Bega Group

I’ve been with the Bega Group for just over two and a half months, and I’ve felt very welcomed as a new starter. I loved the idea of working for a big Australian brand which was part of my initial attraction to the business, and I love to support Australians. The company values really resonate, and I love them too! Early on I already find that I’m enjoying not only being connected to the food but making changes for the better. 

I’d describe the Bega Group as direct, innovative and supportive. Direct, because it is fast-paced and to the point, if something is or isn’t working you are going to find out very quickly. Innovative, as you can think of very creative ways to fix different problems. I feel very supported not only by my team but the company as a whole, everyone wants you to do well and is willing to help you achieve that.  

As a Graduate Engineer within the RISE Graduate Program, I'm given the opportunity to learn/try different parts of the business to be able to find the aspects that I enjoy the most. I get to expand my knowledge of the broader company rather than just one small part of the company. I can grow and learn within my role with the support of my wider team around me, it is a win-win.  

When I think about our purpose "Creating Great Food For a Better Future ", for me it is making a product that is sustainable. In addition, having the food be something you want to buy, not just because you work for the business that helps create it but because it is actually nice to eat. Something people might not realise about the Group is how important it is to the company to remain Australian and how important the farmers are to the company. We know we can't function or produce the products without them, and we appreciate all the blood, sweat and tears that goes into such hard work. 

For others looking to develop themselves further I think I’d ask yourself the question, how can I improve and understand what you can do and what your employer can provide on the journey by way of support. For those considering a career at the Bega Group, I was most surprised by just how versatile the business is and how many different roles can come together. Even within my team we all do very different things but still can come together and help out each other out.

Why did you join the Bega Graduate program? 

I was in my penultimate year when I had the opportunity to join Bega for a short internship. Although I was quite sceptical about the food industry and had the typical chemical engineering mindset of ending up in oil and gas, I tried to be open-minded and to my shock, I thoroughly enjoyed those three months. I had the pleasure of visiting four different processing facilities during that short period and got a front seat to how Australia’s favourite breakfast spread (Vegemite) is made! When Bega offered me a role in the graduate program, I knew that I wanted to be a part of a company that’s growing, open to new ideas, and full of new opportunities. Aside from taking pride in our trademark products, I still find it amusing that I can go to almost any supermarket in Australia (and even overseas sometimes) and able to spot a new Bega product on the shelves almost every time!   

What did you find most valuable about your time in the graduate program?

To me, the most valuable aspect of the graduate program was the opportunity to learn without the pressure of disappointing others in the business. Bega has this fail-fast (and learn from it) culture that is taken one step further for the graduates where most people around me wanted me to know how it was all right to fail and that it was expected that a graduate will learn through their mistakes. That gave me the confidence to try new things and maximise my learning during the grad program.

Additionally, my colleagues were very supportive and approachable, making it easy to learn from them whenever I encountered something difficult and needed a second opinion. A “no pressure” work environment was probably the most valuable aspect of my grad program followed by easy access to my experienced colleagues’/mentors’ time.

What has been one of your proudest achievements whilst in the graduate program?

I had two big highlights during my graduate program. In my first rotation with R&D, I supported the development of a few products, and seeing one of them on the shelves at Coles was a special moment. However, my proudest achievement was leading the engineer of a capital project to mass-produce one of my R&D bench-scale products.

What advice do you have for those starting out in the workforce?

• Go into a new role with an open mind – it can lead to exciting opportunities.
• Get in the habit of putting your hand up for opportunities, you are responsible for your development.
• When you can do a role with your “eyes closed”, it’s time for a new challenge!
• Most importantly exercise “above the line behaviour” every day.

The Bega graduate program has been a wonderful experience and a great way to kick start my career. I've been a part of this program for 6 months now and have enjoyed each and every day.

My first rotation has been a mix of the Sales and eCommerce, with this I've been able to experience a wide range of projects, present in meetings, learn key skills, and understand what my future career path may look like. This experience has been invaluable to me as I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do or where my future was headed. Through the graduate program, I've experienced so many different areas of the business and been supported by so many, that I feel equipped to take the next step in my career with confidence.

