What's your job about?
The Diageo Commercial Graduate Programme offers a dynamic platform for acquiring a diverse array of skills by engaging with various disciplines across the business. With four rotations, including a cross-functional rotation, allows you to gain exposure to different parts of the company. From delving into category insights to navigating partnerships, and dealing with the national chains in Australia, the programme equips you with a comprehensive understanding of Diageo’s business.
In my first rotation within the Agency and Emerging team, I've had the opportunity to delve into a multifaceted team. On the Agency side, I've been involved in managing partnerships with New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands, as well as overseeing the Beer and Non-Alcohol Category. Meanwhile, on the Emerging side, the focus is on key accounts such as Aldi, Costco, and Amazon.
My role encompasses a variety of responsibilities, from spearheading internal celebrations like St Patrick’s Day to providing support on customer pricing strategies and enhancing our presence in the e-commerce space, particularly on Amazon. Each day brings fresh challenges and opportunities within the Agency and Emerging team, ensuring that every day is not the same.
What's your background?
I grew up in a small town at the top of the South Island in New Zealand. The region is the largest wine region in New Zealand and sparked the interest for applying for Diageo. After completing the International Baccalaureate at high school, I went on to studying a Bachelor of Science majoring in Pharmacology and minoring in Marketing at the University of Otago.
Having exposure into the industry through family and friends was one of the reasons why I applied for Diageo. The breadth of portfolio Diageo offers and having the opportunity to work on world-class brands while doing various rotations was something I was looking for when applying for graduate jobs.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Absolutely! What truly matters is coming into the role open minded, having a natural curiosity, and a genuine willingness to learn. Each team has a breadth of knowledge which stems from the variety of backgrounds and the unique perspectives each member brings to the table. There's no prerequisite degree or specific prior experience required to thrive in this role. It's more about embracing new challenges, being adaptable, and fostering creativity to drive success.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
One of the most exciting aspects of my role is the multitude of projects and opportunities that I have. For instance, I had the privilege of organizing our internal St Patrick’s Day celebrations, a task that involved coordination with Lion Australia. Together, we orchestrated a lively day out in trade, amplifying the presence of one of our most cherished brands, Guinness. It was a fulfilling experience, not only in terms of the event's success but also in strengthening our collaborative ties with key partners.
As well, another highlight is collaborating with our partners who operate in different markets. This provides a new perspective and invaluable insights into the broader global landscape, extending far beyond the borders of Australia. This exposure not only broadens my understanding of different consumer behaviors and market dynamics but also fosters a deeper appreciation for cultural nuances and business strategies tailored to specific regions.
What are the limitations of your job?
When you first start any new job, there is a lot of new terminology and abbreviations to learn. Initially, this may be challenging to wrap your head around, but with time and asking questions, you will get there.
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