What does a career at Orbem actually look like?
In practice, over months and years of real work? To answer that, we sat down with three team members who each started at the very beginning: as interns, working students, or fresh graduates finding their footing.
What unfolded for each of them is a story not just of job titles changing, but of genuine professional reinvention. Across Machine Learning Engineering, People & Total Rewards, and MRI Applications, one thread connects their journeys: at Orbem, growth is not a perk. It is embedded in the culture, driven by the people around you and the challenges you are trusted to take on. If you have ever wondered whether an internship here can turn into something more, these three stories are your answer.
Fatma Çetin
Tell us about your journey at Orbem: What attracted you to Orbem? Where did you start, and where are you now?
I joined Orbem looking for a dynamic place to learn, grow, and work on meaningful technical challenges. What drew me in was the team—many recent TUM graduates—with a strong sense of ambition and scientific curiosity.
I started as a Working Student Software Engineer, building small features for Genus Focus. Seeking to build the 'engine' rather than the 'shell,' I pivoted to ML engineering—the perfect intersection for applying my software expertise to data science. Today, as a Machine Learning Engineer, I productionise the ML models our data scientists prototype.
Transitioning from Software Engineer to Machine Learning Engineer is a big shift. What was the steepest part of that learning curve?
At the time, I was pursuing my master’s at TUM, learning the theoretical foundations of machine learning. The real challenge was turning that theory into production-ready systems. Mentorship was pivotal to my transition. Our Staff MLE, Alexandr Byzov, assigned me increasingly complex tasks that I worked through under his guidance; by iterating on his extensive reviews and technical feedback, I developed the practical intuition required for real-world ML systems.
How has the Orbem's growth mirrored your own personal growth?
Orbem brings together experts from different scientific and engineering fields to solve challenging problems, and that environment naturally pushes you to grow. During my time here, I’ve worked on several parts of our products, from software components to machine learning pipelines. Being exposed to different domains has helped me continuously expand my technical perspective.
What would you say to a new intern who’s curious about exploring a different department or role within the company?
Be open about your interest and talk to your manager. At Orbem, people are very supportive of learning and internal mobility. A good way to start is by taking on small tasks or collaborations with the team you're interested in. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, curiosity and initiative are always valued.
Ovee Kalyankar
Tell us about your journey at Orbem: What attracted you to Orbem? Where did you start, and where are you now?
I joined Orbem as a working student, and what initially drew me in was its strong sense of values. From the very beginning, Orbem stood out, and it felt like the “cool kid on the block.” Everything from the website to the interview process was unlike anything I had experienced before: thoughtful, modern, and genuinely engaging.
I started as an MRI Application Working Student and have grown into my current role as an MRI Application Specialist. It’s been a journey of continuous learning and development, and I’ve been fortunate to evolve alongside the company.
Moving from a Working Student to a Permanent Employee is a significant transition. What was the most challenging part of that shift, and how did you overcome it?
The most challenging part was stepping out of the “student mindset.” I think many people experience this transition when entering their first full-time role after university. It’s not just about doing the work: it’s about taking ownership, thinking long-term, and building confidence in your professional identity.
Over the past two years, I’ve consciously worked on growing into the person I am today. This transition was made much easier thanks to the incredible support system at Orbem. My colleagues were patient, encouraging, and truly inspiring role models who helped me navigate this shift.
How has the Orbem's growth mirrored your own personal growth?
Orbem’s growth has pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Working with people from diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and experiences has significantly broadened my perspective.
In many ways, Orbem became a microcosm of the world for me. I’ve learned how to communicate across cultures, adapt to different working styles, and collaborate more effectively. This environment has played a huge role in shaping both my professional and personal development.
What advice would you give to a new intern who is considering long-term opportunities at Orbem?
Be curious and make the most of your time here. Orbem offers a unique opportunity to learn not just about your own role, but about how different teams and individuals contribute to the bigger picture.
Take the initiative to understand what your colleagues do, ask questions, and stay open to learning. The more you invest in understanding the company and the people around you, the more you’ll gain from the experience.
Maria Teresa Papio
Tell us about your journey at Orbem: What attracted you to Orbem? Where did you start, and where are you now?
It was meant to be! In 2021, as a recent graduate, I searched for HR roles in Europe and Orbem (back then with a team of 16 people) popped up first! Orbem was ticking all the boxes: an international environment, an inspiring mission, and a versatile product.
I started as a People & Ops Intern, but things changed fast. Within five months, I stepped up as HR Manager, later becoming a People Business Partner in charge of our people operations efforts for the US expansion.
Recently, I moved back to Italy to be near family and transitioned into my current remote role as Senior Total Rewards Specialist. It’s been an incredible ride!
Moving from a whole HR person to being a Senior Total Rewards Specialist is a significant transition. What was the most challenging part?
The transition meant moving from a generalist People role to a specialist role. The most demanding part was definitely setting up our US people operations from scratch. Navigating international payroll, labor laws, and benefit packages required a level of precision and technical depth I hadn't faced before. I battled imposter syndrome often, but I overcame it by embracing the "hard" parts as learning opportunities. I believe switching to Total Rewards will allow me to take the technical knowledge acquired so far and apply it strategically to how we value and support our global team.
How has the Orbem's growth mirrored your own personal growth?
Orbem didn't just grow its headcount; it evolved, and I’ve had to do the same. When my supervisor left early in my journey, I had to step into an HR Manager role. My personal growth has mirrored the company’s expansion: as we entered new markets like the US, I had to embrace international complexity. The fast pace forced me to build resilience and adaptability. This was definitely the most challenging yet rewarding experience.
What advice would you give to a new intern who is considering long-term opportunities at Orbem?
Don’t wait for a seat at the table - help build the table. My biggest leaps happened when I said "yes" to things that terrified me, like taking over the HR Manager function just five months in.
At Orbem, your "intern" title isn’t a boundary; it’s a starting line. If you’re curious about a complex problem or see a gap we haven't filled yet, dive into it. Embrace the "imposter syndrome" as proof you’re leveling up. If you show up with an ownership mindset and a bit of grit, this company will give you all the space to explore and grow you need.
About the Author
Gemma Fernandez, Employer Branding Associate
Gemma drives Employer Branding at Orbem. Passionate about building narratives and strengthening culture, she bridges Talent Acquisition and Marketing to showcase what makes us truly special.
