• How did you end up in this job?
   

Around 4 months after obtaining my biology degree, I joined my company as a laboratory analyst. During the first few months of this role, I applied into the company’s Graduate Management Training programme. What I laugh about now, is that I did not even get offered the role that I applied for, but one in an entirely different field of expertise, and one that I have since not looked back from accepting; operations.

• What does an Operations Graduate do?

Fundamentally, I work to both maintain and improve the processes of food production. I manage teams ranging from 10-100 people, ensuring that they respectively have all that is required for a successful day in food production. I manage production schedules, product supply, equipment maintenance, floor staff, and work to tackle all obstacles that would hinder efficient production lines.

• What’s the best thing about your job?

My role as a graduate has enabled me to work across four different sites so far, gaining experience in four very different roles. My programme really is a fast-track for networking and management experience, and accelerates not only professional development, but personal development too.

• Has your salary changed since you started? If not, do you see salary progression?

In my year and a half in this role, my salary has since increased by 16%. The great thing about my job is that there are so many different routes that I can pursue in different functions, each of which will come with their own respective salary. Salary progression is a huge benefit to those working on a graduate scheme, as you are consistently working your way up the professional ladder.

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

Do not worry if your first plan does not work out. Do not worry if the subsequent six plans do not work out either! Until two years ago, I had never even considered working in the food production business before, and now, it is all I can talk about. That is not to say that you can be careless or imprudent – give your best effort to everything you do, and the right opportunity for you will come naturally (perhaps with a gentle nudge from a tasty career ambassador!).