Gaining industry-leading experience as a trainee

What is your name, and what is your background like?

“My name is Mahid Ali Raza, and I am currently part of the Valmet SEMEA Trainee Program, which I joined in September 2024. I hold a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Abu Dhabi University, which I completed in 2022.

Prior to joining Valmet, I gained valuable experience working in sales and application engineering at an elevator company for one year. This role helped me develop a strong foundation in client relationship management and technical sales.  I have also had an opportunity to work in the oil and gas industry, learning about various drilling methods and the overall well development process.”

What made you apply to this trainee program?

“I discovered the opportunity at Valmet through LinkedIn, while actively seeking a position that would align with both my technical background and interest in sales. Applying to the Valmet SEMEA Trainee Program was a natural step for me, as I saw it as a unique opportunity to gain industry-leading experience, enhance my knowledge in flow control solutions, and build a solid foundation for a long-term career in this field.”

Would you tell a bit more about your role as a Sales Trainee?

“My first three months as a Sales Trainee at Valmet were focused on onboarding and building a strong technical foundation. I dedicated this time to understanding the systems and familiarizing myself with Valmet’s Flow Control business line’s comprehensive product portfolio.

I have learned how to manage the sales process—from handling RFQs (Requests for Quotation) to creating opportunities, generating quotations in CPQ, and responding to clients with tailored proposals.

Additionally, I’ve gained valuable knowledge through Valmet’s learning tools. The availability of official training sessions and recorded modules has helped me to understand the practical aspects of our product portfolio. Each product is supported by detailed catalogs and comprehensive training videos—covering everything from valve types and positioners to actuators—demonstrating how these components integrate to deliver effective, tailored solutions for our customers. This learning approach has been great in strengthening both my technical expertise and confidence in client interactions!

As an active member of the sales team at Valmet, I’ve been entrusted with a range of key responsibilities. I support the team across various sales functions—whether it’s assisting with valve sizing, preparing quotations, or managing technical aspects of the application process. This close collaboration has strengthened both my technical understanding and teamwork skills.”

Is there something else you want to share about your trainee journey?

“What I’ve appreciated the most about working at Valmet is the strong sense of professionalism paired with a positive and friendly work environment. From the very first interaction during my interview to my day-to-day experiences as a trainee, every colleague and team member I’ve encountered has been approachable, supportive, and collaborative.

Some key highlights of Valmet’s culture in my opinion are how well it balances high-performance expectations with employee well-being. The management is supportive and genuinely interested in our growth and integration. Regular team gatherings—whether it’s a lunch to celebrate something, New Year's events, or Iftar parties— create a strong sense of community and strengthen team bonds beyond work-related interactions.

Another thing I’ve really liked is the effort made by the HR team to keep everyone informed. Monthly coffee breaks, open discussions, and regular updates ensure that we feel connected. These small but thoughtful touches contribute nicely to the workplace atmosphere.

Throughout my journey so far, I’ve learned the importance of teamwork, open communication, and staying proactive. I've also developed a deeper understanding of both technical and sales processes in a real-world industrial setting, which is shaping me into a well-rounded professional.

Overall, being a part of Valmet has been both a privilege and a learning journey. I feel grateful to be part of this organization and I am excited about the future. I look forward to growing within the company and hopefully earning the opportunity to transition into a permanent role—so I can proudly call myself a ‘VALMETEER’!”