Building a Career in Category Insights at Mondelēz International

Thursday, June 25, 2026

I joined Mondelēz International as a Junior Analyst and quickly expanded my role, mastering Nielsen analysis, preparing client-ready recommendations, and leading a Category Workshop from end to end. Navigating tight delivery schedules, embracing constant change, and discovering the rewards of market-facing store checks and hands-on retail collaboration is how I make MDLZ insightful.

Tell us about yourself and your role at Mondelēz International. How long have you been here now and what’s your memorable experience so far?

I joined Mondelēz International in September 2024 as a Junior Analyst in the Category Management Team supporting Sales. Before this, I was a marketing specialist at another US corporation, but in a much smaller setup (at least in Poland), where my responsibilities were broader and less specialized. Moving to Mondelēz gave me the chance to go deeper. My core work revolves around analyzing Nielsen data, preparing reports, and supporting Category Managers in their day-to-day decisions.

Through these almost 2 years, my role has grown significantly. I've learned so much from my teammates and managers, gradually taking on more complex analyses and preparing recommendations for our clients. But my most memorable experience, without a doubt, has been creating a Category Workshop entirely on my own and presenting it, both online and in person, to our clients. That was a defining moment for me in this role.

How would you explain your role to someone who has never heard about Category & Customer Insights before?

I would say that the main objective of the Category & Customer Insights Team is to support our Key Account Managers. We provide them with expertise in category overview, tracking new products, new brands, and manufacturers in the market, as well as identifying trends. Moreover, we are responsible for preparing reports and in-depth analyses when something is not going according to plan, digging into the root cause, whether that's a return on units, pricing, or competitors being more effective in that space. We also prepare category workshops that help KAMs introduce our NPDs and product insights to our clients, along with shelf-stacking recommendations that best reflect the segments and categories and drive sales.

What challenges have you identified during your journey? And likewise, what makes it fun and fulfilling?

The biggest challenge for me has been adapting to change, whether due to team transitions or shifting priorities. In a fast-paced environment, I've had to learn how to stay grounded when multiple analyses are urgent or when project assumptions evolve. Right now I'm working on a very challenging project that pushes me beyond my usual responsibilities. For the first time, we're collaborating closely with a retail partner to restructure their category layout in sweet biscuits. Although there's still much work to do, I believe that once the project is complete I'll be proud of myself and consider it a real achievement.

How would you describe Mondelēz culture?

I would describe the atmosphere and culture here at Mondelēz International as very welcoming. People are kind, helpful, and genuinely supportive of one another. I feel like my work is valued here. I feel seen and recognized for my inputs and contributions. What also surprises me is how grateful my managers are for my work, even for the everyday things that are simply part of my role, they always take the time to personally say thank you for a job well done.

What is your message/recommendation for those building a career in Category & Customer Insights?

My message would be simple: just do your job the best you can. Talk to your superiors about where you see yourself in the future, what you would like to try, and what among your duties no longer satisfies you or has become repetitive. Perhaps you could do them less often, or they are no longer necessary? I am sure you and your manager will work out the best solution. I feel very appreciated and seen in my team by my supervisors. I took on responsibilities outside my job description because I felt supported by the team and my manager, and I knew that I could handle them. I intend to continue working with the same dedication, precision, and smile as before.

What’s one thing about your work that no one knows about? Any fun facts or stories you can share?

I appreciate how much effort everyone puts into their work, whether it's the files they share or the presentations they create, it doesn’t always show. Our timelines after Nielsen data deliveries are tight, and because different categories follow different schedules, even a one-day delay in refreshing data can create a big backlog.

What I enjoy most are the team store checks. They are a great way to stay connected to the market and test new competitor products firsthand. Occasionally we run into challenges; for example, uncooperative store managers or a pool car breaking down on a Friday afternoon. These moments are part of the job and teach us to be resourceful and adaptable.

Overall, the role gives me direct market exposure and practical problem-solving experiences that make the work both demanding and rewarding.