Job Title: Business Analyst, Jell-O
Location: Rye Brook, NY
Submitted on: 25-May-04
|
|
Job Title |
Workplace
Survey |
| Business Analyst, Jell-O |
Overall, I truly enjoyed my experience with Kraft. I came in fairly
entry level (and left the same way), but held one of the more sought
after positions in brand finance. Since leaving and joining other
firms, I have yet to experience the level of intelligence I was
surrounded by. The pace was fast, and I worked long hours on many
occasions. They want people with a real commitment and willingness to
work with and support the team concept. Once you know your job well
and are identified as a candidate for movement in the organization, you
can get away with normal hours and the so-called flex schedules you
hear about.
The Desserts and Snacks division was consolidated with Beverages, so
there was a lot of reorganization in the time I spent with Kraft. Many
people I worked with who are still with the company were there from the
start. The people that seem to come and go are only there for two
years tops. One would begin to think that the people that start at the
bottom of the barrel (first job) and stick with it begin to promote
each other at mid-management. Those who manage to get hired in a
higher levels don't last as long. That's the company bureaucracy
speaking.
Diversity is very good. But, I did notice that it almost appeared that
promotions were handed out to those who were good AND minorities,
almost to prove a point (aka "we're promoting and hiring diverse
employees). I'm not prejudiced, but I had noticed and heard rumors.
Pay is an issue. I don't believe that people with similar job levels
and experience were being paid equally. Another analyst in finance
that ended up leaving shortly after me told me what he was making,
about 12K more than me, a female. We were at the same level, with
roughly the same amount of experience. Food for though: Is it really
based on your previous job pay level or on the market?
Dress code was professional, business casual on Fridays. The office
environment was fantastic, very easy to work in a lovely building with
facilities such as a grand cafeteria, large gym, drycleaning and nail
salon on site. There was even a barber. Of course a credit union and
company store as well. Comradery was good. I really enjoyed the
people I worked with, although there was a bit of competiveness to it
all. I worked fairly independently and had leeway to take initiative
on new projects or ask to be on a specific project.
I worked fairly long hours, mostly because I was new, but during
planning and budgeting phases, it was always about preparing our
budgets and turning them into presentable "decks," which were lengthy
(many brands) and time consuming. I guess that's all part of the job.
Systems were great, although at the time standardization was an issue
across brands. Many brands had their own P&L lines and it often became
difficult to transition to other brands because the Excel based
spreadsheets were so customized. Each brand had it's own issues, so it
was necessary to some extent. I believe this issue was ongoing and
being addressed as best possible.
Opportunities for advancement? Just like any other popularity
contest. You really have to have it all...be intelligent,
outspoken, "schmoozy," a true team player, think off the cuff, offer up
the "right" answer in group meetings, have outside interests, and it
helps if you are also a minority. But seriously, I've seen cross-
fuctional movements, cross-departmental movements and promotions. You
are either identified for succession or not. You'll know it fast
enough, too. So you stay or go.
The brands are exciting, the people have a lot of energy, the work
environment is tops, the hours long and pressure high, but if you're
like me, it all works. I wish I hadn't relocated out of state, or I'd
still be with them (at least I'd hope!).
|
|
Kraft Foods Inc. Interview Surveys
