This summer, BENEO welcomed a fresh face onto the Marketing Communications team. Instead of writing a traditional report, we thought it would be more fun to share Lukas’ story in the form of an interview. From daily routines and Excel victories to surprising projects and team spirit. Here’s what our student intern had to say after spending his summer with us.

Hi Lukas, thank you for taking the time to do this interview! Let’s start at the beginning.

Can you give us a short introduction about who you are and how you ended up joining BENEO’s marketing team?

Lukas: Hi everyone! My name is Lukas Van Puyenbroeck and I’m 20 years old. I was looking for a summer job that really matched my Business Management studies, especially since I’m very interested in marketing. When I discovered that the Marketing Communications team was looking for a student, I knew right away it was the perfect opportunity to put my theoretical knowledge into practice.

So what did a typical day look like?

Lukas: I usually arrived at the office around 8:45am. The mornings were generally calmer: checking emails, wrapping up tasks from the day before and joining a short daily call with my manager to discuss what was next on my to-do list.

Afternoons were always a nice change of pace. After lunch with the colleagues I’d get back to my assignments or take on tasks colleagues entrusted me with. That variety of jobs definitely kept things interesting. By about 5:30 pm, I wrapped up my things, closed my laptop and headed home.

Out of all the jobs you were assigned to, was there a project that really stuck with you?

Lukas: Definitely! One of my favourite tasks was the process of selecting potential internal ambassadors for Palatinose™,  BENEO’s smart carbohydrate. After learning more about the ingredient itself, I was responsible for screening the candidates who applied to be ambassadors. I made my own selection based on their goals, specific sports and characteristics, to then join a couple of meetings with managers to discuss which ones would be the best fit. It was exciting to play an active role in something that influences the visibility and positioning of such an interesting ingredient!

What about new skills? What did you take away from your time here?

Lukas: Definitely a lot, with Excel being a big one. I thought I had it under control from using it in my studies, but working with real business data is a whole different ball game. I also had the chance to work in the backend of BENEO’s intranet, myBENEOnet, which gave me a much clearer idea of how companies like BENEO structure and manage their data.

And then there was of course the big marketing campaign work. I assisted the  colleagues in the Marketing Communication team with some assignments that made their jobs easier while setting up the advertisements. Being able to follow the major steps in the campaign journey showed me what it takes to launch a whole marketing campaign successfully. All in all, I walked away with a much more hands-on understanding of marketing, and how much it entails.

Happy to hear that you were able to translate your technical school knowledge into reality! How did you experience the atmosphere at BENEO?

Lukas: Honestly, the atmosphere was amazing. What struck me most was how warm and open everyone was. Within just a few days, I felt like I was a part of the team. My marketing colleagues were not only friendly, but also always willing to explain things or lend me a helping hand.

And the lunch times, those were definitely a highlight! Whether with the marketing team or with people from other departments. It was a fun way to connect and get to know colleagues from beyond my immediate team.

Would you recommend this kind of student job to others?

Lukas: Absolutely. If you’re looking for something different than the usual summer jobs, BENEO is a fantastic option. There’s variety in your tasks, you get the chance to work with different people and even have some flexibility in your working hours.

For anyone studying business, communication or marketing, this is a golden opportunity to gain practical experience. More than that, it’s an educational, varied and really enjoyable experience that gives you both new skills and great memories.

Final thoughts

Our intern’s journey proves that a summer job can be so much more than just filling the holidays. At BENEO, it’s about learning, growing and being part of a team that values collaboration and curiosity. And of course, the occasional fun lunch outing!

A big thank you to Lukas for all of his efforts and great contribution to the BENEO team!

Your opportunity to learn and grow at BENEO

Lukas’ story shows how much a student job at BENEO can offer. If you’re ready to start your own journey, here’s what you can expect when joining us as a student.

Summer students normally join us during July, August, and September, supporting our teams while gaining hands-on experience – and yes, you will be paid for your work. Internships or working student opportunities, however, are possible throughout the year, giving you flexibility to fit your experience around your studies. As a student at BENEO, you will get the chance to jump straight into a dynamic, international team and make a real impact. You will quickly take on responsibility, steer your own projects, and play an active role in daily work, all while gaining practical skills in business, collaboration, and problem-solving. You will also see how BENEO contributes to better nutrition and health.

Many students even choose to start their professional careers with us after graduation, already familiar with our culture, teamwork, and values. At BENEO, you’ll learn, grow, and make your mark – all while earning some money along the way.