We’re AB InBev, brewer of some of the world’s best beers, like Stella Artois, Corona and our American brand Budweiser. Read on to find out what our grad, Ben, has learned since he started on our Market Visionaries Programme.
Honing your entrepreneurial skills
Ben joined us on the Market Visionaries Programme (MVP) in September 2018 and was part of team in London that exceeded all of their sales targets. He used his economics degree – and his proactive, inquisitive nature – to help drive innovation for Budweiser Brewing Group. Nearly 4 years later, Ben looks back at his experience.
Learning on the job
The variety within the MVP is one of its key strengths, says Ben. “AB InBev know the best experience is real life. I’m learnt negotiation techniques one week in Belgium while working towards our sales target in London.” The best bit for Ben? Working with some of the world’s best known beer brands. “It’s tough, but I love what I’m doing. I get to sell products I love to some incredible customers. It’s great.”
Running your own business
“On the MVP, you have to be self-motivated – you’re basically running your own business. There can be a lot of rejection, so you need to be resilient,” he laughs. “But all it does is make the wins so much better. One of my first highlights was securing a contract for three venues in Camden, in London, and kicked it off with a huge event for Corona. It was such a great feeling.”
Leveraging your experience for others
Ben put his economics degree to good use and proactively created a tool that helped Budweiser Brewing Group to grow their brands. “I saw an opportunity to give us more insight into how each brand is performing across the UK. My manager and I shared our findings with head office and then put the tool to use.” It seems like he’s not the only one though. “My team are all proactive and driven – everyone has a passion project and we’re all spurring each other on.”
Dream big, achieve big
“You’ve always got a great team of people supporting and driving you forward. There’s not much we can’t achieve,” he says. Now as Senior National Account Manager for Asda – Ben has taken all he has learnt on the MVP Programme to the next level. When asked where he wants to be in couple of years, Ben’s quick to answer: “New York! At AB InBev, there are plenty of international opportunities available, it’s just up to me. If you work hard enough you’ll get the rewards.”
If Ben's story has left you feeling inspired and you want to find out more - explore the Budweiser Brewing Group profile.