Shaping Careers Through the Taste the Future MDLZ Sweden Graduate Program

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Felicia Glanberg, Junior Category Analyst, Category Planning

Ida Hubertsson, Junior Brand Manager

Can you tell us which rotation you’re currently in and a bit about your background?

Felicia: Before joining MDLZ, I earned my bachelor’s degree in business and an MBA in New Hampshire, USA. My first year in the program was as a Junior Brand Manager, and now I've moved into my second rotation as a Junior Category Analyst in Category Planning.

Ida: I began the program as a Junior Category Analyst and recently transitioned into my second year as a Junior Brand Manager. Prior to joining the graduate program, I completed my Master of Science in Business and Economics at Linköping University, which included two study-abroad semesters: one at the University of Limerick in Ireland and another at Reykjavík University in Iceland.

What inspired you to apply for the graduate program?

Felicia: There were many reasons why I applied to the program! For starters, MDLZ is a company that has a lot of fantastic, loved brands, and the chance to do two different job rotations and take on real responsibility really attracted me. It seemed like a great way to dive into different areas while having a meaningful impact.

Ida: There were several reasons. What stood out the most was the opportunity to work with MDLZ and our incredible brands, such as Marabou, Oreo, Philadelphia, and many more! I was also drawn to the opportunity to explore two functions within two years and connect with people across the company. It offers incredible learning experiences, personally and professionally, and helps you decide your best career path.

How has the program supported your professional and personal growth so far?

Felicia: Professionally, it has helped me develop my project leadership skills and understand how consumer behavior drives decision-making in the FMCG industry. On a personal level, my confidence has grown, and I’ve had the chance to apply what I learned during my studies to real-world challenges. It’s also been great to connect with people from all over the world.

Ida: The program gives you much responsibility early on, which has helped me build my leadership skills. There’s also great support through training and mentorship, like the Leadership Essentials workshop, a three-day event with global leaders. I’ve also benefited from the buddy and senior mentor programs, which have been valuable. I’ve gained a broad understanding of the chocolate category and now feel confident in areas like volume planning, managing seasonal trends, price and promotion analysis, and post-evaluation of campaigns. Additionally, I’ve initiated new ways of working by creating improved methods for evaluating and tracking data.

Mentorship is a vital part of the program. How has it helped you navigate your first year?

Felicia: Absolutely. Having a buddy and a mentor has been crucial. My buddy is someone I can go to for quick questions or even just for a chat, while my mentor, a senior leader in the company, has helped guide me through complex projects and find balance in my work.

Ida: My mentor has been incredibly supportive, encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone, push my limits, and focus on personal and professional development. This support has motivated me to take on new challenges within the role and beyond. For instance, I was encouraged to network across different functions to understand the business better. I even spent a day shadowing colleagues and joined our fantastic field sales team in-store to prepare for the Marabou redesign this year! The mentorship program has also broadened my perspective on various business strategies and guided me in challenging situations.

What’s been the most rewarding project you’ve worked on, and what did you take away from it?

Felicia: The most rewarding project for me was working on the media plan for the Christmas season. It was a fantastic experience to see it come to life, from the briefing stage to execution. Watching the campaign play out in real time was truly rewarding, and I learned so much about how different campaigns perform.

Ida: Leading the seasonal planning for chocolate during Christmas was a highlight. I got to work with various teams and senior stakeholders, which helped me develop my leadership skills. Seeing everything come together was an incredible feeling.

As you head into the program's second year, what keeps you motivated to stay with MDLZ?

Felicia: Working in this industry with these loved brands is so rewarding. The work culture, brands, and people motivate me to stay. There are so many opportunities for growth within MDLZ, both during and after the graduate program.

Ida: MDLZ is constantly evolving and focusing on innovation and employee development. I love being part of such passionate teams, and working in FMCG with these unique brands is a truly rewarding experience.

How do you see your career developing once the program finishes in 2025?

Felicia: I see my career developing by progressing into a role with higher responsibility, both in leadership, people, and project management. The experience, insights, and learnings I have gained cross-functionally from two key areas, Marketing and Sales, provide an excellent base to kick-start my development.

Ida: I’m excited to step into more leadership roles. With my experience in brand management and category planning, I feel ready to take on more responsibility and continue driving impactful projects.

Finally, what advice would you give someone considering applying for the Taste the Future MDLZ Sweden Graduate Program?

Felicia: Go for it! It’s a fantastic opportunity, and while it’s challenging to break into the FMCG industry, it’s very rewarding. Just be yourself and embrace the challenge.

Ida: Be curious and ask lots of questions! The application process can be overwhelming, but don’t hesitate to ask for more information. Most importantly, be yourself and enjoy the journey—that’s how you’ll know if it’s the right fit for you.