#MDSFutures: bringing MDS to life

Trainee Profile: Jo Thorp

  • Trainee Futures
 – 25.11.2019

Jo Thorp Group 43

Age: 24

Degree/uni: Harper Adams University, BSc Hons Agri-food marketing with Business studies

Fun fact about you: I make and sell ice cream in my spare time

Current secondment: I’m about to finish my 3rd secondment with MDS at British Sugar in the beet supply team. During my time here I have been part of the annual tender process with hauliers for the Beet Delivery Service. This has involved analysing data for different scenarios and being part of the negotiations. It has been very fast paced here, putting to test my attention to detail when processing data, along with my organisation and excel skills. I’ve found it incredibly interesting to see the supply chain and how a tender process is run.

Why did you join MDS: Having studied different aspects of the food industry at university, I wanted to further my understanding through practical experience. When a friend mentioned MDS it seemed like a no-brainer. The opportunity to do four different roles within four different companies across the supply chain was very attractive.

What has MDS taught you about the food and fresh produce industry: How resilient and adaptable the industry is to its ever-changing market environment and the challenges which are thrown its way.

Highlights/challenges: Looking back over the last 18 months I can’t believe just how much has happened and what has been accomplished, which makes it difficult to pinpoint the highlights. I have really enjoyed the endless opportunities to meet new people through networking events, moving companies and attending training sessions along with learning about the industry from different angles in various roles and companies.

One of the biggest challenges though has been getting used to regular change. With every secondment comes a new working environment and a new team. There is also the aspect of moving location and getting to know the surrounding area and meeting different people outside of work.

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