Meet CEMS Alumnus Stefano Baldani
In what way has your CEMS degree helped you form your career? I believe CEMS has given me the possibility to create a strong network that exposed me to a variety of different personalities and cultures. This has allowed to open my mind and I learned to be okay with expecting the unexpected. CEMS also helped me in being able to live the change around me, both on a professional and a personal level. Why did you choose to apply for a position at Arla? At first, I got to know Arla and the Summer Internship Programme through my CEMS network and after that I decided to come back and work as full-time professional in Human Resources before then joining the F15 Programme. I really got engaged by the very ambitious and challenging vision of Arla to create the future of dairy. Furthermore, I believe that at Arla there are many generous leaders who are willing to put you in the driver’s seat to let you grow through stimulating experiences. Lastly, I had always enjoyed the “nice” and welcoming environment that I had experienced since day one in the company. What has been you biggest surprise by working at Arla? Although employing more than 19,000 people worldwide, working at Arla feels a bit like being part of a big family. Everybody is extremely pleasant and there is always time to help and support each other. Furthermore, failures are considered important learning experiences as much as successes and this spirit creates a very relaxed environment where sometimes it is okay to try something new and where cross-functional experiences are highly regarded. Do you have any advice for CEMS graduates that want to work for Arla? If you still have a year to go before graduating from CEMS, the Summer Internship Programme is definitely a good way to enter the company, start building a network and understand the Arla culture and business. However, even if you just decide to apply for the F15 Graduate Programme or any full-time position, remember always to respect others while keeping your integrity throughout the selection process as well as during your everyday job. Do you any general advice for future CEMS graduates? /Users/sallyekanayaka/Box Sync/Box_Sally/2017 Career Forum/2017 Career Forum Insights/Arla Foods/Arla.docx
Use the CEMS experience to build a strong and honest network with similar-minded people who can help you navigate through the challenges that you will meet along your future career. I believe that it is important to learn as much as you can from your academic experience, but please remember to go out and explore the world around you. You have the possibility to listen and talk to a colourful variety of people, that can help you change the way you see the world. Also, be open to trying new experiences outside of your “comfort zone�. Even if they do not perfectly fit the career path you had imagined for yourself, they might provide you with as much powerful and insightful growth opportunities.
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