From Intern to Team Lead, Meet Melissa | Nestlé Purina Careers
From intern to team leader, Melissa established a global career with us. Read on to learn more about her journey!
What is your name and when did you join Nestlé?
My name is Melissa, and I first joined Nestlé in the summer of 2017 as an intern for the Nestlé Internal Audit team (NIA). Following an amazing summer full of challenges and learning experiences, I accepted an offer to come back full time to the NIA team after graduating university. I spent four years working my way up from a Team Member to Senior Team Member and eventually moved to Team Lead. After four years, I had the opportunity to move to our global headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland, where I am currently a Senior Operations Strategy Specialist supporting the Zones, Markets, and Categories to review their operations networks.
What first attracted you to a professional career with Nestlé?
Nestlé is continuously ranked as a top company to work for that provides value to consumers around the world. I was attracted to the company’s mission of “Good Food, Good Life” and the knowledge that they do everything they can to take care of their employees and provide development opportunities to help them achieve their individual career goals. The size of Nestlé was also an attractive quality, as it means there are ample opportunities to move not only cross-functionally but also around the world.
What were some of the first days of your Nestlé career like?
My first days were a whirlwind of learning the ins and outs of Nestlé and the Internal Audit team’s structure. From day one, my fellow interns and I were treated as full time staff integrating seamlessly into the team. While it was a lot of work from the start, everyone was so welcoming and we had several events to facilitate team bonding, including Purina Cares Day and a team sand volleyball tournament.
Can you describe a typical day for you in your current role?
As a Senior Operations Strategy Specialist, every day is different! My key role is to support all the Zones, Markets, and categories to review the long-term operations network and analyze the opportunities we have for new investments or efficiencies across the networks. One day, I might find myself visiting a factory or Head Office in Japan, while the next day, I could be presenting results to Executive leaders at our Global Headquarters in Vevey. The dynamism and cross-functional nature of the role means that every day brings something different, but it’s all part of the fun!
What would you tell a younger you, before you made the decision to join Nestlé?
I would emphasize the importance of showing passion in everything I do. Here's how I would phrase it:
"Discover and Embrace Your Passion! It is essential to explore what truly motivates you and find ways to express that passion in both your professional and personal life. Connecting your passions to everyday experiences is not only crucial for success, but also for enjoying the journey.
In your professional endeavors, seek out opportunities that align with your passions. Look for projects or roles that allow you to contribute your unique skills and interests. When you are genuinely passionate about your work, it becomes easier to stay motivated, overcome challenges, and achieve success.”
Can you share a significant learning from your internship experience?
Nestlé is an incredibly vast and complex organization so if you can’t figure something out, just ask! Everyone is in various points in their level of experience and willing to help you succeed, you just have to reach out and take the time to ask.
What are some great things about St. Louis that would be surprising to someone who has never been?
St. Louis has a lot to offer in terms of food, music, and a night out. But the most surprising aspect was the amazing parks throughout the city and surrounding area, including Forest Park which houses a golf course, paddle boats, a free zoo, and an art museum! Now living in Switzerland, I certainly miss the fantastic BBQ and Salt & Smoke is always my first stop when I’m back.
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