I have been working for Reckitt Benckiser for four years now, yet I still remember my first day in the office as if it was yesterday. Within these four years, I have held several responsibilities in Sales and Marketing departments ranging from Sales Representative to Assistant Brand Manager and to date as a Brand Manager. It goes without saying that Reckitt Benckiser is full of opportunities for everyone who is dedicated to giving their best at all times. If you have a career path in your mind or a position to want to reach or a list of countries you want to work in; nothing is impossible for you in Reckitt Benckiser.

When I first attended interviews for the Graduate Recruitment Program, I clearly told my managers that I would like to pursue a career in Marketing; still I believed that starting my career in Sales would be a great advantage since having the notion of Sales and understanding its difficulties and challenges enables me to think broader.

During my first assignment as a Group Sales Representative, we as the Carrefour Sales team, broke the Guinness World Record with building the biggest in-store pyramid and developed out of box concepts like “managing stores like brands”. One day in March 2007, my mobile phone rang and it was our Turkey Sales Director. When he called me I thought that he would ask me something about in-store executions but I discovered that he wanted to talk to me about a new opportunity in Marketing Department. I drove back to the office from my daily store check with great excitement in order to meet with him as soon as possible. After a one-hour interview, he offered me the Calgon Assistant Brand Manager position. I was delighted with the offer and accepted it in five seconds After three months with Calgon, my assignment was changed to a more challenging role, Vanish Assistant Brand Manager, which I held for one and a half years until my military service.

It was a fascinating experience enabling me to develop myself since there were two competitive launches from Unilever and Procter & Gamble in stain remover market which stretched my planning, monitoring, leadership and time management skills in a very short period of time. In one a half years we made four launches: two in Liquid, one in Oxi and one in Carpet. Amazing experience in a relatively short space of time.

After fruitful and educational two and a half years, I left Reckitt Benckiser to complete my military service in December 2009. Having spent six months in the Turkish army as a sergeant, I re-started as Finish Assistant Brand Manager. Holding a new responsibility, being faced with new challenges and developing new projects and initiatives motivated me tremendously. Then, after working as Finish ABM for 6 months, I got promoted to my current role as of 1st January 2010.

All in all, in my opinion Reckitt Benckiser is a unique company full of opportunities for anyone who really wants to go for them, and these opportunities are not restricted to your own country. I will end my first blog here before going into details of my current role and opportunities in RB but I hope that I was able to explain how dynamic life can be in Reckitt Benckiser. Five assignments in four years plus a completed military service…Hope to meet you again at my next blog.

What a whirlwind of events the last week has been…

Just a few days ago I traded in my Account Management and Analyst responsibilities and began my new role as Assistant Brand Manager (ABM) for RB Australia’s biggest brand, Nurofen. No more ‘end of month’ pacing down the hallways – welcome new product development, budgets and media planning!

It’s a really exciting time to be joining the Nurofen team in Australia with so many new campaigns and strategies on the horizon for 2011. One thing I have realised coming into this role is that it’s not just 2011 projects I’ll be working on, but also 2012 and 2013 (and even a few last minute 2010 works that have yet to be rolled out!) – time management and planning are integral to everything in Marketing!

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Although I’ve only been in the role for just under 2 weeks, what would I say is the biggest change moving from Sales to Marketing?

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Instead of just focusing on a couple big trade projects, ABM’s are expected to manage a huge range of projects at any one time including:

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-         Redesigning pack artworks

-         Liaising with global teams to introduce new products into the market

-         Managing cost-efficiencies with packaging companies across the globe

-         Working with Trade Marketing, Design Agencies and Supply to recreate artworks for point of sale materials

-         Teaming up with creative agencies to develop television commericals (TVCs), print ads and digital ads

The list really goes on.

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A really interesting point about Brand Management at RB is that it’s not just the Marketing and Advertising that you are held responsible for – there is also the expectation that you keep track of financials, the budget and forecasts. This aspect of the job is a really unique learning opportunity that you wouldn’t receive at many other global FMCG’s. In the mere 2 weeks I’ve been here, I have already been taught so much about the way the different departments works together and how financials such as P&Ls and balance sheets lead the business.

