My passion for retail initially stemmed from working part time for one of our competitors during my A ’levels and then throughout University in Leeds. Maybe a little ironic that I’m now at Tesco but out of all the graduate programmes I applied for this was always the one I was attracted to the most.

The programme had 3 defined rotations, basically, local marketing, global insights and campaign marketing. With a degree in economics and having focused on several marketing modules I knew this was the direction I wanted to go in and felt Tesco not only offered great training and development but looking to the future there were so many opportunities within the business it was all very appealing.

Literally from day one and throughout the programme you have the responsibility and autonomy for the projects you are managing end to end. You own it from the start, I was lucky to work within a great team and also had network of colleagues on hand for guidance and support but quickly I learnt never to be scared to ask questions no matter how trivial you may think they are. I’m most proud of the ‘Food Love Stories’ campaign that I managed from start to finish. It was a first for me and Tesco integrating our brand with a supplier brand through a campaign like this.

At Tesco, in my experience it is just one big family, it has an inclusive culture and of course there are many personalities but that’s want makes life interesting isn’t it. Everyone is welcome and there is a good balance between working hard and socialising. I’ve already been a ‘buddy’ for new graduates and interns and now I head up the team social committee arranging everything from quizzes to gin tasting events.

I have just been signed off the graduate programme a month earlier than planned to take up my first appointment as Campaign Manager for Value, General Merchandise and Trade. I have grown in confidence throughout the programme and am excited for the future, more responsibility and my first step into managing others – the buck really does stop with me now. I’ve come to realise you should never limit yourself to just one path or career direction, there are always opportunities to try something new and gain experience in a company like ours. 

For me, this is only the beginning.