Q: How did you become an ISS GMT? What programs did you join at that time?
Me joining ISS was actually a bit of a coincidence, at the time of me preparing for life after graduation. I was looking for a management traineeship and hence searched for positions in this area. I came across ISS which had just launched the trainee program the year before and the structure of the program appealed to me so I decided to apply, although I had never heard about ISS before. Initially, I must admit I wasn’t very excited about the opportunity compared to other companies, but after joining the interview process and understanding more about the company, its culture, strategy, and the GMT program in more detail I was very excited, and it made me determined to join.
Q: What does it take for you to thrive and perform in your work life?
For me it’s important to bring passion into what you do, and a big part of that is to build strong relationships and a common ambition with the people you work with. My colleagues give me a lot of energy in combination with the challenges that we face as a team. Then of course, it’s important that you balance your work life with taking care of yourself, I for instance love doing sports and having an active lifestyle is important to me.
Q: Which moment has made you feel most engaged about working here?
There are many moments where I have felt very proud to be part of ISS but if I should pick moment that made me feel engaged recently is our colleagues’ response supporting the emergency response in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Generally, people don’t necessarily see the sacrifices employees in the FM industry make to keep our society running, however during the pandemic this may have been a little more visible. When the virus outbreak hit China in 2020 some of our staff was working day and night to ensure the safety and stability of our client’s employees and operations. Our clients include hospitals and if ISS staff are not there to disinfect and clean, to transport materials and porter patients, to provide food and ensure that the technical operation of the building is running etc. then these sites would have to close. During the COVID outbreak our colleagues in China and around the world were working tirelessly to keep everyone safe, around the clock, and I’m proud and touched by the dedication and strength in which we saw the organization respond to this emergency.
Q: Please mention the 3 best reasons for working at ISS?
Firstly, I would say the people, I have through my career met a great number and a diverse set of caring, smart, industrious, and talented people who I’ve learnt so much from and whom I feel very fortunate to work alongside. ISS is a very people focused business and, in our organization, you will meet a lot of people with different backgrounds and experience.
Secondly, the opportunities to affect change. Although ISS is large organization with long history, it’s extremely fast paced and open for individuals to make contributions where they see fit. Ever since joining as a trainee I’ve continuously been surprised and excited about how one can spot raise improvement ideas and simultaneously be awarded mandate to drive implementation of solutions. ISS is an organization imbued with an entrepreneurial spirit and if you are excited about transformation, on a small or large scale, you will be thrilled about the opportunities that lay ahead if you are willing to put your hand up.
Finally, I would like to highlight the fantastic learning opportunities and experiences you get from working in a business that has exposure to every industry you can think of. ISS provides FM services across the globe to a very diverse set of clients, and I’ve learnt a great deal about many things through rotating through our business from a country, industry, and business function perspective. I’ve visited client sites ranging from global bank HQs in London to Nuclear Power plants and Hospitals in Sweden, to a toy and robotics factories in China. I’ve also learnt a great deal from working with colleagues from all parts of the world with exposure to all kinds of various business functions.
Forward with ambition
In just 8 years, Robert Cedermark, with both humility and ambition, has created infinite possibilities for his career. Hope that every young people with a dream can get in touch with different industries, accumulate knowledge and experience, continuously expand global vision, and advance step by step after graduation, just like Robert does.
Click on ISS Global Management Trainee Program or ISS China Management Trainee Program to learn more.
