Adam and Kinga on Careers and Sense of Community in the Taste The Future - Junior Management Program

Friday, February 14, 2025

Adam Kwiatkowski, Junior Customer Collaboration & Order-To-Cash Analyst, JUMP

Kinga Zwolska, Commercial Finance Analyst Poland & Baltics, JUMP

Can you both introduce yourselves and tell us which rotation you're currently in?

Kinga: Hello! My name is Kinga Zwolska, and I am currently in my second rotation in the Taste The Future Junior Management Program at MDLZ as a Commercial Finance Analyst. I finished my master’s in finance and accounting, and before joining, I gained experience working for FMCG and investment banking companies. My journey so far has been incredibly enriching - I’ve had the opportunity to become a Supply Planner for the Halls portfolio, and now I work in Finance for Poland and the Baltics. What about you, Adam?

Adam: Hi! My name is Adam Kwiatkowski, and I’m in my first rotation as a Junior Customer Collaboration & Order to Cash Analyst. I’m originally from Olsztyn, Poland, and I did my bachelor studies in the UK before returning to Warsaw for my master’s. Before Mondelez, I worked in the grain trading business. I applied to the program last year and joined the Taste The Future JUMP program in June.

Can you share your onboarding experience at Mondelez? What helped you settle in quickly?

Kinga: Adam, you started eight months ago, so maybe you can go first!

Adam: I have to say, the onboarding process was well-structured. I started with a business trip to Prague with my team, which was a great way to bond and get to know everyone better. It helped me understand the company culture in a relaxed atmosphere. I joined the World Travel Retail, Order to Cash function, where I learned about the end-to-end process of customer orders - mainly logistics and customer collaboration. Having a strong support system from day one made the transition much smoother.

Kinga: That sounds amazing! I remember feeling the same way when I started. From the beginning, having a buddy was a great source of support for me. It was reassuring to know that I had someone to guide me through the initial steps and answer any questions. My buddy, Zosia, provided helpful insights about the company culture and daily tasks. Knowing I had someone to turn to for advice and practical tips gave me a sense of security and belonging, which is always great in a new environment.

Adam: Absolutely! I was lucky to have you, Kinga, as my buddy. Having someone like you to turn to with questions and share experiences with was helpful, so thank you, Kinga. I remember our first call - you walked me through many aspects of the program, which gave me confidence early on. I appreciate it a lot!

What role did the early careers community in the program play in your journey so far?

Kinga: It’s also incredible how much our community and other Taste The Future JUMPees support us. I felt welcomed right away! Also, the typical events we participate in are fun and valuable for professional growth. But if I’m being honest, one of the things I appreciate most is how the community creates a safe space where we can share our thoughts, successes, and, of course, challenges. What has been your experience with the community so far, Adam?

Adam: For me, being part of this community has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of the program. The group organizes various events, from casual office gatherings and pizza parties to engaging activities like bowling after work. These moments provide an incredible opportunity to unwind after a busy day and build meaningful connections with colleagues from different departments. It’s incredible how these simple yet thoughtful initiatives allow us to exchange knowledge, gain new perspectives, and truly understand the business from a broader point of view. What I appreciate the most is the sense of companionship that naturally develops - what starts as professional networking often turns into genuine friendships that extend beyond the workplace. Having a supportive group of peers sharing similar experiences and challenges makes the journey even more enjoyable and rewarding.

Kinga: I couldn’t agree more. In my case, the trip to one of our plants in Płońsk last year was a highlight! Ola, who at that time was a trainee in Płońsk, invited the whole group of us from the Warsaw office and gave us an insightful tour of the cookie factory. It was like a week before she relocated to Bludenz for her second rotation in the program. She walked us through the production processes and provided valuable insights into how everything operates behind the scenes. I remember it was a great, memorable day! Moments like this highlight how open and welcoming our community is.

Adam: Yes, Kinga, I agree. What is great is that these relationships don’t just end when the program does. Many former JUMPees stay connected and continue to support each other, even after moving into different roles within the company. I have been at Mondelez for not even a year, but I can see that already, and this is amazing.

Where do you see the early careers community evolving in the coming years? How can future trainees contribute to its growth?

Kinga: I believe the community will continue to evolve and become even more supportive! With more JUMPees joining every year, the community will expand, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives that will help shape the program further. We’ve already built a strong foundation, and I’m confident it will improve from here.

Adam: I agree. As fresh graduates, we have so many innovative ideas, and I hope to see even more trainees join the program and bring their perspectives. The ‘grow every day’ MDLZ values and mindset resonates greatly with me. I hope to see more mentorship opportunities and cross-functional projects that can bring us closer together and allow us to learn from each other even more.

What advice would you give someone considering applying for the Taste The Future – Junior Management Program?

Adam: I’d say - don’t be afraid to ask questions and make the most of every opportunity. Bring your ideas to the table because you’ll have many ideas and responsibilities from day one. You can genuinely make an impact. The more you engage, the more rewarding the experience will be.

Kinga: That’s a great advice! I’d also add that building relationships early on is crucial. It helps you feel connected and engaged. It is also built on values of collaboration, support, and friendship. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered to grow together. Soon I hope to organize more events for our community.

Adam: :And of course - don't be afraid to ask for help. Our community is here to support you, and there's always someone willing to share their experience or offer guidance. For example, I cannot wait to become someone's buddy too! 😊