Meet Rasmus

Rasmus Zetterdahl, Executive COO Trainee

Everything that has to do with life on or near the sea! Sailing, Wind-surfing, taking a walk on a beach or jumping from a cliff into clear water are all superb ways of spending a day.

How did you learn about the Tele2 Executive trainee program?
I was blown away at a career fair listening to a former Trainee, together with the Swedish CEO, telling us graduates about their work at Tele2. They truly expanded my expectations of what the first year of my career could be like.

What made you decide to apply for the trainee program?
The trainee program at Tele2 is a unique possibility to work close to the executive management. No other trainee program could offer that high degree of involvement in strategic decision making and connection to an executive.

What made Tele2 stand out from other employers?
Tele2 appeared to be a company where people try a little harder and walk a little faster, that appealed to me. Three months into the program I have realized that I was absolutely right.

What did you do before you entered the trainee program?
I graduated from the Industrial Engineering and Management program in Linköping in June, before that I did my master thesis traveling around in California trying to sell robotic lawn mowers.

What surprised you the most when you started?
The fact that very few things where determined in beforehand. My executive and I had the full flexibility to form our way of working.

How does your work at Tele2 challenge you?
At Tele2 we are not "slaves under processes", which is liberating and stimulating at the same time. This also means that I have to choose my way and level of structure – that is challenging!

Tell us a great challenge that you have been faced with at work?
One afternoon, a senior director called me and said: "Tomorrow we are presenting financial results to the CEO, and the material is yet to be made. Meet me in 10 minutes and prepare for a long night." He was absolutely right about the long night, but now I can do waterfall diagram with my left hand. Being able to handle tight deadlines is a key to survive at Tele2.

Describe a typical day at work?
I haven't experienced two days that are alike yet, but I will take yesterday..
7.00: Doing the "heavy stuff" (Excel is heavy stuff...) in the morning. No interruptions and the brain is still somewhat sharp.
9.00: Meeting with the operational leadership team. Super interesting to get full insight in how the Tele2-machine is running.
12.00: Lunch with my trainee colleagues. Being somewhat unprofessional for an hour is the best way to gather energy for the afternoon.
13.00: Project workshop
15.00: Catching up on e-mails
17.00: Grabbing a sandwich at Starbucks Arlanda while listening to a conference call.
19.00: Flight to Riga for new adventures tomorrow

How does Tele2 support your development?
I have a strong feeling that Tele2 and my executive believe in me and my potential. I get instant feedback when I do something right and something wrong. Within the trainee program, we also have different training sessions such as presentation techniques.

What are your hobbies or passions outside of work?
In the wintertime, when ice makes boating somewhat complicated, I like downhill skiing. We are a group of friends who go to the alps every year. My main role is making sure we all make it to the after-ski in time.

I also drag myself to the gym a couple of times per week to stay fit and healthy, but that is everything else than a passion..

Best experience at Tele2 so far:
When we all trainees took part in arranging the extra general meeting, when the shareholders approved the merger with Com Hem. It really felt like we were part of writing company history.

What is your best career advice for students who are about to start their careers?
Come to work early, with a smile on your face and make yourself useful! Everyday will not be fun, every task will not be easy and every colleague will not be your best friend. With a positive attitude and an eager to work, you will ride out the storms a lot easier.



- Rasmus Zetterdahl, Executive COO Trainee