IAESTE Annual Review 2020/21

year at Greiner, I also served as an active local committee member
and actively encouraged Greiner to see what all the fuss was about
when it came to IAESTE and sure enough in August 2019, Vanessa
Mathew was the successful candidate to be employed as Engineering
placement student at Greiner through the IAESTE exchange.
Naturally, I felt that Greiner and IAESTE were perfect for each other,
both have strong values and a real drive to make a positive impact
in what can sometimes seem a very bleak world. Even as I write this,
IAESTE has been helping many NI students find work offers for the
year ahead after many companies were forced to retract placement
offers for NI students. In the same vein, Greiner has been donating
much welcomed and needed supplies to both key workers and areas
of Northern Ireland most affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Where some people might only see a plastic packaging company,
to me Greiner is so much more, they have not only invested in me,
helping me gain new skills and experience, but they have also ticked
almost all of my wish list when it comes to a future career. . . . . well,
I guess thinking I could jump from intern to CEO right away was a
bit unrealistic.
On a more serious note, it is hugely satisfying and fulfilling to know
that I work supporting those who are helping to reduce plastic
pollution through the creation of more and more innovative and
sustainably made packaging. In the last year alone, Greiner has led
the way in helping its customers switch from packaging made from
polystyrene to alternatives made from polypropylene or PET as part
of efforts for companies to become more sustainable. When Greiner
offered me the opportunity to remain employed around my studies in
their New Product Development Department I jumped at the chance.
Vanessa enjoying one of Northern Ireland many natural beauty spots at White
Rocks beach Portrush
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