Karine Barbosa Reis
Tell us a few words about your career path.
My professional career began in 2020 in the Career Internship Program at RHI Magnesita, where I joined in the Purchasing team in Contagem (Brazil) and two years later I was hired as a Junior Purchasing Intelligence Analyst. In September 2023 I started a new phase in my career as a Global Operations Trainee, and know I am enjoying the Deep Dive phase of the program in our site in Brumado (Brazil).
Why did you apply to RHI Magnesita?
RHI Magnesita is a company completely related to my background in Metallurgical Engineering and, in addition, it is a multinational company with a lot of career opportunities and contact with people from all over the world. The RHI Magnesita Trainee Program got my interest, because it is a dynamic program, where I have the opportunity to work on various challenges together with leadership team and to have a global vision of our business.
What is your current role, and what does your typical day look like?
As an Operations Global Trainee in our mining operations, more specifically in Brumado, I am with the team in some of the most strategic projects at our plant. Furthermore, the opportunity of the Trainee Program to get to know different teams and operations that we have inside and outside Brazil fills me with pride, gratitude and certainty that I am following the right path.
How did you become interested in this field?
The operations field is very dynamic and exciting, so you can imagine within the largest refractory industry in the world! Together with the mining team, I have the opportunity to work on the improvement of our site and to work on processing of our raw materials so that our internal and external customers receive a quality product, which is completely related to my background as a Metallurgical Engineer.
What’s the most unexpected skill you’ve gained at RHI Magnesita?
At RHI Magnesita I have learned that safety always comes first. There is no way to negotiate with my safety and the safety of my colleagues. Furthermore, having contact with so many leaders during the Trainee Program has certainly given me very important knowledge about leading people and managing strategic projects. Finally, I could not fail to mention that it is people who move our industry forward, so knowing how to deal with different people is very important for our business and to have a successful career.
What’s the best part about life at RHI Magnesita?
At RHI Magnesita I have always found a respectful work environment, ever since I was an intern. This environment extends from our offices to our operations.