Denise Natalie Christ - NRM Analyst, Northern Europe
Why did you choose to apply to a graduate role at Diageo?
I applied to the graduate programme at Diageo because I wanted to work at a place which gave me the best opportunity to learn and to grow. I like that we are being thought to be the leaders of tomorrow, giving us the chance to be the best version of ourselves with a programme that is tailored to our future career goals. Diageo was also my first choice within the industry because I love their brand portfolio and more, I´m impressed with the strength of their brand equities. So, I wanted to learn from the best!
What do you wish you knew when you were applying to Diageo?
I wish I'd known that a good CV might bring you through the first stage but what really brings you here to Diageo is your character. Especially as a fresh grad it can make you very insecure what other people might have on their CVs. However, don´t forget that everything can be learned and that Diageo might have that place for you to evolve in the best way possible for you.
Tell us about your experience as a graduate with Diageo?
We were a bunch of graduates to start our journey in Hamburg, so I felt very comfortable as of day one. In the first weeks, we had different trainings and inductions with all different departments across the company. Having spoken to the people from different departments made it easier to approach them later on when we needed their help or advice on a project. All in all, we were welcomed with open arms. I immediately felt connected to Diageo, as if I was working there for a long time already.
Tell us about your current graduate role with Diageo? What’s the most exciting thing about it?
I am in my first rotation, currently in customer marketing within the German Off-Trade market. I am the link between Marketing in Sales so the most interesting part of my role is being in the centre of those two departments. I couldn´t have wished for being anywhere else than in Customer Activation for my first rotation. From here, I can evaluate best where I would like to go for my next rotation.
What skills/knowledge did you learn at university that you are now implementing in role?
Both my under- and postgraduate degree placed a lot of emphasis on group projects so I learned to work with many different people. That is the way it works in reality and in every organization. You have to find a way to work with people always keeping the goal in mind.
Share your top 3 tips for someone looking to secure a graduate role.
Be authentic – you're the most experienced by just being you, so come as you are and you will shine the brightest in your own way!
Know your strengths and play towards them!
Know your weaknesses even better so that it won´t throw you off balance whenever a question or a task goes in that direction!