Leo Taroni – Talent Engagement Specialist, London
Why did you choose to apply to a graduate role at Diageo?
I decided to apply for Diageo because of its legacy and its brands. Once inside the company you really feel that you ‘’stand on the shoulder of giants’’. The Graduate scheme I thought was the best option for many different reasons. The first it’s internationality, in fact HR is on a European level second the opportunity to see different aspects of the business.
What do you wish you knew when you were applying to Diageo?
How available people are and the importance that the company puts into the graduates scheme.
Tell us about your experience as a graduate with Diageo?
The culture is super friendly, everyone is there to help and there is this sense of togetherness and improving Diageo every day. The support is immense everyone from people’s manager to the last person that join are there to help and boost your career.
Tell us about your current graduate role with Diageo? What’s the most exciting thing about it?
I am HR Coordinator Northern Europe working together for the functions and the sales teams. The role is great as you work within so many different nations (from Nordics to Poland to Benelux, Germany Austria, and Switzerland) and many more people. What I love the most if that you can leave a tangible impact, you see how your work has impacted the daily activities of the business.
What skills/knowledge did you learn at university that you are now implementing in role?
In general I feel like most of the skills I’m using are the soft ones. Working together, being a team player, is definitely the most important as we always support each other.
Share your top 3 tips for someone looking to secure a graduate role.
1 – Be yourself, don’t lie and don’t pretend to be someone else.
2 – Be resilient as mistakes will happen but you want to stand up quickly and keep walking.
3 – Ask questions, be curious and passionate. There is no stupid question, just ask and investigate.