Fernando Ramos got a job in Hydro just two days after he graduated. He worked first at an aluminium plant in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil, and currently works as an engineer specializing in metallurgy at Hydro's aluminium plant in Karmøy.
"I chose to be an engineer because of the good job prospects and international opportunities. I chose Hydro for the career offerings within the company. Hydro has a presence in every part of the aluminium industry."
"There is interesting work and projects throughout the company. There are many possibilities: from working at the aluminium plant in northern Brazil, to the research center in Årdal, to the daily challenges of the pot rooms in Norway and abroad. Even in procurement and other key business areas at the head office in Oslo and other major Hydro offices, many exciting things are happening."
What is a typical work day for you?
"My work day starts at seven o'clock with a cup of coffee with my colleagues. Then we review the events of the last 24 hours. Finally, we divide the tasks to be done during the shift."
"My job is to make sure that we use our production system properly and that all the work is done according to the guidelines for HSE (health, safety and environment) and quality. The phone never stops ringing and emails are coming in all day long!
Our customers demand a lot of us and there is always something exciting going on during the day."
How was it to move from your homeland?
"Moving from Brazil to Norway was a big change for me. The first three months were tough, even though I always wanted to live abroad and felt I was prepared for it. I missed my family and friends very much, but fortunately it was not hard to make friends here. I try to visit my extended family at least once a year, and we talk every week by telephone or the Internet."
"I now live in Haugesund, about 15 km from the aluminium plant where I work. Life in Haugesund is good; there is always something to do. When I'm not at work I spend a lot of time with my wife. I watch some football, play piano and keep myself updated on the outside world by reading the local and international news."
