Why did you apply for the Danish Crown Graduate Programme?

In these years, we find the world around us undergoing constant disruptive changes at an accelerating rate in all aspects of life - and our consumption habits are no exception, quite the opposite. Growing climate changes and rising consumer awareness on animal welfare pose new needs for what, and how we produce and consume foods, especially in relation to sustainability. Hence, my motivation for applying for the Danish Crown Graduate Program was twofold; feeding the future and doing so in a sustainable manner. For I believe that the most important aspect of change is that it starts within - and what better place to do so, than at a market leading company who have devoted their future strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of meat production.

Moreover, the structure of the program was of great appeal to me with an intensive two-year learning journey, featuring three eight-month rotations allowing for broad exposure across different business units and departments, while interacting with various levels of the organization. Hence, exploring diverse career opportunities and acquiring in-depth knowledge of various areas, while gaining insight into Danish Crown’s integrated and full value chain. The programme is tailored ambitiously on the career track of the individual, with rotations being decided to some extent under the influence of the graduate, leading to very unique career journeys. This also applies in relation to the rotation abroad, in which focus is on the challenges and opportunities faced internationally through the lens of Danish Crown – a rotation which I look very much forward to! Also, focus is on the personal and professional development with ongoing evaluations to build a strong pipeline of potential future leaders to drive the continuously change, in and across the organization.

Your background:

Originating from Poland with German/Polish roots and living in Denmark for the past fourteen years, currently in Aarhus. As a person I am very outgoing, and driven by a natural curiosity, which has been highly advantageous, whether it was when I had to learn Danish and adapt to the culture, living amongst various nationalities and cultures in a dorm during my studies, or my internship across different production sites in Sokolow, Poland. Additionally, it has been beneficially for my first rotation in Group Sustainability at the headquarters in Randers, as this is area of the business is growing immensely these years, requiring high agility and an openness to new knowledge and people.

I hold a MSc in Commercial and Retail Management from Aarhus School of Business and Social Sciences (BSS). The newly launched degree programme, which was co-funded by Danish Crown, provided me with a greater understanding of the challenges faced by the consumer goods industry across the entire value chain. This sparked a natural curiosity and desire for me to take part in solving these complex puzzles in real life. An opportunity which I have been fortunate to get at Danish Crown.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

My first rotation during the programme has been within Group Sustainability, where I have been allocated to the departments of Sustainable Farming, and Sustainable Reporting & Innovation, focusing on the core of the business strategy on sustainability. This is also evident in the pace of both departments, serving as a group function, and therefore facilitating the majority of the business units across the organization.

The fast-paced environment within the departments means that there rarely is a typical day. I am currently involved in a multitude of projects and various tasks serving as an integral part of the group strategy. This allows me to shift between different focus areas and assignments sharing the commonality of supporting our journey towards a sustainable future. There is always something new going on, and rarely a dull moment.

Although, no two days are alike, one thing is certain for sure, I am constantly learning by challenges that defy my knowledge and improve my skills.

What is the best project or task you have worked with so far?

Being only a couple of months into my first rotation in Group Sustainability, the best project I have worked on so far, has been focusing on Friland, and how to incorporate the aspects of biodiversity into the telling of the brand. Part of this project has revolved around conducting sustainability workshops with farmers, while working along with scientists researching within the field of biodiversity. The project has required many of the skills I believe to hold, and allowed me to acquire even more, especially on project- and stakeholder management. Also, the involvement of a commercial aspect has been exiting, as my educational background is founded amongst other on retail strategy and innovation, and consumer behaviour. This also allows one to see the value of the effort from initiation to execution.

What skills make a good Danish Crown graduate?

With the programme allowing for very unique career journeys the most important skills of a Danish Crown graduate include; the ability to adapt, the willingness to learn, and the eagerness to make a difference.

Since each rotation only has a duration of eight months, it is critical that you adapt to the constant changes in your surroundings, even if this means stepping out of you comfort zone. The learning curve is steep, so you have to pay attention and expect to have little or even no knowledge on the subjects. But as long you are curious, asking questions, and take time to listen to the answers, you are on the right pave. Lastly, be prepared to make a difference, it is expected that you take responsibility and act on what you say. Remember, the change needs to start within!

What was it like being a new employee at Danish Crown?

Overwhelming in the most positive way, one could think of! The implementation of the new strategy is rooted in every aspect of the organization, and it is amazing to experience the enthusiasm and pride shared by all my new colleagues. It is impossible not to be affected even more than I was before I started in the job. Especially, my colleagues and the collegiality have been focal for my start as a graduate in Danish Crown, as I have been well received in my department, and the ‘We’ culture is clearly prominent in everything we do and how we work.

How do you experience the community among you fellow graduates?

Despite coming from different backgrounds both educationally and culturally, it is obvious that we all are share the ambition on creating a more sustainable future. Especially, the diversity of the group brings different perspectives and ways of observing things into the conversations we are having. The group dynamic is great and the respect amongst each other is greatly valued, as it allows for the sharing of experiences and advice across the group, also in a non-professional manner.

What is the best thing about working/being a graduate at Danish Crown?

The best part about working as a graduate at Danish Crown? The versatility of the tasks that I have been assigned during my first months in the organization, whether it has been to gather and structure ESG key figures for the Sustainable Reporting & Innovation department, facilitate a biodiversity workshop revolving around our Friland farmers’, or stand on a field surrounded by livestock somewhere in West Jutland. In settling whether this has to be attributed to the fact that I am new in the organization, or that no two days are alike at Danish Crown, I am certain it has to be the latter.

Tell us something that others might not know about you?

Although I love when the sun is shining and the weather is warm, one of my favourite seasons of the year is autumn. For during autumn, the forest floors are filled with various fungi, some more delicate than others. The joy of walking in the woods following light rain is nearly incomparable to anything else during the season - that should however be to gather lots of different mushrooms for preservation. That is cultural heritage from my Polish ancestry which I hold very dear.

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