Discovering New Perspectives and Cultures at Mondelēz, Explore Pia’s Experience

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Tell us about yourself.

I am from Northern Germany and am part of the “Taste The Future – Junior Management Program” at Mondelēz International. Currently, I am working in Manufacturing & Supply Chain (MSC) Finance for the three chocolate plants in the Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH) cluster. It is definitely a very diverse role, and I really enjoy it.

I started in our business office in Bremen before moving to the south of Germany to work in the Milka chocolate plant in Lörrach. My role involves multi-plant support, including our Milka plant in Bludenz and Toblerone plant in Bern. It is a very nice cluster to be part of, as the plants are within commuting distance of each other.

How did you join the Taste The Future – Junior Management Program?

I studied Business Administration at the University of Bremen, and when it was time to find a job, I found an internship at MDLZ. This is where my career at MDLZ started – I was an Accounting & External Reporting intern. I really enjoyed my experience, and the culture was great, so it was an obvious decision to apply for the Taste The Future – Junior Management Program after I finished my studies.

How has the program supported your career development?

The program gives you exposure and the responsibility to lead your career. It also gives you rotation into 2-3 new roles tailored to your skills and development needs. From the beginning, I got great support from senior leaders, for example, through coaching or mentorship, to drive my career in the right direction and make sure I was aware of all the options there are within the company.

What aspects of the company have you found most supportive or challenging?

The company wants you to develop, so you need to step out of your comfort zone from time to time. Development and change always come with obstacles, but at MDLZ, you are not left alone. We are a great team, and each colleague I worked with has always been very supportive. It also helps to take full advantage of any mentorship and actively seek opportunities to network within your new environment. Building a strong connection with your mentor can provide essential guidance, especially when navigating a new business unit or location. Be proactive in meeting colleagues from different areas and roles—each connection enriches your understanding of the operation.

How did you adapt to the cultural differences?

I would say the cultural difference in location is not that big, as it is still Germany. However, working with many people from different backgrounds in the plant, and I loved learning about their cultures. I learned about some of their traditions and tried new meals they brought from home and many more! This experience helped me understand my colleagues' diverse perspectives and made me value everyone's diversity and uniqueness more.

What advice would you give to others in the transition situation?

My advice is to keep an open mind and be ready to learn from your new role and the people around you. Transitioning to a different business unit or location comes with fresh challenges and perspectives, which are invaluable for personal and professional growth. Try to approach each experience with curiosity—you’ll develop new skills and build relationships that will enrich your journey.