My name is Ziad el Moubayed, and I am a Global Supply Chain Trainee. I grew up in a small town in Lebanon where my fascination for machines started early. My father was a mechanic, and as a child and teenager I spent countless hours in garages, watching how cars were taken apart and put back together. That curiosity pushed me toward Mechanical Engineering, and later Industrial Engineering, where I learned how machines, systems and technology come to life.
I always knew I wanted to work in a place where I could grow both professionally and personally. In Lebanon, opportunities in robotics and advanced technology are limited, so I made the decision to move to the Netherlands: a place with strong industry, innovation, and an international community. My brother had lived here for a while, and after a year together, he left to start his own business abroad. I stayed and began building my own network and life here. My first real moment of connection with FrieslandCampina was something simple: a cup of yoghurt in the supermarket. I liked the product, saw the brand, and wondered who made it and how. That curiosity led me into the “grass‑to‑glass” supply chain and eventually into the Traineeship.
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Growing Through a Global Traineeship
The traineeship itself has been a very positive experience. I enjoy being surrounded by people from the same cohort and age group, and I appreciate that I’m not tied to a single workflow. It gives you the chance to explore different areas, understand where you can contribute, and see what you enjoy before committing to a long‑term direction. I often describe trainees as the joker card: we move across factories and topics, building a broad view of the company. One of the things that stands out most to me at FrieslandCampina is the culture. Even though it’s a big organisation, you are valued as a person, not just as a small part of a large system. There is real attention to your wellbeing and development. Coming from abroad, I also felt how diverse and welcoming the environment is. Wherever you come from, you can integrate and feel connected.
Looking ahead, I want to expand what I’ve built so far, make my projects more structured and sustainable, and see more of the factories, especially from a technology perspective. I’m also hoping to strengthen connections between locations, since visiting other sites gives so much insight into how the whole chain fits together. For anyone considering the traineeship, my message is simple: if you’re curious, eager to grow, and not yet certain where you want to specialize, this program will give you the exposure and support you need. FrieslandCampina offers space to discover your strengths, develop meaningful skills, and work in an environment where you feel valued: not just as an employee, but as a person.