Exploring Mélanie’s Journey through different functions and countries

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your current role in the Mondelez Taste The Future Junior Management Program?

Hi! I am Mélanie Enning, part of the “Taste The Future - Junior Management Program (JUMP)” at Mondelēz International (MDLZ). I am currently in my third and last rotation as a Junior Sales Communication Manager. I coordinate all internal key sales communication forums and develop in-store materials in alignment with our Shopper and Consumer Insights principles.

After completing my bachelor's degree in business administration and my master's in economics, both with a focus on behavioral economics, I started my career with MDLZ in 2022 in the Human Resources department in Bremen, Germany, as HR Intern. This led to the opportunity to take on the role as Junior People Lead as part of the JUMP Program, where I was the HR business partner for the Field Sales function in Germany. During my second rotation, I had the chance to move to Vienna, leading the Austrian Commercial Human Resources department on an interim base before returning to Bremen to join the Perfect Store & Sales Communication team.

What motivated you to move from the Human Resources department to a different function?

At MDLZ, our people are always at the heart of everything we do and the driving force behind our company’s growth. Therefore, working in HR over the last two years has been the most exciting, challenging, and enriching experience I have had so far. After changing my environment by moving from Germany to Austria while staying in our HR department, I felt it was time to change my perspective on business processes. For this reason, I decided to take a cross-functional step into the broader sales organization to get a more holistic view and extend my end-to-end business understanding.

What was the biggest challenge in switching fields during the program?

Transitioning to a new field can be daunting because you move from something known and comfortable to something unfamiliar and uncertain. The biggest challenge was starting from scratch with functional knowledge. I no longer had a deep familiarity with processes, workflows, and decision-making procedures. One thing that helped me during this time of ambiguity was being patient with myself and focusing on growth rather than perfection. Making mistakes and learning from them is part of the transition process and of the program.

Overall, it can sometimes feel like you're taking a step back, but this path helps you take ten steps forward and discover new, unexpected strengths and skills.

How did mentors, managers, and colleagues help you during this transition?

My former and current managers have always supported me on my professional journey - their inspiration, motivation, and emotional support have given me the confidence to navigate these changes and insecurities successfully. However, my network of colleagues and mentors has also been a great source of support for me in adapting to a new country or function. I have always been encouraged to reflect on myself, develop new skills and capabilities and explore new ideas and approaches. This support network, which I encourage every JUMPee to build by proactively reaching out to others, was a crucial building block in the transition between my rotations.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do at Mondelēz?

I am really enjoying the experience of coaching and developing my team. The culture here is very collaborative, but also very organised and process driven. The strategy and goals are clear, you know your piece in the puzzle, which means everyone is accountable for delivering their part. This makes challenging times easier, with multiple people to lean on and bounce ideas off to identify solutions to problems. Overall the culture of Mondelēz is fun and enjoyable.

How did the rotational aspect of the program contribute to your career change?

The rotational aspect of the program encourages you to think outside the box: How would you like to shape your career path? In which function or role is the biggest overlap with your skills and interests? Where do you see the potential for development? How does a different country and culture affect your working environment? The Taste The Future – Junior Management Program and its necessary rotations has helped me to explore these questions and learn more about myself and my career aspirations.

How has this transition shaped your career aspirations?

This transition has revealed new facets of my personality, interests, and skills. I am still undecided about where these discoveries will take me. Still, I can confidently say that this experience has broadened my career perspective in ways I had not considered before.

What advice would you give to future Taste The Future – Junior Management Program trainees considering a career shift?

It can feel overwhelming and intimidating to step out of your comfort zone, but growth and personal development come from taking on new challenges. If you are considering a career change, I suggest focusing on the potential best outcome and the new opportunities that will result. Be courageous and take the chance!