What initially drew you to apply for the Carlsberg Graduate Programme, and how did you know it was the right fit for you?
Carlsberg’s international presence, diverse product portfolio, and its significant role in the Danish business landscape were factors that initially attracted me to apply for the Carlsberg Graduate program. I’ve always been drawn to organizations that have a global outlook and a clear impact on their industry, and Carlsberg fits that description perfectly. What truly set Carlsberg apart was the structure of the graduate program itself. The opportunity to rotate through various departments meant I could gain hands-on experience across different functions, which is incredibly valuable early in my career. This exposure has given me a deeper understanding of how a global company operates and has confirmed that joining Carlsberg was not just a career move but the perfect fit for my ambitions and curiosity.
Can you describe your first impression of Carlsberg’s culture when you joined? Has anything surprised you since then?
Carlsberg’s culture is truly unique! You know the product, and you quickly learn that you are not only selling beer and soft drinks – you are selling experiences!
The atmosphere is vibrant and collaborative, where colleagues share genuine enthusiasm for both the products and the impact they have on consumers. Every event, every campaign, and every conversation revolves around creating memorable moments for people around the world. This focus on delivering experiences rather than just beverages fosters a sense of pride and purpose within the organization.
Carlsberg’s culture encourages innovation and openness, which allows employees to bring their authentic selves to work and contribute new ideas. The company’s celebration of diversity and global perspective means you’re constantly learning from others, and there’s a strong support network that inspires you to grow both professionally and personally.
What has been your most exciting project or challenge so far, and what did you learn from it?
CE&L is constantly working on exciting international projects! One of the most exciting projects I have been a part of is the roll-out of Copilot across CE&L, which has played a pivotal role in shaping the AI agenda for our organization. This initiative was not just a technical deployment, it was a strategic transformation that required collaboration across multiple functions within CE&L, as well as extensive engagement with different departments and markets outside of CE&L!
Through this project, I had the opportunity to work closely with colleagues from IT, marketing, and operations, as well as partners from regions across Western Europe and Asia. What made this experience particularly impactful was seeing how a shared vision for innovation could unite teams from different backgrounds. We were all focused on leveraging AI to improve efficiency, unlock new consumer insights, and ultimately create better experiences for our customers. The project fostered a spirit of openness and learning; I was able to contribute my ideas, learn from others, and develop a stronger appreciation for the global reach and diversity of CE&L.
How does the rotational structure help you grow your career? Which rotation has had the biggest impact on you?
The four rotations within the Carlsberg Graduate program offer an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in a range of departments across the organization, granting a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations from multiple perspectives. This structure is particularly beneficial at the beginning of your career, as it enables you to explore different functions, such as marketing, supply chain, sales, and more, while interacting with teams from diverse backgrounds and regions. By experiencing these varied environments firsthand, you gain valuable insight into how each part of the business contributes to Carlsberg’s global success. This not only helps clarify your own professional interests and strengths but also sparks inspiration by exposing you to innovative ideas, collaborative projects, and best practices from across the enterprise.
Above all, be ready to become part of what just might be the best company in the world!
Carlsberg is a truly global company. Have you had the chance to collaborate across borders or functions? What was that like?
Given CE&L’s presence across more than 80 markets, the organization naturally operates on a truly global scale. This expansive reach means that cross-border projects are not only common but essential to the way CE&L drives innovation and delivers value. Working in such an international environment exposes you to a broad spectrum of cultures, business practices, and consumer preferences, providing a unique opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from around the world. This kind of international exposure is invaluable, it enhances your cultural intelligence, sharpens your problem-solving skills, and fosters a spirit of openness and curiosity that is vital for both personal and professional growth.
Throughout my time in the Carlsberg Graduate program, I have found that these international experiences are at the core of what makes the program so rewarding. The chance to participate in cross-functional teams, contribute to projects that have a global impact, and learn from peers in diverse markets has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of the business and developing my leadership skills.
How would you describe the support and mentorship you’ve received from managers or peers during the programme?
My first impression of Carlsberg’s culture was shaped by the supportive role of managers and the strong emphasis on mentorship. From the start, leaders encouraged collaboration and made themselves available for guidance, fostering an environment where learning and growth were prioritized. The mentorship I received helped me quickly integrate, while managers actively celebrated team successes and nurtured individual development.
What truly surprised me after joining was the level of trust and autonomy given to new employees. I found that new perspectives are not only welcomed but actively encouraged. This openness to new ideas fosters an innovative environment where you feel empowered to take initiative and drive projects forward, even early in your career.
What advice would you give to students considering applying to the Carlsberg Graduate Programme?
My biggest piece of advice is to truly be yourself, as cliché as it sounds. Carlsberg’s culture thrives on authenticity and encourages everyone to bring their genuine selves to work. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and take initiative; your individuality is an asset at Carlsberg.
Alongside authenticity, maintain a spirit of curiosity. The Carlsberg Graduate program is designed to expose you to a wide variety of experiences, departments, and cultures. Approach every challenge and rotation with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Ask questions, seek feedback, and look for opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. The more curious and eager you are to engage, the more you’ll gain from the program.
Above all, be ready to become part of what just might be the best company in the world! Carlsberg offers an inspiring, supportive, and dynamic environment where you’ll be surrounded by passionate colleagues from all over the globe. You’ll have the chance to work on impactful projects and develop skills that will serve you throughout your career!
