Some careers are planned. Others happen almost by chance. 

That’s how my journey with ESS-FOOD began.

When I applied for a trainee position three years ago, I wasn’t set on shipping at all. I sent applications to different companies and roles - but the international aspect of ESS-FOOD caught my attention. At the interview, I immediately felt this was the right place. My future leader made a great impression, the work sounded exciting, and the people gave me a sense of belonging from day one.

Coming from Northern Jutland, I grew up on a mink farm. I helped out, but I knew early, on that it wasn’t where I wanted to put my energy. Working alone with such responsibility wasn’t for me - I thrive as part of a team. That’s exactly what I found at ESS-FOOD. As a trainee, I was never just “the student.” I was trusted, supported, and encouraged to ask questions. I learned quickly that if you give a lot, you also get a lot in return.

Some of my best experiences came from being thrown into new situations. Like traveling to Poland to meet suppliers and transporters - getting to see things from their perspective and realising how important it is to understand other cultures. Or being part of the transition to a paperless office, where I pushed to just go for it. It turned out to be a huge advantage.

Today, I’m 25 and working as Area Shipping Manager. What I’m proud of isn’t just my own development, but the way my team works together. We come from different backgrounds and ages, but we combine experience with fresh perspectives. I like to think I contribute with energy, curiosity, and openness to change.

What keeps me motivated is the culture. It’s not only about the work we do, but the people I do it with. There’s a unique mix here: we can be informal and have fun, while also working hard when it matters most. That combination makes every day meaningful.

Looking back, joining as a trainee was the best decision I could have made. It gave me a foundation of knowledge, confidence, and relationships that continue to shape my career. And it showed me that sometimes the paths you didn’t plan are the ones that lead the furthest.