I am just about to complete my first year on the Cadbury S&T graduate scheme and am entering the final weeks of my first placement at the Global Science Centre (GSC) in Reading. Looking back at my time in the GSC I have experienced such a range activities and responsibilities. Prior to joining the Cadbury graduate scheme I completed a BSc in Chemistry at Warwick University, worked in finance where I qualified as a chartered accountant, and returned to Nottingham University to study a Masters in Chemistry and Entrepreneurship.
From my first day at the GSC I was given responsibility for elements of key projects my team was working on. This gave me great motivation to deliver to the best of my ability as I knew my team was relying on my input to move the projects forward. During my first few months I also learnt very quickly about the science of chocolate and its production through a combination of formal training courses, visits to factories and suppliers, on-the-job training and the expertise of our team at the GSC.
Subsequently my career has progressed further and I have been given the opportunity to develop my project management skills. Firstly through managing the annual graduate project - a trip to Poland for the new graduates from all functions to work with a local orphanage and school in the town Cadbury are opening a new factory. Secondly through being given my first GSC project to manage which has allowed me to work with a range of colleagues across our Asia Pacific region from both S&T and Commercial. This has helped to raise my profile within the business, learn about chocolate making and products for an entirely different market to the UK and understand the challenges associated with managing a complex, multi-region project.
Throughout this time my experiences have been wide ranging and I have worked with a large selection of suppliers covering ingredients, flavours, laboratory equipment and factory equipment. I have had the opportunity to travel to Belgium, Switzerland, France, India and Herefordshire!
The thing I believe sets the Cadbury graduate scheme apart is the support I have received from my line manager, with whom I have regular 1-2-1 meetings to review my performance and set objectives to develop my skills, the chocolate innovation team with whom I work and who have made me very welcome, my mentor and my buddy. I think this support coupled with the opportunities to really push yourself make this scheme a great place to develop your career.
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