We recently caught up with Rose about how she secured a commercial graduate role with Pilgrim's Food Masters, her top tips for the application process and how Bright Network helped her secure the role.
How would you describe your time on the graduate programme so far?
It’s been a very positive experience. From the beginning, my team has been so welcoming and approachable by making themselves available to help where needed.
I really enjoyed taking part in the JBS Culture Event, as I got to learn in-depth about the company’s values and mission, as well as networking with other members of the business and the wider graduate cohort.
What type of University Degree did you do?
BSc Food Quality, Safety, and Nutrition with Professional Studies at Queen’s University, Belfast
How did you find the assessment process?
My assessment process consisted of online application, video interview, followed by face-to-face interview and presentation. The video interview was straightforward in that it comprised questions concerning my understanding of the role and how my previous experience could be applied. The presentation was positively challenging in that I was asked to design a coat of arms highlighting my qualities that I believe would make me a successful leader at PFM. I enjoyed this as it made me really think about where I am now, where I’d like to see myself in the future, and how PFM could support me and vice versa.
Want help preparing for your interview? Check out our Application Processes Academy course to learn more.
What would your advice to future grads be?
Though it seems the stereotypical answer, be yourself. In addition to important assets such as work ethic, determination and resilience, your personality will stand out the most and will help you to feel part of the team as it is likely the team will be made up of other members who share similar traits to your personality.
Be open and available to new challenges – though taking on new tasks or reaching out to stakeholders that you are unfamiliar with can seem daunting because the experience is unfamiliar, these are the outlets that will develop your skillset and increase competence in the role, as well as make you suited for consideration for roles and rotations during and after the graduate programme.
Not only is this good for professional development, but for personal development this builds the confidence to be unafraid to say ‘I don’t understand…’, but in a positive way ‘I don’t understand…but I am willing to learn’.
What kind of development have you received?
- People management – liaising with and managing the expectations of the field sales team.
- Business acumen – attending weekly commercial review meetings to discuss performance across customer accounts, holding responsibility for the ROI field sales report which analyses shopper, customer and competitor activity, and the IGD New Starter Skills training programme where I gained theoretical knowledge from experts on role of commercial within the FMCG industry.
- Project management – supporting the co-ordination and management of the redesign and update of the app which is used to collate distribution audit information from the BDRs. This app is an important tool used to interpret commercial KPI’s.
What kinds of things do you do with the team for fun?
In the PFM Apex Business Centre Sandyford office, I have become part of the Apex Culture Team! This is made up of members from the different functions of the Dublin team. We come together to brainstorm activities to plan and look forward to in each quarter. For example, in December 2022, a Denny Christmas Breakfast was organised by the marketing team and a food bank donation for the Capuchin Day Centre was arranged.
Individually, as I am an avid baker, I bring anything I bake into the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays – the office is a very positive place, and this certainly keeps the spirits up.
How did you prepare for the interview process?
Firstly, I researched the foundation of the company – their backstory, their locations, what they make, who their customers are. Then, I investigated their mission and values, how I aligned with these and how I could bring them to the role if I were the selected candidate.
I reflected on my past work experience and how my work-related cognitive skills (ability to work under pressure, professional attitude, problem-solving etc) and work-related transferable skills (communication, organisation, teamwork etc) are applicable to the role and how the role could further develop my skillset.
I used the STAR, Situation, Task, Action, Result, technique when preparing sample scenarios of my previous experience. This is an invaluable tool to devise structured answers highlighting work-based scenarios, especially for interviews where you have allocated time to showcase your ability!
Has anything surprised you about the company?
I think I’m still adjusting to the fact that I am working for the largest food company in the world!
How would you describe the culture?
The culture is highly positive. There is huge emphasis on being a team player and being available to help your colleagues when needed. I feel comfortable to ask questions and reach out when I am unsure of things, and I make myself available where my colleagues need help.
Let us know where you've secured your work experience, internship or graduate role. We want to celebrate your success with a gift from us and exclusive invitations to evening networking drinks throughout the year.
