My thoughts about being an intern at Permobil

Kristine Streton

As an intern in Permobil’s Danish marketing department, I’d like to share a few words about my journey from university to finally landing an internship at Permobil. My muscular dystrophy has meant that, from an early age, I’ve had to think carefully about which industry I would work in one day. I was raised with the phrase “you must make a living with your mind,” which is why I’ve always placed great value on academic achievement.

I’ve often thought about my future job: What should I work with? What can I work with - both physically and in terms of energy? Where is there room for someone like me, with a wheelchair, ventilator, and assistants 24/7?

Throughout my youth, I’ve been determined to prove—to myself and the world—that I’m more than my disability. It should not limit me.

After graduating from university, my focus was on finding an internship. I needed to find a place that could accommodate not only me and my wheelchair, but also the fact that I’m unable to work full-time. At the same time, I had to find something that interested me, challenged me, and where I could contribute to the company. My path to Permobil was a bit unconventional, as I initially tried to get an internship at a publishing house to challenge and develop my writing skills. I didn’t receive a positive response, as the rejections were based on the fact that I wasn’t a graduate student (which I’m not, due to my disability that consumes much of my energy), or that there was nothing I could work on at the moment, if I was an intern in their company.

I had actually given up on the idea of finding a place with capacity and a need for someone like me, when I received a message. Apparently, I knew someone who knew someone working at Permobil, who could use someone like me in the office. It didn’t take long before I made contact, which led to an initial phone call and later a physical meeting at the office. In both situations, I was met by kind, competent, and welcoming people who were open to creating an internship for me.

Now I’m slowly getting started at Permobil. This post is my first here, and it will be part of the Permobil Community. This way, I can try things, show what I can do, and contribute to Permobil. As an intern here, I’m seen for what I can do. Not for my disability, wheelchair, and physical limitations, but for my skills, academic competencies, and the perspective I can bring.

I’m happy to have found a place - a place for me, with everything I bring, both personally and professionally.

Written by: Kristine Streton 
Work title: Marketing Intern - Permobil
City/Country: Lille Skensved, Denmark
Hobby: Powerchair-Hockey

Personal Fun Fact: I attended half of high school through a robot due to Covid-19. The robot acted as my eyes, ears, and voice in the classroom. I controlled the robot from home using my iPad.