Meet Aaminah, Sales Apprentice, UK

Friday, February 7, 2025

Tell us about yourself and your career journey so far at Mondelēz International.

I’m Aaminah, a third-year apprentice at Mondelēz International, currently working in Sales Revenue Planning for the biscuits category. Over the course of my apprenticeship, I’ve had the opportunity to work in different roles, including category development and field sales. Alongside my day job, I am also studying towards a Business Management degree and a Chartered Manager qualification.

My journey began as a naive teenager fresh out of A-Levels—eager but uncertain about where my career would take me. Stepping into a global company at such a young age was daunting, to say the least! Even simple things, like writing professional emails or presenting in meetings felt super overwhelming. However, looking back what felt intimidating at first has become a journey of empowerment. During my scheme I have also uncovered a passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I).

Today, I co-chair the Mondelēz Young Professionals Network and work externally with organisations like the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance, striving to champion diversity in early careers and break down barriers to education, my latest achievement has been winning apprentice of the year 2024! My apprenticeship has set the foundation for both my personal and professional growth. This has enabled me to enhance projects outside of my role such as, running a non-profit organisation that has taken me from, planning local food drives in Oxfordshire to visiting refugee camps in Lebanon.

What has been the highlight/s (projects) for you?

One of the most rewarding moments of my journey so far has been planning and organising the Early Careers Graduation ceremony, an annual celebration that recognises the achievements of talented graduates and apprentices as they complete their programs and take the next step in their careers. This event brings together colleagues, mentors, and leaders to celebrate their hard work, growth, and success.

What started as just an idea has now become a tradition, and this year, it will mark its third edition coinciding with my very own graduation! Seeing it evolve into a meaningful event that fosters connection and recognition has been incredibly fulfilling. From grazing board lunches to networking afternoons, every detail was carefully worked on by the project team to create a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere. The overwhelmingly positive feedback we received has made it all so worthwhile, and I truly believe it has helped build a real sense of community within the early careers space.

What skills have you developed since starting your apprenticeship?

Starting an apprenticeship has been a transformative experience and has really shaped me as an individual. From developing technical skills to building confidence in my abilities, one of the most significant milestones for me has been delving into the art of presenting and public speaking.

I still remember presenting at my first category planning meeting feeling incredibly nervous in the lead-up but experiencing a surge of confidence as I shared insights with the team. That moment was a turning point, sparking a genuine interest in public speaking. Since then, I have embraced every opportunity to refine this skill, not just within my role but also as a guest speaker and panellist at various events, including the annual ERSA (Employment Related Services Association) Conference.

Being able to share my experiences with wider audiences has been incredibly rewarding, and it's a skill I look forward to developing even further.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received from a mentor in your role?

The best piece of advice I have received is to create a networking "hit list." As cliche as it may sound, your network truly is your net worth, and building strong connections early on can be a game-changer. Having rotated across three different roles within the organisation, I have been fortunate to gain exposure to a variety of teams early in my career.

Beyond my day-to-day responsibilities, collaborating cross-functionally has given me the opportunity to work with people across different areas of the business. One of the most valuable experiences has been working with the sustainability and cocoa sourcing teams, which provided me with a deeper understanding of this side of the industry. Not only has this broadened my perspective on cocoa pricing and market volatility, but it has also been incredibly helpful in supporting my university research and assignments.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do at Mondelēz?

I am really enjoying the experience of coaching and developing my team. The culture here is very collaborative, but also very organised and process driven. The strategy and goals are clear, you know your piece in the puzzle, which means everyone is accountable for delivering their part. This makes challenging times easier, with multiple people to lean on and bounce ideas off to identify solutions to problems. Overall the culture of Mondelēz is fun and enjoyable.

What advice/3 top tips would you give to someone considering joining Mondelēz International as an apprentice?

As a new apprentice, you are often told to "ask lots of questions," or "be a sponge," and while these are valuable pieces of advice, I have found the following tips to have an even greater impact on my journey.

• Be Curious and Proactive. If something piques your interest, don't hesitate to explore it. Opportunities rarely come to you without effort, and if you wait for them to appear, you may find yourself stuck in the same routine. The benefit of being "inexperienced, "is that you are often less risk averse. Embrace this as sometimes it's taking the risks that others are unwilling to take that leads to the greatest successes.
• Push Yourself Outside Your Comfort Zone. Staying within your comfort zone can limit your growth, especially early in your career. If I had always viewed myself as a "bad public speaker," I might have never accepted the opportunity to speak on stage in front of hundreds. Growth happens when you step outside the familiar, and that's where the real opportunities lie.
• Organisation is Key. As an apprentice, balancing a full-time job, a university degree, and all your other responsibilities (including hopefully a social life) can quickly become overwhelming. It starts out manageable, but before you know it, the pace picks up, and you're scrambling to meet deadlines (trust me, I've been there). Tools like Notion have been essential in helping me manage my priorities and stay on top of everything.