Sandra Agyekum-Awuku’s Post

🚀 We're happy to share glimpses of our vibrant Interns' Lunch event—a day filled with inspiration, revelation, and loads of fun. 🙋 Our interns asked insightful questions, diving into the career journeys of @Daniela Kerkhoff Guenther and @Harm Otten. It was a chance to learn from their experiences, understanding the challenges and opportunities that have shaped their careers. ✨ From discussing career risks to the support systems that have been crucial for success, the conversations were genuine and insightful. Uncovering their early career paths, proved to be a revelation. It was an important and fun lunch in terms of exchanging experiences between generations at the two ends of their careers. Learning about their most daunting and challenging experiences, turned out to be pivotal learning opportunities in understanding the strong support networks that underpinned their success – every insight shared was illuminating. 👉 If you want to be one of our rockstar interns or apprentices at DHL Global Forwarding, apply now: https://okt.to/8R4l65. 💛❤

🚀 We're happy to share glimpses of our vibrant Interns' Lunch event—a day filled with inspiration, revelation, and loads of fun. 🙋 Our interns asked insightful questions, diving into the career journeys of @Daniela Kerkhoff Guenther and @Harm Otten. It was a chance to learn from their experiences, understanding the challenges and opportunities that have shaped their careers. ✨ From discussing career risks to the support systems that have been crucial for success, the conversations were genuine and insightful. Uncovering their early career paths, proved to be a revelation. It was an important and fun lunch in terms of exchanging experiences between generations at the two ends of their careers. Learning about their most daunting and challenging experiences, turned out to be pivotal learning opportunities in understanding the strong support networks that underpinned their success – every insight shared was illuminating. 👉 If you want to be one of our rockstar interns or apprentices at DHL Global Forwarding, apply now: https://okt.to/kMhInv. 💛❤

Today, I had the pleasure of witnessing something truly gratifying—a moment of well-deserved recognition as one of our employees was promoted from apprentice to Assistant Storekeeper. It got me thinking about the state of our workforce today. We are living in a time where education levels are at an all-time high, where diversity is celebrated, yet job opportunities remain scarce for so many skilled and talented individuals. This employee, with a diploma in purchasing, couldn’t land a job, even after completing internships at two different companies. After a long, frustrating period of tarmacking—endlessly searching for work—she took on an apprenticeship. And let me tell you, after applying for the role and going through the interview process, she outperformed everyone. She proved herself to be the best candidate for the position. But here’s where we often fall short. Too many times, we overlook the talent right in front of us. We assume that just because someone holds a junior position or doesn’t have years of experience in management, they aren't capable of excelling in a more senior role. We’re quick to look outside, thinking that external hires will bring about transformation and fresh perspectives. But the reality? More often than not, they end up blending into the same culture, contributing no more than the average. We must challenge this mindset. We need to look within, recognize the potential, the drive, the dedication of those already in our ranks. Because when we give them the chance to rise, they often exceed our expectations. Let’s stop letting assumptions limit our workforce and instead empower those who have already proven their worth.

This week, our Unilever Future Leaders Program North America Class of 2024 begin their careers with us and start their orientation week! This coincides with our impressive intern class hitting their midpoint. Summer is flying by 😎 This time of fresh starts has me reflecting on some advice that I give our program associates on their first day. Whether you’re midway through an internship, joining a development or rotational program, or starting your first job, I hope these tips can help make your transition from school to career a bit easier.  ️ ⭐ Spend lots of time listening, then take what you’ve heard and ask questions. Listening allows you to understand the leadership & communication styles of your colleagues. Asking questions shows you’re an active listener and you are invested in making thoughtful contributions. ️ ⭐ Turn your observations & questions into action. What can you do in your role within 30, 60, or 90 days with what you’ve learned that will make a real impact?  ️ ⭐ Build a brag sheet. You are your own number one champion. Nobody except for you will ever know the full scope of your accomplishments. Keeping a personal record of them will allow you to demonstrate to your manager, your mentors, and yourself the areas of strength and opportunity you possess. It will also make completing your year-end self-evaluation much easier.  ️ ⭐ Network with everyone, and I mean everyone. Some of the strongest connections you can build are with people you may not work with directly.  ️ ⭐ Remember you’re where you are for a reason. You likely beat out hundreds, if not thousands of applicants for your spot in the organization. Be proud -- you deserve to be! Did I miss any good advice for new grads or interns? Share some more in the comments. #UniquelyUnilever #earlycareers #leadershipdevelopment #UFLP

