• Describe your job in 20-25 words.

As a Commercial Graduate, I have the opportunity to complete yearly rotations across various areas of the business. This will help me to develop a diverse skill set and work with some great people across the business.

• Give a description of a day in the life of a Commercial Graduate

My first rotation involves me acting as a field sales representative in Shoreditch, central London. I travel to various outlets that sell our drinks on a day to day basis and work with them to drive sales of soft drinks. Every customer is different so my role involves doing what I can to get the most of out of every outlet and opportunity. No two days are ever the same which is something I really appreciate. As I am also on the Grad scheme, we’ve had the opportunity to engage with other business areas as well.

• After you qualified, did it take long to find a job?

I Graduated in July of 2023 and fortunately began relatively quickly at CCEP only 2 months later. From what I understand it can be quite abnormal to find a graduate role this quickly so I feel really grateful. The right door truly opened at the right time.

• How did you end up in this job?

Over the years I’d been involved with an organisation called Psalt that specialise in helping young talent increase their employability and build their careers. The CCEP grad scheme came up as an opportunity the circulated to the Psalt network. I was considering doing a masters soon after I had graduated but realised fairly quickly I wasn’t that excited by the idea of studying for another year. The Graduate programme seemed like an incredible opportunity and with the support of some incredible people within Psalt and CCEP, I was accepted into the 2023 cohort.

• What’s the best thing about your job?

There’s so much that excites me about the role. I’m really excited by the idea of trying a variety of roles over the course of my grad scheme and find out what I’m most passionate about professionally. In my current rotation, being able to travel the streets of Shoreditch (my favourite area in London) and communicate with a diverse range of customers is something I really enjoy. CCEP is also a great company to work for. Everyone I’ve engaged with so far has been an absolute pleasure to work with and the amount of high profile brands we are responsible for make the job really fun and exciting.

• What was your starting salary?

My starting salary for the role of commercial graduate is £30,000.

• How long have you been doing your job?

I have been with CCEP for approximately 5 months.

• Where do you see yourself in five years time?

I definitely see myself still with CCEP, having completed my graduate programme and working in a role that best makes use of the skills that I would have developed. The company has great opportunities for development and progression so I am definitely keen to make the most of working for CCEP for as long as I’m able.

• If you could give your 16 year old self some career advice, what would it be?

Stay open and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Putting yourself forward for different opportunity’s and taking advantage of every possible experience is definitely what’s gotten me this far. You never know what new skills you will develop or key connections you’ll make by exposing yourself to new things.

I would also say that rejection shouldn’t be something to be scared about. I was rejected from countless jobs and opportunities before I ended up at CCEP. It was simply a learning opportunity that helped me improve my employability and explore what opportunities and roles I’m best suited to. Everything always works out for the best, even if it’s not the way you thought it would look.