Graduates who are naturally curious and ready to embrace change are welcome at Imperial Tobacco.
Imperial Tobacco is a world-renowned fast-moving consumer goods company which employs over 33,000 people. The company operates within a highly regulated and competitive environment and has adopted a focused strategy designed to help them achieve big ambitions and overcome challenges.
Simon Perry, HR graduate at Imperial Tobacco, says the company looks for graduates who are curious and creative, and who are ready to bring a collaborative approach to dealing with obstacles.
"We use our employer branding phrase 'Bring it on!' with the onus being on our employees to bring on the challenge," he says. "We take pride in what we do and how we do it. Acting responsibly and with integrity has helped us create and sustain a successful business."
Ross Kean, a Finance graduate, says applicants should be prepared for the 'Bring it on!' approach.
"Always be ready for a challenge. That is apparent every day," he says. "In my role, I deal with people in over fifty different countries and it can be challenging to convey quite difficult accounting treatments to someone who doesn't have English as a second or even third language."
"The size of the organisation, and its complexity, makes closing the books on time a challenge."
As an international tobacco business, Imperial Tobacco works within a highly regulated industry. The company believes that the decision to enjoy tobacco products is a right of choice for adults, and advocates for governments and public health authorities around the world to provide clear and consistent messages about the health risks of smoking.
"Imperial Tobacco has a good stance on its ethics," Ross says. "It was something I noticed when I was researching for the position."
The company also takes corporate social responsibility very seriously. Simon says part of Imperial Tobacco's approach is to aim for a positive impact on the markets in which they operate.
"We have a comprehensive corporate social responsibility programme. This includes the work we do with local charities," he says.
"In a graduate's second year with the business, they will go out and support a local charity half a day a week. For example, I worked with a charity in Bristol, Hartcliffe & Withywood Ventures, and supported a class to improve literacy skills."
The graduate schemes available at Imperial Tobacco really embody the organisation's 'Bring it on!' philosophy. Simon says there are several specific features of the opportunities which make them unique.
"Firstly, it is a real job," he says. "From the research we've done in the industry, there can be a lot of hand holding and graduates are not given the kind of trust or responsibility they would receive from day one at Imperial Tobacco."
"The second is that you get access to senior leaders. It is not the case of working in your own silo, you are working and interacting with decision makers and getting the chance to influence them with your recommendations."
Simon says the programme also has a strong support network.
"The company embraces an open, supportive and collaborative culture - which is great for graduates. You can access anyone in the company to ask for advice or guidance. For example, as a graduate in HR, I'm fortunate in sitting next to the heads of resourcing, learning & development, talent and leadership development. Everyone is very happy to help with your personal development"
Ross found the support useful when taking on work at such a large organisation.
"From day one you are given real responsibilities and daily duties," he says. "You are immediately immersed in the culture of the company when you start."
"When I first came in it was a huge step up. The volume of work that you're dealing with is huge, but my manager really took responsibility for me and helped me along the way. He was happy for me to shadow and watch what he was doing and how he deals with queries."
The supportive culture and access to experienced professionals have allowed Ross to fulfil his potential at Imperial Tobacco. He says opportunities with the company are limitless if you're ready to take things head on.
"If you like a challenge and don't mind being pushed to your limits, then come and work here. If there is anything you want to do, you will be given the chance to do it. This is such a big company, they can offer so many opportunities for so many different people."