Future TalentEd Summer Term 2020 Summer 2020 | Page 12

EMPLOYEE PROFILES
STUDENT RESOURCE
Gatsby Benchmarks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
SO, YOU WANT TO BE...
AN HR
PROFESSIONAL?
Madeline Kelly provides a window into her
people-focused role as an HR apprentice
at Mondelez International.
What’s great about working as an human resources
(HR) apprentice at your organisation?
Coming into the business environment at the age of 18, I wasn’t
sure what to expect. As Mondelez – one of the world’s biggest
snacking companies – is a global business (with brands including
Cadbury, Oreo, Philadelphia and Toblerone), I didn’t know whether
I’d feel like a number or a name, but I feel valued and my opinions
and ideas are always taken into consideration. Another great part
of working here is the culture. Mondelez trusts its
employees and has a very flexible working environment, which
suits individual needs.
What sort of roles in this field are available at
entry level?
There are numerous roles, including apprenticeships, internships
and the company’s graduate scheme. For example, an ‘HR, supply
chain and enterprise degree apprenticeship’ covers sales,
marketing, finance, HR and supply chain. There are also
apprenticeships for trainee scientists and in manufacturing/
engineering.
Who would it suit, as a career?
An HR role would suit someone with integrity, who is able to work
with confidential personal data in the employee relations team,
dealing with sensitive cases. In the early careers team, you would
need to be able to adapt your interpersonal skills to work with
apprentices, interns and graduates and when visiting university
campuses. The job also requires stakeholder management skills
to enable HR to partner with other functions within the organisation.
“Being a people person is important
in my role, and open-mindedness
and tolerance towards other people
with different styles, beliefs and
preferences”
What subjects would it be useful to study at GCSE
and A level?
Business studies is a broad subject that provides a base for learning
about business and how it operates. At A level, it covers modules
in HR, which are extremely beneficial. Sciences and geography
are great for general knowledge, but I would recommend taking
a subject that is of interest to you. When you enjoy learning
about a particular subject you are more likely to absorb it.
What personal skills and qualities would you need?
The main ones, I believe, are being a people person, being able
to engage with a variety of individuals, the confidence to speak
up in groups, and the ability to work within a team.
Being a people person is important in my role, and open-mindedness
and tolerance towards other people with different styles, beliefs
and preferences, is essential. Strong communication styles to
enable you to flex the way you interact with different types of
people will also stand you in good stead. These are the skills that
my apprenticeship is teaching me day by day.
Finally, self-discipline is important. When working towards a
degree apprenticeship, you will be studying and working full-time.
Managing your time effectively is a vital skill.
How could your career develop?
My current role will open many doors for my career within Mondelez
and elsewhere. When my apprenticeship ends in 2022, I am keen
to progress to a junior HR manager. Hopefully, I will grow within
the organisation and become an HR manager. I could work
anywhere in the world with Mondelez as the business is across
150 markets.