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Away from the numbers side of it, I’ve really enjoyed my first couple of weeks in Marketing. I’ve gone on production shoots for new Nurofen print ads, started redesigning pack artworks, began working closely with our design agency for the launch of a new Nurofen product launch in Feb 2011 and helped launch a new TVC into the Australian market – I’m definitely no longer in Sales!

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As I wind down my blogging responsibilities, it feels appropriate to announce that I’m finishing up as Pharmacy Sales Analyst and will take on my next challenge as Assistant Brand Manager for Pest Control -uber excited!

Seeing as  this will be my last blog post, I thought it would be fitting to revisit some of the key points in my first blog post, which was about my reasons for working at RB and how it would help me achieve my goal of having a fulfilling marketing career. Let’s see whether these points still stand true 6 months on…

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Strong portfolio of brands – No doubt this point still rings true. My Sales Analyst/Account Manager role has put me at the forefront of promoting our RB Powerbrands to my customers to ensure support and promotion within their stores. Massive launches of the past 6 months in Australia? Strepsils Cool, Nurofen for Children relaunch, Dettol No Touch Systems and Veet Suprem Essence just to name a few…

My job is certainly made easier when we’re promoting and selling in market-leading brands, which is why I’m really excited to be tackling Mortein in my next role, which has really big brand presence in Australia, as well as Brazil and India. Can’t wait to get my hands dirty and learn how to manage one of RB’s global Powerbrands!

Real ownership and responsibility –I definitely feel that I have had ownership and responsibility in a range of projects and tasks since starting 18 months ago – being able to present our business strategy to the CEO of my account, organizing and managing a stand in a retailer’s staff conference, convincing my buyer to adopt our shelf strategy in their biggest category – just some of the achievements you can also have as a RB graduate!

Challenges are the norm at RB; it’s up to you to decide how to tackle them. It might be tough initially, but it’s only when you retrospectively review your accomplishments after finishing the task that you realise how much you have learnt both personally and professionally. Certainly the experiences gained in the Sales component of the RB Commercial Graduate Program will help me tackle my next role in Marketing.

The Aussie graduates! – Well, what can I say…we’re like one big family! As we’ve gotten to know each other in the office, its great to know that I can always rely on a fellow graduate when I’m stuck in a rut with a project or just need someone to bounce ideas off. Getting the motivation to push yourself to the next level is difficult, but knowing graduates who have been in your situation and ‘broken through the pain barrier’ to get to the next level is certainly encouraging.

We still catch up outside of work, we’re planning a graduate dinner soon but before that, we’re all going to do participate in the City 2 Surf 12km run in a few weeks time…should be fun!

And that’s it folks, I certainly don’t think my reasons for choosing the RB Commercial Graduate Program have changed, in fact, they have merely been reinforced.

Whilst I’m sad to be leaving here, it is with great pleasure that I announce that my fellow graduate, Natalie, will be taking over my blogging responsibilities.
Natalie and I started the graduate program at the same time and we have shared many great professional experiences. She’s coming along to Marketing with me as Assistant Brand Manager for Nurofen, so please welcome Natalie as she shares her experiences and insights in her new role!

I know from personal experience during my MBA career search process that getting your foot in the door of a CPG or FMCG firm as a brand manager is extremely challenging.

Many employers recruiting entry-level candidates for brand management are looking for previous brand marketing and/or brand management experience; however, the “Catch 22” in this situation is that many entry-level candidates haven’t had previous brand experience due to the lack of opportunity.

Well, I just learned that RB is creating such an opportunity for students in the U.S. to break into brand management with the launch of our Campus Brand Manager program at Penn State University, Columbia University and University of Michigan. This program has been very successful in other countries worldwide, and for the first time in the U.S., students will have the chance to develop their marketing skills and gain valuable brand marketing experience with a global leader in the FMCG industry.

What do Campus Brand Managers do?

As a Campus Brand Manager, you will help raise awareness of the RB brand on your campus. That includes coordinating career events, promoting RB and our opportunities to your fellow students with provided materials and resources and working to develop and execute your own ideas and creativity in getting the RB name out there.

What do Campus Brand Managers get out of it?

As I mentioned above, most importantly, this is a great opportunity to work with a global leader in the consumer goods industry and to gain invaluable experience, skills, network contacts and references to add to your resume and job search arsenal.

