Customer Finance Executive Review

I am currently employed on the school leaver program at Mondelez International, I started in September 2014 and have been in customer finance since starting here, as a Customer Finance Executive. The company has accommodated me to allow me to experience different areas of finance. This has been a fantastic opportunity really allowing me to see the whole process end to end. I have had contact with various different departments within the company including, planning, national account managers and Finance. This helps you to gain great exposure in such a large organisation like this one. I also have frequent communication with outside contacts, including customers, hauliers and depots. My day to day job consists of ensuring payment and validating claims, this is a very process driven role, and although I enjoy my role the program allows me to view other areas of the business which I really can't wait to learn even more! I must say every day I really do learn something new here at Mondelez international. As an early careers team we also get involved in projects. A recent project I have been involved in has been looking at the end to end process of the development of a new product. This has helped me gain knowledge of the function I work in as well as departments outside of Customer Service and Logistics. This project also allowed us to present in the Town Hall, a quarterly meeting with the offices, this was a huge opportunity and a real growing experience. Within the school leaver program we also attend university one evening a week in online lectures, I also have one study day a week to allow time for the work set by our University.

I must say I have learnt so much since my time at Mondelez. This isn't all just work related either! The whole experience of going from A-levels at school to a business related environment is a big leap for anyone. My knowledge has grown of how a large organisation operates, including understanding hierarchies, business cultures and learning all about our heritage. The program has also allowed me to gain training experience through days with external professionals, this has enabled me to learn the importance of goals, development plans and feedback. The best skills I have learnt are, however, from learning on the job. My knowledge of computer systems and programs has grown, as everyone relies on these, without these skills it would be hard to progress. The act of juggling work, studying and a social life has deemed to be hard at times, I have learnt through different outlets which require my attention how to prioritise. This has been one of the greatest skills that in whatever job you do you will require.

I have to say that I love my job. Ok everyone has aspects that they don't like but its fair to say the positives far outweigh the negatives of the job, and majority of the time getting up for work is not a chore. The teams within Mondelez have deemed to be friendly and welcoming, which has been a great help to settling in to a new job in a new area.

Well this is a no brainer! From the day we started we all felt valued. The program is well regarded and known throughout the business, and those individuals who aren't aware of this new innovative program are always interested in hearing about who we are and what we do. Your line manager is always there on hand to help, and I have to say my current manager really appreciates the work that I put in and she makes sure she tells me. The leadership team are also a huge part of our program, within our first week we were introduced to the leadership team, we spent time talking to them, both socially and professionally! Since this point on it has always felt very relaxed around these high regarded individuals. One example of recognition from leadership would be in our project where we presented to the whole of our office, we were thanked and complimented on the presentation we gave and more opportunities arose from this.

The program is new to the business, so as expected, there were teething issues to begin with. However, now 9 months into the scheme and I have to say everything runs smoothly and well. With great organisation from both the business and university. The collaboration between your support networks set up for you is a real help and acknowledgement is made.

The university are a fabulous support. Our lecturers understand that we work 9-5 so make themselves available to us and are always easy to contact with quick responses. This support allows us to ensure that we are on track to achieve both at uni and work.

The support networks within the business have been great and an area that far excelled my expectations. with help and guidance where and when it is needed. The network is set up in order for you to reach out when things are getting on top of you.

The salary package at Mondelez is good considering that we are only on a training program. This is shown through the fact that I have relocated and am able to fully support myself. The company also provide support if you were to relocate and London weighting is applied.

Personally I haven't had so many external opportunities, however, this can be to do with the job that I am in. I do get invited to visit customers to get a more hands on experience. Socially we do however have a great network of people where we socialise together on evenings out. The university also actively encourage you to join social aspects there including societies and sports groups.

Yes

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone! University and work at the same time allows you to gain crucial experience and a degree at the same time. This puts you one step ahead of any normal student leaving university. The company are welcoming and you are well acknowledged with a fantastic group of individuals around you.

Be yourself! The company is in general a relaxed atmosphere, when interviewing relax and enjoy (if thats possible) yourself! Confidence is key to success.