My advice for others wanting to grow their career at Bega Group

The single piece of advice I'd give for those looking to grow their career at Bega is have a crack. Everyone I've worked with has been so supportive and understanding. As a new graduate, I was worried about making sure I was always doing things right and stressed about getting it wrong. My key learning is that the support network and culture of the business is such that as long as you try your best, you'll be rewarded. No one is expected to be perfect, and between your team, your leader, and the business's culture, you're given every chance and plenty of feedback to help do it better next time.

My advice is, this is a business that rewards effort. If you're excited to try, they're excited to support you.

The best bits about Bega Group

• The opportunities are endless. Whether you want to upskill yourself, try your hand at logistics, or help run a retailer activation event. If you put your hand up, you'll be involved.
• The culture of learning. People at Bega are keen to teach and excited to learn. My first 6 months has been nothing but questions but each and every one has been answered with a smile and a helping hand. This is something that, as a new graduate, has been invaluable.
• The people. It's a classic trope to say the people you work with are the best in the world. At Bega, I promise you it's true. The way you're embraced from day 1 is like running into old friends and family. It really helped me settle in and feel welcomed.

Stepping into Bega Group as a project engineer, I've had an exciting and accelerated learning journey. The 'RISE' graduate program immediately set me up for success, boosting networking opportunities and creating a strong connection with the graduate cohort across the business. I've been welcomed quickly into the engineering team and immersed in real projects, encouraged to make decisions and tangible changes. 

The program's rotations across the business is something I am excited to explore in the coming months. The business has such a wide range of projects, products and business operations that getting to experience these over 8 months at 3 different rotations will help me develop a wider variety of skills than I thought possible. 

Advice on growing your career at Bega Group

Despite the many moving parts of the business, everyone from all business units, sites and teams are willing to help in any way possible. Making the connections needed to learn about challenges, past wins and future ideas is easy and creates a culture of belonging. Despite only being in the business for five months, I feel I have developed many connections, and I will be able to lean on them to help grow my career at Bega. 

The best bits about Bega Group

Being an Australian-owned company means that there is a very direct connection to the business values. There is a passion for the business purpose "Creating Great Food for a Better Future". Everyone at the business is dedicated to the fantastic brands, and there is a very real connection to the products being created every day across the network. Some of the best moments in my time at Bega Group so far have been when colleagues from across many teams come together to drive a project forward because of this passion.

Starting my career with Bega Group through the RISE Graduate Program has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Over the past five months, I’ve felt genuinely supported in making the transition from university to full-time corporate life. 

I love that the graduate program allows you to rotate through 3 different positions within the business. As someone who is still exploring what my ideal career looks like, this structure provides first-hand exposure to various teams, projects and working styles. Therefore, helping me along my journey of career discovery, as I start to understand where my strengths and interests lie.

Through on the job learning, workplace training, 1:1 mentoring, site excursions and formal programs such as #heartLEADER, this graduate program strengthens both your technical and interpersonal capabilities. Therefore shaping graduates into a well-rounded, diverse and valuable asset to any community.

Advice on growing your career at Bega

If you're interested in growing a career with Bega Group, my biggest piece of advice would be to embrace an open mindset and saying yes to any opportunity, even if it is something unexpected or out of your comfort zone.

These experiences often lead to unexpected growth, development of unique skills and valuable workplace connections. Plus, you might discover something new about yourself along the way!

There are many ways to get involved beyond your core role with working groups focused on diversity, equity & inclusion, social events, wellbeing, safety streams, and many more.

The Best Bits about Bega Group

Firstly, it's really special working for an organisation that produces such iconic Australian brands that many of us have grown up with. It’s easy to feel passionate and motivated at work when you're contributing to products you genuinely consume and love. I still get excited seeing our products at my local grocery store!

But above all, the best part about Bega Group is its strong sense of community. The culture here encourages cross-collaboration, growth and internal career development. People genuinely care for you and want to help you succeed. Opportunities such as short-term secondments and regular communications on internal opportunities encourage progression both vertically and horizontally throughout the business.