Warehouse Planner Review

The beauty of Mondelez International's School Leaver scheme is that we didn't just have one role. The scheme was designed to allow candidates 18+ the opportunity to try a multitude of different roles in different sectors of the organisation. I've completed roles in Customer Services, Finance, Logistics and Master Data granting me understanding of the internal workings of a FMCG company. Coupled with a funded degree, this programme has been fantastic at providing essential experience for my degree. Whilst it was quite heavy work at times completing a degree at the same time as a full time role, the rewards and benefits have been fantastic.

Its safe to say I've developed in my time at the organisation. The biggest development for me has come from networking, organisational skills and people management skills. At 20 I had a team of 15 employees that I was supervising, the organisation trusting me to do this despite having little experience in the sector. More than anything I've developed as an individual, in that I am now a lot more confident in myself and feel that with Mondelez's support I can have a go at pretty much anything!

Very much. There are times where it has been difficult due to workload, but the benefits of this sort of course are phenomenal. Friends leaving university now are having to go and hunt for jobs, where as I have one secured, no student debt and 3+ years industry experience. The experience is what really sets you apart from others of the same age group. The only thing for me, is that the course could have been run a little better with relation to the university. As we were the first year of the programme I felt it was a little trial and error to see if things worked, which meant sometimes we were completing modules which didn't hold much relevance to us. Overall, I have definitely enjoyed the programme, but think my company could have had a better relationship with the educational facility.

Very much so, the scheme has allowed me to network directly with some very senior individuals in the organisation. Mondelez prides itself on employee recognition and I feel that is true based on my time with the company.

The initial outlay was poor, in that we started the course later than expected (by three months) as the organisation liaised with our university. Once this was sorted the course seemed to run smoother, but again it was the communication between organisation and University that was a bit poor.

Very little in my opinion. We were distance learning students which was always going to make getting in touch quite difficult, however out of 15 modules I only really recall four or five of the module tutors really attempting to reach out to us because of our position. I appreciate some people like to be left alone to carry on with their studies but a check in every now and again would have been effective. Ultimately though the support was there if you really required it, you just had to really reach out to get it.

Huge amounts of support, however I do feel that I struck lucky. My mentor in the organisation was phenomenal, whereas when I spoke to people on the same scheme as myself I felt that this was not consistent across the board. It'd be worth ensuring you have a good mentor and asking to swap if yours does not meet your needs. Some managers were of course better than others across my various roles but ultimately they were supportive in my studies and allowed me to develop both in work and in my studies. If I had a problem I went straight to my mentor who was able to sort my issue out almost all of the time.

The wage offered was fair at first considering the organisation were paying for your tuition fees at university. The salary offered was just about enough to live in a house share and rented accommodation but it would be difficult surviving off of this amount of money long term. However, once the scheme finished I was given a wage in line with other people in the same roles. Overall, I'd say the wage was fair for the duration of the course, but you have to view it as your wage + free tuition fees rather than just the money in your pocket.

A few, community is big in this organisation, so its quite likely you will become involved in charity days away from the office. Ultimately corporate events etc are dependant on your function. Sales appear to do a lot more out of the office over the core functions of the business, but its all down to which team you're in.

Yes

Because it has provided me with invaluable experience in a large FMCG company, which will greatly aid my career progression at such a young age. They've supported and nurtured me as an individual and I couldn't be more thankful for the program. Now the program is over I am working a job I enjoy, hours that suit me all in a location that is perfect for me. The company has been as flexible and as robust as I have needed it to be and it has provided me with everything I need for a solid start in a FMCG organisation.

Relax and be yourself. You can train and teach people to do a job but you cannot train someone's personality. Be inquisitive and ask questions. Nobody got anywhere in this world without first asking "why?". Don't be afraid to challenge the norm. If something seems inefficient, or you can think of a better way of doing something then say! The worst thing that will happen is that someone will respect you for trying to make the workplace better! As for the application process, it may vary, but be prepared for an interview, and some group activities. Remember to know your CV inside and out, as at an apprenticeship level it is likely to be what you will be asked about the most in the interview. If you do decide to apply for Mondelez International then good luck, and I hope that my insight has provided you with enough information to assess whether this is the right organisation for you!