Want an internship at Nestlé?

If you’ve always wondered what it’s like to be an intern at one of the biggest Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMGC) companies, wonder no more. Here, two interns – Mariah Sofia Herrmann and Aydina Azureen Azuddin – share their experience with the Nestlé Internship Programme.

WHAT MAKES THE PROGRAMME UNIQUE
Sofia: The internship programme is open all month-round, 365 days of the year. Hence, it is very inviting to those who are looking for a placement. The programme is also inclusive of degree (Bachelor’s and Master’s) holders who have graduated instead of the typical only on-going studying students.

Aydina: Being a company that specialises in FMGC, interns get the chance to be exposed to not only the commercial or corporate world but also the manufacturing side of the business. You get to see how one affects the other and how we collaborate to achieve synergistic efficiency to get the best of both worlds.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Sofia: Talents are to apply via the Nestlé website where they include relevant documents such as resumes and/or transcripts. Should there be an opening and the profile is suitable, a recruiter will reach out to the applicant. A brief phone screening will be carried out to understand the candidate better, which is then typically followed by a face-to-face or virtual interview with the Line Manager before getting hired.

Aydina: During the programme, interns will be exposed to operational tasks along with project assignments within the team. This allows them to learn and understand the operations of a particular function and additionally have the opportunity to have a hands-on experience through the tasks and projects assigned. Interns will then have the opportunity to reflect on their learning and present to the respective function heads on their experience throughout the programme.

AT THE END OF YOUR INTERNSHIP, YOU WILL BE…
Sofia: Able to communicate your skills, knowledge and experience well. Soft skills will improve as Nestlé encourages interns to speak up and be involved within the organisation. Interns will also have a better understanding of the FMCG industry and functional skills involved within the respective fields.

Aydina: Always leave (or stay!) with a better sense of how businesses work.

MY FIRST DAY AS AN INTERN
Sofia: I felt welcomed. Everyone, regardless of rank, was very helpful in guiding me. The team made sure I was not left aside and included me into their discussions.

Aydina: One of the most memorable days. We strive to ensure that all our employees have good experience as soon as they join Nestle.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THESE QUALITIES!
Sofia: The willpower to learn and explore new things. Grades are important, but being humble, curious and open to learn is what’s most important.

Aydina: Grit and the thirst for learning. Even the name of the industry we’re in suggests it: FAST-Moving Consumer Goods. It can be overwhelming being in a fast-paced environment; that’s exactly why you need to have grit to be able to succeed. Even if you make mistakes along the way, it only opens more opportunities for you to learn!

MY TIP ON HOW TO STAND OUT IN YOUR APPLICATION
Sofia: Don’t be shy to ask questions and give opinions as well as suggestions!

Aydina: Be confident and just go for it!