which I actively apply in both my work and personal life.

What do you appreciate most about RHIM’s culture?

Thanks to my global role, I get to collaborate with colleagues from all regions—an aspect I truly value.

I deeply appreciate the flat hierarchy and approachable leaders, which make the working environment more enjoyable and accessible.

Additionally, RHIM offers a wide range of development opportunities, which are essential for both personal growth and professional development.

What advice would you give to future trainees?

Embrace the opportunity with open arms. Stay curious and never hesitate to ask questions. Be open to new people and experiences. Connect with as many colleagues as possible and trust the process.

Remember – every experience is a learning opportunity, and we grow stronger as a team.

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You have agreed to share your story on the subject of LGBTQIA+ *
In particular your experiences regarding transgender people and your integration into the team. Would you like to briefly introduce yourself and your career to date at RHI Magnesita?

I started at RHI Magnesita in 2017. Before that, I worked as a carpenter in furniture making for 6 years and wanted to do something different, so I applied. At first I was a little worried about having a sense of community in such a large company, but I was disabused of that.

People are often confused and misunderstand the lives of transgender people and what the challenges are for them. I can imagine that coming out is one of the biggest challenges for trans* people. Many still face stigma and discrimination in society. Would you like to share your story with us? When did you realize that you were born the wrong gender? What were the challenges, what were the hurdles? What hopes and worries have accompanied you?

I realized quite late that I was trans, the thought first occurred to me in the summer of 2022. There is a trans man in my circle of friends and I thought it would be easier for us if we could just swap. I really became aware that I was trans at the end of 2022/beginning of 2023 and I dealt with it and informed myself. At first I thought I was too old to transition, but most people come out when they’re around 30 years old. Looking back on my teenage years, I could have noticed this earlier, but unfortunately I had no information or a role model. The first thing I did was come out to my partner and family. I asked them to address me with a new name and female pronouns so that I could feel for myself whether that felt right. Since then I have also painted my nails, which gave me and still makes me feel good. After I became more and more confident, I looked for a therapist for additional therapy to be able to start opposite-sex hormone therapy. In August 2023 I came out at work so that I could be myself, both at work and in my private life. To do this, I confided in someone from the works council who I assumed would understand and be able to
deal with it. I asked him to speak to the plant manager and my boss, where I came out first and to discuss how the rest of the workforce should find out. I came out personally in my department and we arranged a meeting with the other department heads. I asked them to tell the rest of the staff. Of course, I was worried that someone wouldn’t accept me or would treat me violently, whether verbally or physically. Luckily this hasn’t happened yet, but the worry about it will probably stay with me for a long time.

Are you today the same person on the outside that you have always been on the inside? Have you arrived?

I had trouble identifying myself in the mirror or in photos. The person I saw there somehow wasn’t me. Things are different today, I recognize myself more and feel more myself. In general, my interests have not changed. I still enjoy working with wood and my hands.

We still have a long way to go to create an environment that is truly inclusive for trans people. What does it look like at your workplace?

Everyone in my department dealt with it very positively and understandingly. They accepted it immediately, and I didn’t hear anything negative from the rest of the staff either.

From your perspective, how does RHI Magnesita deal with the issue of transidentity?

I can’t say much about that. The topic of trans and non-binary has only recently arrived in the mainstream of society. I didn’t know much about it myself beforehand.

How did your manager deal with it when he found out about your trans identity?

Very good and caring. He supports me as much as possible, regardless of whether there is a conflict or whether it involves appointments. That’s one reason why I feel arrived.

Were there any difficulties or challenges for you in the working world at RHI Magnesita?

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Tell us a few words about your career path.

My professional career began in 2020 in the Career Internship Program at RHI Magnesita, where I joined in the Purchasing team in Contagem (Brazil) and two years later I was hired as a Junior Purchasing Intelligence Analyst. In September 2023 I started a new phase in my career as a Global Operations Trainee, and know I am enjoying the Deep Dive phase of the program in our site in Brumado (Brazil).

Why did you apply to RHI Magnesita?

RHI Magnesita is a company completely related to my background in Metallurgical Engineering and, in addition, it is a multinational company with a lot of career opportunities and contact with people from all over the world. The RHI Magnesita Trainee Program got my interest, because it is a dynamic program, where I have the opportunity to work on various challenges together with leadership team and to have a global vision of our business.

What is your current role, and what does your typical day look like?

As an Operations Global Trainee in our mining operations, more specifically in Brumado, I am with the team in some of the most strategic projects at our plant. Furthermore, the opportunity of the Trainee Program to get to know different teams and operations that we have inside and outside Brazil fills me with pride, gratitude and certainty that I am following the right path.

How did you become interested in this field?

The operations field is very dynamic and exciting, so you can imagine within the largest refractory industry in the world! Together with the mining team, I have the opportunity to work on the improvement of our site and to work on processing of our raw materials so that our internal and external customers receive a quality product, which is completely related to my background as a Metallurgical Engineer.

What’s the most unexpected skill you’ve gained at RHI Magnesita?

At RHI Magnesita I have learned that safety always comes first. There is no way to negotiate with my safety and the safety of my colleagues. Furthermore, having contact with so many leaders during the Trainee Program has certainly given me very important knowledge about leading people and managing strategic projects. Finally, I could not fail to mention that it is people who move our industry forward, so knowing how to deal with different people is very important for our business and to have a successful career.

What’s the best part about life at RHI Magnesita?

At RHI Magnesita I have always found a respectful work environment, ever since I was an intern. This environment extends from our offices to our operations.

Do you have any advice for people considering applying?

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Tell us a few words about your career path.

My professional career began as a consultant for international energy and environmental projects at a consulting firm in Vienna, Austria, focusing on renewable energy sources and carbon emission analysis. In September 2023, I joined RHI Magnesita in Veitsch as a Global Operations Trainee for Energy and Sustainability Development, where I take part in various exciting and challenging tasks.

Why did you apply to RHI Magnesita?

RHI Magnesita is well-renowned as a leader in the refractory industry, with significant reliance on core industries such as steel, cement, non-ferrous metals, and glass. The company strives for innovation and is passionate about contributing to a greener and more sustainable industry, offering me a wonderful opportunity for valuable experience and professional growth. The trainee program was appealing to me as it closely relates to my field of study, is well-structured for personal and professional development, and allows me to work with the leadership team to gain a global perspective.

What is your current role, and what does your typical day look like?

I work in the Energy, Environment, and Production department, where I support my team with energy-related topics and projects related to energy transformation. Additionally, I am part of the program that strives to assess and elevate standards at our plants.

How did you become interested in this field?

The field of energy and the environment has been my main focus since my bachelor’s degree. The topic has gained strong global interest in recent years, with industries striving to reduce energy consumption and decarbonize to shift towards more sustainable operations. Together with my team, I analyze and track energy data to assist with and implement various energy-saving projects. Combining this with operations, I aim to be part of implementing more energy-efficient processes, investing in renewable energy sources, and developing strategies to manage the changing energy landscape.

What’s the most unexpected skill you’ve gained at RHI Magnesita?

Saying yes to all opportunities, even small ones. There are many opportunities available within RHI Magnesita, and if you are interested in a topic and would like to be involved, simply reach out. This shows the team you are flexible, curious, and ready to face any challenges.

What’s the best part about life at RHI Magnesita?

The working atmosphere is very respectful, the colleagues are helpful and friendly, and the location is beautiful. (P.S. Veitsch has some really wonderful areas for skiing.)

Do you have any advice for people considering applying?

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