I am a 19-year-old girl from Auckland. I am currently in my second year studying a double degree of a Bachelor of Science and Commerce majoring in Finance and Mathematics at Otago University.

Pernod Ricard is a large international premium wine company. I was an intern and merchandiser for the summer so did a bit of work in the office, but mostly out in the trade. When merchandising out in the trade I would travel around Auckland to various different supermarkets and set up wine displays and work on the presentation of our wines such as gift wrapping before Christmas time and neck-tagging for the Volvo Ocean race promotion. Some days I did this alone, but on other days I worked alongside a territory manager, which gave me insight into the conversations that take place with regards to upcoming promotions, upselling and the ordering of stock. On other days while in the office I worked with a variety of different teams wherever my help was needed, such as with the marketing team and on-premise team who deal with launches and activations of new products. Every day I was facing new challenges and gaining a better understanding about everything that goes on in the wine industry and fast-moving goods in general. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Pernod Ricard.

I gained the ability to communicate with people of all different ages and stages in their careers and build relationships in an office environment and outside the office one on one with the Territory managers and with the wine buyers and staff inside the stores I visited. I was given more personal responsibility and freedom in this job that I have ever before so I underwent massive personal growth as I ran into situations I hadn't encountered before and needed to think on my feet for myself.

I got such a well-rounded look into all the different elements of the FMCG industry, from supply chain management to customer relationship management and all the people in between working behind the scenes to get the goods we consume daily on the shelf. To be connected with people at similar stages in the planning of their futures and hear about their experiences in their internships too was amazing. It was both reassuring that we are all on track, eye-opening to all the possibilities within FMCG going forwards and gave me an idea of the things I can be doing now to set myself up in the best way possible for the future.

Do it. I learnt so much during my time with Pernod Ricard, and now that I have seen inside of a large company that I might want to work for in the future I have a sense of direction and motivation to study hard with future opportunities in mind. FMCG is such a complex and mind-blowing industry and experiencing it in the way I have was such a privilege.