Meet the Trainee: Will

Meet the Trainee: Will


Why did you decide to apply for MDS?

During my final year at university I was unsure what career path I wanted to pursue. MDS was brought to my attention by a family member and it immediately seemed like a no-brainer. The opportunity to work for four different companies over the two year programme whilst receiving top class training was not something I was going to let pass.

What have your secondments been?

During my time on MDS, I have been very fortunate to work within four completely different companies. I started my experience in Market Research at Kynetec as a Project manager on their syndicated global projects with a focus in Crop Protection. I then moved to Langmead Group. During my six months there, I was given the opportunity to move around the business working with different business functions from growing and harvesting in the fields to business development ventures expanding the customer base into the wholesale markets sector. Aldi UK Head Office was my next stop as a Buying assistant. This involved preparing and awarding tenders, category management and NPD for the Top Fruit category. I am now at Syngenta HQ in Basel. This is my fourth and final secondment. I am working within Global Crop Protection Marketing as a trainee in for the Strategy & Planning team assisting on short and long term projects.

What has been the highlight of your time so far at MDS?

There’s no one single highlight. The networking opportunities have been really useful. Meet the Trainees every six months is a brilliant occasion to do this and it is always good to catch up with ex-colleagues, managers and friends.

What has your biggest learning been?

Getting used to regular change. With every company you meet a completely new group of people and a new work environment. There is also the aspect of getting to know the new surrounding area and different people outside of work.