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 💪 Consultants at TAG looking to advance their careers can take the next step as team managers, starting with an apprenticeship, a one-year period in which they can try out the responsibilities of a team manager on the job. What are those responsibilities? Our team managers support consultants on their projects, but also help TAG grow as whole by strengthening the recruitment team and spotting sales opportunities. Consultant Lies van den Broeck started the apprenticeship this year: “I love people management but was unsure whether other responsibilities would appeal to me. The great thing about the apprenticeship is that it gradually introduces you to the different facets of the role and that you can assess for yourself after a year whether you want to take it up.” Throughout the apprenticeship, she is coached by team managers such as Martin Camerman: “I did the apprenticeship last year, so I fully understand the questions or doubts you can have. I’m glad I can share my experience and help others grow into the role.” By the end of this year, apprentices like Lies will be fully prepared to support their colleagues as team managers. 🤝 #TAG #Consultancy #ProjectManager #BusinessStrategy #TeamManager #Training #Recruitment #Sales

COVID-19 had incredible impacts on the supply chain that are still making waves in today’s society. But what about the students entering the industry at the time? Compared to their peers who struggled with internships that were canceled or shifted to remote, supply chain interns jumped in full force to face challenges never seen before in the industry. They had to problem-solve quickly with limited resources andworkforce constraints, all while navigating shifts in their personal lives and habits. In this episode, we’re joined by two of those next-gen supply chain leaders, Sam Nunez , Initiatives Operations Leader for Bounty at Procter & Gamble and Claire Konz , Supply Chain Consultant at Miebach. We break down their unique experiences entering the field, the hard and soft skills necessary to learn for success today, the importance of continuous development and learning and more. Tune in below 🎧

🌟 Celebrating National Careers Week! 🌟 I tried to find a photo of my early days but sadly (thankfully) there were no smart phones in those days. We've all been there - starting a job at the local pub, just looking to earn some extra cash during A-levels or University. That's how my hospitality career started.... At 16 I started working at Regency Tea Rooms in Bromsgrove with my best friend. I earned £18 a week and got to choose a cake at the end of my Saturday shift 😋 When I turned 18 I started pulling pints 🍺 I made great friendships, had so much fun and developed fast thanks to the inspiring leadership of James Phillips - one of the best Managers I've ever had! From waitressing in France to countless hospitality jobs whilst at Uni I finally came to work in Head Office at Mitchells & Butlers PLC in 2010. With the support of another memorable Manager and mentor Chris Collings, I was lucky enough to get on to our Operations Graduate Scheme in 2012 and now find myself back in HR after some years living abroad. I honestly can't imagine working for any other hospitality company - M&B are simply the best! ✨ Here's why hospitality is an amazing career choice: ✅ Diverse Career Paths: From Operations to Marketing, HR to Finance, Property, and beyond - the possibilities are endless. ✅ Skills Development: You'll hone communication, problem-solving, time management, teamwork, and resilience - essential skills for any career. ✅ Evolving Industry: Constantly innovating, requiring creativity and fresh ideas. ✅ Learning & Development: Whether through graduate schemes, apprenticeships, coaching, or mentoring, there are ample opportunities to grow. I've personally experienced the diversity and rewards of this industry, thanks to Mitchells & Butlers. For more about working at Mitchells & Butlers and our job opportunities, visit https://lnkd.in/eyNDKfNk Go on - You won't regret it!! 🤩 #LifeAtMAB #NationalCareersWeek

