Maria Gustavsson

Master of Science in Industrial Management and Engineering Specialization in Production Technology and Logistics
Luleå University of Technology

I was born in 1983 in Köping, a small city in Sweden. After upper secondary school I packed my bags and moved to Luleå in the north of Sweden to commence my studies towards a Master of Science degree. During my education I had the opportunity to study in Canada for a semester, an invaluable experience! My studies were completed by the master thesis which was carried out at Ericsson AB.

Since the 19th of February 2007, I have been taking part in the young graduate program at Volvo Aero Corporation in Trollhättan. During the first week I got a general introduction to the company and to the Volvo Group. The following two weeks were spent in the shop floor for RM12 overhaul. RM12 is the engine powering JAS 39 Gripen. Then I moved on to the department of Logistics Development & Operations Planning, where I worked out a method to be used when performing capacity analysis at Volvo Aero.

Two months later I continued to a new department, Material Control, where I had the chance to learn more about how we analyze the capacity of our suppliers. At the time of writing, I am working at a department called Central Production Technology.

My present task is to develop a game with the purpose to educate the employees in the area of production planning. During the last period, I will be stationed abroad for four months. Before that I am planning to see at least two more departments and continue to learn more about the company and the industry.

The young graduate program suits me perfectly! I particularly appreciate the possibility to form a comprehensive picture of the company and to be allowed to try different jobs before starting a regular position. The program also provides a valuable network, within and outside Volvo Aero. Another great thing with the program is that it is very flexible. As a young graduate at Volvo Aero you form the program after your own and your colleagues’ wishes. This fact also entails a lot of responsibility, the outcome of the program depends on the effort you put into it. But I can assure you that it is worth every minute!

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