From studying Engineering to analysing Big Data
I started out studying Mechanical and Electrical engineering at the University of Bath. Through this I discovered how valuable insights can be easily generated using AI and ML techniques on big data sets. I wanted to further my knowledge in this area whilst also gaining key leadership competences. This is what motivated me to apply to the Mars Leadership Experience Graduate Scheme (formally the Business & Technology Leadership Progamme).
While in my first year of this scheme I am working within Mars Digital Technologies looking at how Mars can leverage breakthrough technologies in order to solve business problems. This has given me an opportunity to further my knowledge in the ML space whilst also performing the role of a project manager and gaining confidence at leading a team.
I use breakthrough technology to solve critical business problems
Within my current position I have had experience in both managing projects from initiation through to deployment as well as performing analysis on big data in order to gain insights. Through this I have advanced my knowledge in various programming languages (R & Python) as well as my understanding of machine learning algorithms and how to implement these.
Through the project management aspect of my role I have had to develop in conflict management, stakeholder management and dealing with ambiguity in order to lead a team to a successful delivery of the capability.
Both of the above areas will be valuable as I progress further in my career.
The freedom to learn and then use these learnings to contribute
In my current role I have freedom to pursue new learnings that I believe will enable me to make valuable contributions within the team. So far these learnings have been by upskilling myself in programming languages that enable me to manipulate data sets and either generate insights or automate existing processes. I find this highly rewarding as I've not only learnt new skills but I've then used these skills to make valuable contributions to the company that others will also benefit from.
A passion to learn ensures your values align with the 5 principles
The culture at Mars is heavily influenced by the 5 principles it was built on, if your personal values are aligned with these principles and the decisions you make reflect this everyone at Mars would support you when making these decisions.
Having a passion for learning both in terms of functional knowledge and personal development is key to a successful career at Mars. As a Mars Associate, personal development is something that everyone focuses on, the culture here enables you to push yourself and grow if you have the drive to do so.
Functional learning is also very important, having a willingness to learn new techniques, new processes and new ways of working is key to success within any team.
I took an ML application, improved it and deployed it across regions
For one project I worked on, I was tasked with taking an application that was developed for use in a single region and quantifying the benefits it could bring as well as the applicability to various other regions.
I worked with internal experts globally to get their feedback on this application and then, using this feedback, made improvements to the application myself by teaching myself how to program in the given language. I then took this improved application and gave it to the various regions that allows them to more easily conform to internal nutrition standards.