A very impressive start to the second day of Internship Experience UK 2024 - Biggest Internship Programme in the UK!🎉✅ Firstly, we began with a very powerful keynote from Laura Tye who is the legal director at Clyde & Co, who talked about her remarkable journey to her current role. Overview: This exhibited her resilience and how she seized every opportunity. She also depicted how Flexibility is significant. One of my favorite sections of today was having the privilege of hearing from Victoria Stedman who is a Commercial Colleague Engagement Manager at British Airways which was facilitated by Rachel Delaney who was Head of B2C Marketing at Bright Network. - This was one of my favorites as there were so many key highlights and challenges. - Highlights: British Airways (BA)Commercial Vision: A united team delivering an industry-leading revenue margin through brilliant service. - Challenges: Labelling economic instability, airspace closures, climate change, and other dynamics of business traveling. After this, we had an impactful session with Daisy Thompson (Sales Sustainability Lead, Past Graduate at Nestle) and Juetong Lang who gave us a true insight into Sustainability and Perspectives of Innovation. 1. The significance of Sustainability in the Food Sector? - Environmentally: One-third of global greenhouse gas emissions come from food systems. - Socially she addressed issues like child labor, access to education, forced labor, gender equity, and more. - Always collaborating with customers through sharing learnings, executing sustainability, and upskilling teams. 2. The Significance of Innovation Product & Technology Development - focusing as much as possible on health and competency building by integrating with process components. Competitiveness - Enhancing competition and protecting the environment with drive and growth. Nestle emphasizes a rigorous multifactional cooperative effort to create quickly, from idea to reality. Additionally, we subsequently had a meeting with Marie Fukuura, Commerical Controller, Off-Trade, Premium Retail for Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I. Her session was so effective and truly eye-opening. Key things that were outlined by her were to: 1. Lead & Grow the Category 2. Optimize Businesses 3. Digitize & Monetize our Ecosystem With one of the biggest B2B platforms globally, despite heavy challenges like lockdown, instability, and even inflation, beers remain the most affordable and beloved product across all demographics. As this empathizes the significance of a WINNING Portfolio as the insights today underscore the dynamic landscape of this industry! Absolutely cannot wait for the remainder of the days! #Sustainability #Budweiser #Clyde&Co #Leadership #Marketing #Resilience #IEUK2024 #IEUK #Nestle #BritishAirways #BrightNetwork #Curiosity

"Coffee & lunch dates" at your workplace, Do it! ☕ During my internship at DHL Group HQ in Bonn, Germany, I was introduced to this new phrase : "Coffee / lunch dates" with colleagues. But what is it? It's scheduling lunch dates with colleagues from various departments to exchange conversations, ideas, and learnings. This initiative not only provides insights into the firm's wider operations but also fosters lasting connections, learnings and shared laughter 💚 Even though I was just an intern there, by just taking on this initiative, I've met some incredible folks from various levels and departments at DHL Group who have significantly influenced my professional journey. ⭕ Remember, the focus is not on gaining something from others but on the genuine curiosity to learn and understand more about their work and experiences. ✅ Start scheduling those coffee and lunch dates to broaden your horizons and build meaningful connections at your workplace! Trust me, the learnings from this shall be endless :) PS: Do respect the time that the other colleague is giving you & make the most out of it🥂 #professionalgrowth #workculture #internship #learnings

Young professionals are the future of supply chain. Growing young talent and giving us the resources to learn and develop into experts in our fields is critical to shaping the talent pipeline. Join Sam Nunez and I as we discuss our time at Purdue University School of Industrial Engineering, entering the workforce while navigating the pandemic, and how the supply chain career outlook has changed even in our short time in the workforce! Thanks so much to Ellen Wood for taking this idea and running with it!