We’re AB InBev, brewer of some of the world’s best beers, like Stella Artois, Corona and our American brand Budweiser. Read on to find out what our grad, Ben, has learned since he started on our Commercial Management Traineeship.
Honing your entrepreneurial skills
Ben is currently on the Commercial Management Traineeship (CMT) and part of team in London that has exceeded all of their sales targets. He’s using his economics degree – and his proactive, inquisitive nature – to help drive innovation for AB InBev.
Learning on the job
The variety within the CMT is one of its key strengths, says Ben. “AB InBev know the best experience is real life. I’m learning negotiation techniques next week in Belgium while working towards our sales target in London.” And he’s clearly relishing the experience of working with some of the world’s best known beer brands. “It’s tough, but I love what I’m doing. I get to sell products I love to some incredible venues and bars. It’s great.”
Running your own business
“On the CMT, you have to be self-motivated – you’re basically running your own business. There can be a lot of rejection, so you need to be resilient,” he laughs. “But all it does is make the wins so much better. I recently secured a contract for three venues in Camden, in London, and kicked it off with a huge event for Corona. It was such a great feeling.”
Leveraging your experience for others
Ben has put his economics degree to good use and proactively created a tool that’s helping AB InBev to grow their brands. “I saw an opportunity to give us more insight into how each brand is performing across the UK. My manager and I shared our findings with head office and now we’re putting them to use.” It seems like he’s not the only one though. “My team are all proactive and driven – everyone has a passion project and we’re all spurring each other on.”
Dream big, achieve big
“You’ve always got a great team of people supporting and driving you forward. There’s not much we can’t achieve,” he says. And when asked where he wants to be in couple of years, Ben’s quick to answer: “New York! At AB InBev, there are plenty of international opportunities available, it’s just up to me. If you work hard enough you’ll get the rewards.”