In addition, you do get paid a base salary of £400 (over $600) per semester and a stepped bonus against achieving various targets upon which you agree. I also understand that RB not only gives out an award to the most successful Campus Brand Manager at the end of the year, but also gives this individual a cash bonus and a fast-track onto the second stage of our graduate program.

If you attend Penn State University, Columbia University or University of Michigan and are interested in applying for this rewarding opportunity with RB, go to http://www.myrbopportunity.com/career-opportunities to download an application form.

If you’re interested in learning more about a career with RB and other available opportunities, please visit http://www.reckittbenckiser.jobs and continue to read our blog at http://www.myrbopportunity.com to learn more about our company and culture from our RB team members.

My colleagues and I were at the University of Sydney in March to promote the RB Commercial Graduate program to prospective graduates.

Reckitt Benckiser who?

It wasn’t surprising that students had no clue who we were. But when we started listing about our brands – Strepsils, Nurofen, Pine-O-Cleen and Napisan, they were more inclined in finding out what we had to offer in terms of a marketing/sales career.

Working at the University of Sydney Careers Tent

No doubt our company is held in high regards amongst the FMCG and financial industries, but final year students often overlook our graduate program, not only because of the lack of familiarity of the RB corporate name, but because of many unfounded qualms and reservations which I would like to address in this blog post.

Working with unglamorous brands

Sure, marketing air fresheners or insect repellents doesn’t sound like the most riveting job and for many of you, your ideas of marketing products revolve around luxury goods or cosmetic products with massive launch parties. However, just because our products aren’t glamorous doesn’t mean that you won’t be learning heaps along the way.

“When I found out I was going to be working on multipurpose cleaners, I thought it was going to be a challenging brand to work on because I hate cleaning!” said Katie, Assistant Brand Manager for Pine-O-Cleen and Glen 20 in Australia and fellow Commercial Graduate.

“However, when I started getting involved with the product, I quickly understood just how loyal consumers are to these brands, even though it’s just a general household item. Combine that with an understanding of our fantastic strategies and you soon become just as compassionate as your consumer.”

“You’ll still be actively involved in new product development, designing ads, dealing with PR and advertising agencies and have access to huge marketing budgets – just as exciting as any cosmetic product,” Katie said.

RB is ranked 14 in top 20 Advertisers in Australia. (Source: Nielsen Australia, June 2009)

In Australia, RB rates as one of the top advertisers in Australia, ranking higher than P&G, Unilever and McDonalds. So whilst there are more glamorous brands out there in the marketplace, working with strong FMCG brands means big marketing budgets and frequent advertising touch points, so it’s a sure way you’ll develop your skills and experience to become a savvy marketer.

3 Years for a Graduate Program is too long!

How can we compete with competitors who offer programs that only last for a year? How about the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in both marketing and sales that puts you yards ahead of the competition?

Whilst some marketing graduate programs are shorter in duration, the chances are you will finish and get an entry level position within the company. At RB, you’ll be expected to take on the role of a Brand or Account Manager position after the Commercial graduate program, a position which normally requires 3+ years experience.

Think of the 3 years as your developmental playground, a time in which you will be exposed to both sales and marketing functions, get involved in meetings, conferences, get full transparency amongst the senior and regional leadership teams and access to training and mentoring that other direct entry employees may not get access to.

Time flies when you’re having fun, learning new things and experiencing new challenges!

I’m only interested in Marketing and don’t want to do Sales

Bet you didn’t think that you’d be slaving away at university for 3+ years and end up implementing layouts in a supermarket in your first full time job.

“From the outset, it was certainly the least appealing part of working at RB, sales always felt like a dirty word when I was at university. But looking back, my time on the field was the most valuable base foundation I could take into my marketing role. You can offer a different perspective based on your experience on the road and have a greater understanding of how a customer may react to a new product launch or campaign” Katie said.

Katie giving a presentation at University of Sydney about life as an RB Graduate.

To think that you can have a successful career in marketing without being exposed to sales is quite risky, considering the two are interrelated. And don’t discount sales as a fulfilling career either, as graduates who were so keen on marketing as a career have ended up as successful Account Managers after their graduate program.

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High expectations are put on all of the RB graduates, but if you’re a go-getter, you’ll thrive and get the opportunity to hone your skills in a flexible yet structured environment. Have a look on our careers website for more information.