Simply be yourself in the interview. That's how it was for me back then. A lot of importance is attached to your ability to work in a team and that remains the case throughout your training.
That's why I work for Boehringer Ingelheim
What I like best here is the fact that you can have a look at so many other different areas during the apprenticeship. There's a relatively wide range of activity fields for laboratory chemists, so I have the opportunity to discover what I'd like to specialise in after my training and what isn't really my thing.
The standard of training is really high. I also think it's a big advantage that Boehringer Ingelheim is such a big company, as it means there's scope to develop yourself further, on a personal level as well, and to become more independent and responsible. That's particularly important for young trainees such as myself. The contrast with school is enormous: the work is far more strenuous here. But I see that very positively, as I can't imagine a more interesting way to enter the world of work.
Even after training, there are many opportunities to develop in different directions in the company. You can, for example, qualify as training supervisor at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, become an on-site trainer, or start a dual course of study. Some laboratory chemists are even approached after the first training year and asked if they're interested in a dual course of study. Basic knowledge of English is definitely necessary, as many work instructions or quality requirements are written in English.