Stephanie Brown
BA (Hons) 2:1, Management Studies, University of Nottingham
Joined ICI Paints in 2006
Currently an E-Marketing Projects Manager in ICI Paints, Slough
Where did you first hear about a graduate career with ICI?
I first saw ICI on the ICI grads website. As soon as I saw the format of the EGDP, I thought it looked too good an opportunity to miss out on. Comparing the scheme to many others 'on the market' this course looked very comprehensive, developing your skills and needs as you progress through the company. So far, these courses have proven both very useful and (surprisingly for a course!) really good fun.
What have been the most and least satisfying challenges to date?
Project Vista, which is a UK marketing innovation project, is probably the most and least satisfying experience for me to date.
It's satisfying as it has given commercial graduates like myself the opportunity to develop and design ideas that could potentially make it into the mainstream DIY (or non DIY) markets. We've had the opportunity to really show the business, and very senior management within it, what we are made of and that we are not to be ignored!
However, on top of my job this has been really stressful at times. It has really tested my time management skills, presentation ability, and the relationship we have as a team to the max! Having said this, I feel that had I not been given the opportunity to participate in such an important project, I wouldn't have had the experience of perfecting skills such as time and project management which are vital to my job.
What do you like and dislike about your role/working for ICI?
I like the ability to be able to explore the global market that ICI operates in. I find it very interesting to know how different markets operate, how they make decisions, evaluating their marketing strategies, learning about their cultures, language, values, and attitudes to DIY etc. When I applied for ICI I didn't realise that it was such a global company, and I love learning about the impact our products and brands have all over the world.
The thing that I find most frustrating about my job is getting to grips with all of the business processes. There are so many things that we have to learn that sometimes it feels a little overwhelming. This is true of any global business.
I have also had the opportunity to be included in the 2007 "Graduate Network Committee". The role of the committee is to facilitate networking and social functions specifically for the graduate community within ICI. I find that it is very useful to have such a network, especially if you have a problem or need some help, there is always a fellow grad that might be able to sympathise with your position and give you some help.
What's next for you?
As I am in a marketing position currently, I have the opportunity to now move on to a sales role from September. I am really looking forward to experiencing another point of view, as I think this will be very useful in my personal development and career progression.
As for the next five years, I need to think about this a bit more! I have always been really interested in marketing and branding, but I also have a bit of a creative side to my personality, so I think I'd like the chance to develop this a little more. I'm thinking that a role working with colour, colour help and collateral, point of sale and merchandising might be good for me. There is definitely plenty of things I would like to be doing here at ICI for me to utilise these skills.
One thing that I like about the scheme is the emphasis on career development. The HR department involved in the grad scheme actively help develop your long term plans and vision for your future, along with line managers and mentors.
I'm frequently asked to think about what I like, don't like, what would I like to do, what wouldn't I like to do, what will I be doing in 2 years/5 years, what I have learned in my role so far etc. so that when the time comes for me to make a decision about my future direction I'm better prepared.
Personally, I am rubbish at making decisions, because I'm so indecisive so having someone sit down and make me think about where I want my career to be heading really helps me. I would encourage anyone to really start thinking about these questions so that you can get more of a sense of direction.
