What is it like to be a Finance intern at Pernod Ricard? Devam tells us...
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I am a third year Economics and Finance undergraduate completing this placement as part of my university degree at Brunel. I have had experience across a few different sectors, working in hospitality and finance but this experience has been the best insight into working life.
What is your role and how long have you been at Pernod Ricard UK?
I am working as a Finance Intern and started the placement in June 2022. I am responsible for requests from anyone in the company as well as the responsibility of reporting monthly.
What inspired you to apply for this role / Pernod Ricard UK?
When I started researching the company, I was instantly interested because of it's values. The idea of conviviality and its importance is something which also stood out to me and now I am here, I can see how much of a focal point it is for PR. The programme also links very well to the course I am studying at university, and I feel that the exposure I get in my role applies to so many parts of my degree which I am sure will benefit me in the future.
What is your favourite Pernod Ricard brand, and why?
To be honest, I am a bit of a Rum and Coke fan, so I have got to pay tribute to Havana Club and in particular the Cuban Spiced one. It is so good! Havana Club are also a brilliant marketing brand too and they are always launching new things on social media to keep people interested and attached.
What has been the single most important thing you learnt so far in your job?
I have learnt so many things in the last 3 and a half months but if I were to pick the most important one it would be the technical skills. I have learnt so many useful shortcuts and tricks that I never knew before that make me more efficient at what I do.
What would a ‘normal’ day look like for someone in your role?
During the month, I usually do adhoc tasks like set up costs for new products and input them into the system alongside the Operations team. Then the first week of every month involves reporting for the prior month. So that will be Volumes, Net Sales, Costs of Goods sold including handling and distribution and Marketing A&P spend.
What do you find most interesting with the sector you’re in?
I find Economics and Finance so interesting because everything that you learn is so current and you can apply all your theory to something that is going on in the world. I also love how the Finance team here work so closely with other teams and you can build relationships that way too.
What is the culture like?
The culture is great. Since the day I arrived everyone has been so welcoming and friendly and so willing to help all the time, so you never feel afraid to ask a question it is just all about learning. The convivial spirit of the company is echoed in everything they do too. For example, every Thursday there is a bar after work that everyone can go to and socialise over a couple of drinks.
Have you had the opportunity to get involved in any activities outside work?
Not yet but I do know there are some things lined up. It is also nice to go out with the team after work sometimes and socialise with everyone out of work mode.
How important is diversity to you and what is Pernod Ricard UK doing in this space at the moment?
Diversity is very important to me as I went to an international school so was always surrounded by plenty of culture and I think that has followed when I have come to Pernod Ricard as the workplace is so diverse and multicultural.
How did you find the application process?
I found the application very smooth to be honest and much better than a lot of other processes I've experience. I think that was down to the collaboration between Pernod Ricard and Bright Network as I was always kept up to date at my place in the process and each stage had been carefully planned and managed.
Finally, any tips for anyone who’d like to apply for a role at Pernod Ricard UK?
I know you hear it all the time but just honestly be yourself and just remember that the people interviewing you are people too who had to go through the same thing as you one day. Make sure you do some thorough research of the company as it comes in so handy and just enjoy yourself!