Leo

Meet Leo one of our many 2023 Grads!

What did you apply for Mars?

I was attracted to apply for the Mars grad program as they were a company rooted in making people’s day to day life better through their products. This is something I wanted to be a part of. It’s a company that despite its size and reach has stayed privately owned, meaning that change was easy to enact. Another major factor was the international opportunities which Mars posed that was global also, and a goal I have is to be able to live and work abroad.

Tell me about the work / projects you have worked on so far?

I am currently working in the Mars Petcare sales team. Here I am managing a key Mars account, day to day I work with the customer and various Mars teams in order to coordinate marketing activations and promotions. I am in a very client facing role which allows me to collaborate with all teams across our business, from marketing, all the way to our supply chain team. There are tangible results with this which is always rewarding.

Describe the culture at Mars

There is an incredible culture at Mars. I moved from Sydney for this role, and the welcoming and social culture at Mars is a key factor that helped me settle in after this move. There is a high performing culture, where everyone is motivated and united to achieve a goal. With this, there is an encouragement to collaborate and ask questions to people at all levels of the business. I feel confident that I would be able to walk to anyone’s desk in the office to ask a question, work related or not. There is a strong “got your back” culture where teams are empowered to help colleagues and play parts in their growth.

What are some of the benefits of working @ Mars?

There are many benefits to working at Mars. An easy one would be free chocolate scattered throughout the office. Along with that there are PETs allowed in the office, which is always fun with furry friends running around! There are flexible working arrangements, meaning that associates can work at home or the office when needed. They also offer travel opportunities, whether it is travelling interstate or domestically to factory sites for team building sessions. This is an exciting chance to visit some parts of Australia you might have never seen.

To you, what are the key values at Mars and how do they align with your own?

Mars follows it’s Five Principles, Quality, Responsibility, Freedom, Mutuality and efficiency. These values are engrained in everything we do at Mars and these all replicate my values. I find the key value of producing high quality work. I resonate with this as a performance driven individual, we are always encouraged to perform at the highest level and very well recognised when we do perform at these levels. Also, there is a strong value of helping others and making decisions that are mutual for all parties involved, this aligns with my personal desire to understand all parties and in turn advocate for and help them to achieve their goals.

Reisha

Meet Reisha, one of our superstar 2023 Graduates

What attracted you to apply for Mars?

I was able to learn a little bit about Mars through my university studies, and I was really interested in the opportunity to work for a large FMCG company that aligned with my broader values. I studied Nutrition Sciences and have a strong passion for sustainability and food security so it was really great to hear about all the work that Mars does in both the health and wellness space, as well as in climate and packaging sustainability. I also found the recruitment experience to be super accessible and everyone that I met throughout the process was incredibly friendly which motivated me to want to work here!

Tell me about the work / projects you have worked on so far?

I currently work in Research and Development (R&D) in the Packaging team for Mars Food. I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of engaging projects including new product developments, value engineering and packaging sustainability and work across brands such as Masterfoods, Ben’s Original, Dolmio and Kantong. This usually involves, collaborating cross-functionally with marketing, operations, product development etc., running factory trials, and working with our global team on any packaging changes.

Describe the culture at Mars

The culture at Mars is driven by the five principles which govern all the decisions that we make. I always feel as though I can be myself at work and have formed many connections in my time here. There is a good work ethic at Mars, and I am constantly being pushed to grow and develop new skills and step out of my comfort zone, which makes coming to work a rewarding experience.

What are some of the benefits of working @ Mars?

Mars has several benefits including flexible working arrangements, employee assistance programs, additional super contributions, and discounted gym memberships. We also have a lot of access to resources such as “Mars University” which can help you grow and develop. One of the main highlights for me has been living on the Central Coast of NSW, where our Food factory is based, as I really enjoy the laid back, regional, beach lifestyle.

To you, what are the key values at Mars and how do they align with your own?

The key values at Mars are the Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom. A principle that resonates with my own values is Freedom which is especially seen in the decisions that are made throughout the company. As a private company, Mars “thinks in generations” which allows us to have the freedom to be a Purpose led business. This is seen through the multiple sustainability projects that I have a strong passion for, but also through a variety of associate led initiatives such as wellness committees and associate resource groups that I have enjoyed being a part of.

Philipa

Meet Philipa one of our many 2023 Grads

What did you love about the Mars Graduate Program?

The Mars Graduate Program has been an incredibly fulfilling journey for me. Starting off within the Mars Wrigley segment in the field where the magic happens, moving into field operations, and now partnering with our sales team and customers to drive our brands within our omnichannel shopper marketing team, the opportunities have been endless and I've enjoyed every step of the way. The program has offered a wealth of development opportunities and exposure to different segments and teams. However, what I loved the most was the chance to collaborate, learn, and develop alongside my graduate cohort. We all came from different functions but shared the same journey, guiding and supporting each other, which made the experience even more enriching.

What support did you receive from Mars during your program?

Mars provided immense support throughout my graduate program. The company's values and five principles were endrilled from the beginning. I had access to strong mentorship as well as learning & development training programs. Graduate meetups allowed us to connect with peers who were starting their journey at the same time, fostering a sense of community. We were supported to grow a network of mentors and peers who have been instrumental in my professional development. Associates at Mars are super approachable, which makes it very easy to settle in, learn and grow.

Did you feel you had the tools, resources, and working conditions to be successful in your role?

Mars provided the necessary tools and resources to ensure my success within my first 2 years of the graduate program. The company culture is highly collaborative, and I always felt supported in my endeavours. I had numerous opportunities to learn and grow, with access to various resources that helped me in my roles. Mars encourages following one's passions, and I was able to pursue some of mine with full support from leadership and my colleagues. The work environment was conducive to both personal and professional growth, enabling me to leave my mark and grow in each role I undertook.

How has the program set you up for success in your future career?

The Mars Graduate Program has laid a solid foundation for my future career. The diverse roles I undertook, from being a Field Sales Representative to joining the Omnichannel Shopper Marketing Team, have given me a broad perspective and a robust diverse skill set. The program pushed me to step up and take on challenging projects outside of just my roles, which facilitated significant personal growth. It also provided me with a strong network of mentors and peers, whose support and guidance have been invaluable and will continue to be in future. These experiences have equipped me with the confidence and competence to navigate my career path successfully.

What would your advice be to graduates who are looking to join the Mars graduate program?

For graduates considering the Mars Graduate Program, my advice is to embrace every opportunity that comes your way.

Recruitment advice:

Within the recruitment process stay true to who you are and let your personality shine through, Mars values authenticity!
Mars associates are super approachable, so be curious and open to learning about those you get to the opportunity to interact with

Program advice:

The program is designed to offer a wide range of experiences, so be open to learning and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Build strong relationships with your cohort, as their support and insights can be incredibly beneficial not only throughout the program but throughout your career.
Finally, take advantage of the mentorship and development programs offered, don't hesitate to follow your passions Mars provides a supportive environment where you can grow both personally and professionally, so make the most of it.

Why have you stayed with Mars?

I have stayed with Mars because of my journey over the past two years. The company's values and guiding 5 principles as well as commitment to personal and professional growth aligns with my career aspirations. The support from mentors, the collaborative environment, and the development opportunities; such as working with diverse teams on various projects have kept me engaged and motivated, contributing to my decision to continue my career at Mars. Importantly, the relationships I've built with my cohort and other associates have made my experience at Mars truly special and is something I value tremendously. Finally, who wouldn’t want to work with globally renowned brands like Mars, M&M’S, Snickers and Extra, there’s always snacks floating around the office!

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About the Mars Leadership Experience Program

A Day in the Life of a New Zealand Graduate