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From graduate to business development exec

‘I’m always thinking on my feet and I’ve been given real responsibility as MD of my own territory,’ says Melanie Powell of her job with fast moving consumer goods company, Diageo.

After graduation I travelled in South America, did some charity work and spent time living in Argentina; I knew that the language skills gained would be valuable to most recruiters. When I returned home I wanted to find a fast-paced role that could lead me anywhere.

My current employer is a fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) company and their sales and marketing graduate scheme seemed to fit my needs, providing different rotations across the business. The application process involved a telephone interview, a face-to-face interview, and a day spent at the company followed by an assessment day.

My own territory

My current rotation is in field sales as a business development executive. It’s a steep but fantastic learning curve; I’m always thinking on my feet and I’ve been given real responsibility as MD of my own territory with targets to hit.

I travel around on-trade outlets (eg bars, clubs and pubs), encouraging decision-makers to stock our products and helping to develop their business through incremental sales. I visit nine clients each day. My first appointment is at 9.30 am, but my working hours vary: it depends on the distance between my appointments and the time I need to spend with each client.

I enjoy being able to make an individual contribution to the company and working with a portfolio of well-known brands. The key to this job is the ability to develop excellent working relationships.

I'm on my own... but the team is only a phone call away

The most challenging aspect is working alone, but my team is only a phone call away and the training on the scheme soon helped me to feel confident and well-equipped to deal with any customer.

Employers regard field sales experience highly and are very aware of the skills gained by working at the front line of a business. It’s not an ‘easy’ option, but it’s something I’ve never regretted as it stands me in good stead for future career progress.

Melanie Powell is a business development executive for Diageo. She has a BA in Russian studies from Nottingham University.

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