Henkel, grad programmes and a career in sustainability and data

Giovanna Ragusa, now a sustainability and data analytics strategy lead at Henkel, discusses her career journey and the transformative impact of Henkel's Chaingers Operations and Supply Chain trainee programme. Starting out in materials engineering, Ragusa chose to participate in the programme due to its diverse experiences, including hands-on factory operations, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, leadership and project management training, and rotations across various departments.

She describes the programme as an "incredibly valuable learning opportunity," as it allows trainees to work on a wide range of topics, from process improvements to productivity increase and waste reduction. Ragusa's favorite part of the job is problem-solving, investigating root causes of issues, and collaborating with people from different functions and backgrounds.

At the beginning of the programme, focus is placed on learning about the company and understanding its operations, while gaining experience in Lean Six Sigma and supporting other initiatives. As the programme progresses, trainees are given more responsibility and ownership of projects, working closely with site managers and senior leaders. In the final six months, each trainee takes on a dedicated project sponsored by a senior leader, increasing their exposure to senior stakeholders and their level of responsibility.

Through the programme, Ragusa developed a broad skillset, including project ownership, accountability, project management, stakeholder management, agility, and resilience. She acknowledges that projects don't always go according to plan, requiring adaptability and resilience when challenges arise. Despite the challenges, Ragusa emphasizes that the programme is a valuable opportunity for career development, opening up various career paths and helping individuals understand their strengths and interests.

She recommends the programme for anyone looking to accelerate their career and gain exposure to different areas of a business.