What have your secondments been like?

Over the past 2 years I have had the pleasure of working at four different companies undertaking verydifferent roles. My first secondment was at Protolan as a Project Manager where I was able to be a part of the renovation of a ready meal factory; my second secondment being with Langmead Group as Quality Assistant/Supply Chain Administrator, and my third at Branston Potatoes as an Account Executive, where I assisted with Tesco Prepared Potato category. Currently, I am a Buying Assistant at ALDI, looking after the Brassica and Green Vegetable categories. Each secondment has been diverse in what they have offered me and have challenged me beyond what I expected.

Is MDS what you expected and why?

The MDS experience has been exactly what I imagined. It has had its highs and lows across the two years, but each experience has provided valuable learning. I originally applied to the scheme as I did not know what I wanted to do, apart from that I wanted to work in the Food and Fresh Produce Industry, so this scheme was the perfect fit. It has allowed me to experience different roles, but also provide the training and development to become a great manager/leader in the future.

Can you explain how you have you found relocating for each secondment?

Relocating for each secondment, to be honest, has been hard at times. Being away from family and in unfamiliar surroundings is difficult at first. We do two of the most stressful things in an average person’s life (starting a new job and moving) every 6 months, so of course it’s tough. However, you soon get use to the new normal and I’ve got to explore some great places and meet some amazing people that I would not have met otherwise.

What are your highlights of MDS?

It is hard to single out every highlight of MDS but to name a few: having full responsibility of the Brassica and Green Vegetable category, exposure to suppliers, growers and retailers, being able to share the journey with my cohort and meeting some fantastic people who I have learnt a great deal from.