Although the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry isn’t for everyone (it’s incredibly competitive), one thing can’t be denied: It’s a popular industry among graduates. Case in point, five FMCG companies (Nestlé, Unilever and P&G among them) were present in the annual Singapore 100 Leading Graduate Employers Survey 2021 conducted by GTI Media Singapore (S100 Survey).
There are many reasons why the FMCG industry is so popular among graduates, among them the fast-paced work and innovation that are direct results of stiff competition between companies (it’s practically an open secret that large companies like The Coca Cola Company and The Body Shop control almost the entire global economy).
So, if you’re a graduate in the middle of exploring your options, take a look at these reasons why the FMCG industry may be the one for you.
Diversity of roles available
Some background info: Because the FMCG industry produces necessities from body wash to detergents, there’s a wide range of roles available for graduates to explore. Although most areas of work need unique or different set of skills and expertise – such as health and safety and research and development, there are more “general” roles available in areas like sales, distribution and logistics.
In other words, whether you’ll be graduating with a degree in engineering, business, or arts and humanities, there’ll be job opportunities for you in the FMCG industry!
Fun fact: Due to the nature of FMCG companies (major companies are large international behemoths), some roles may require work placements and relocation abroad. Even if you don’t get the chance to travel and work in another country, it’s common in the industry to work alongside international colleagues. So, on top of finding a diverse range of work in this industry, you can also expect to find individuals from various backgrounds and cultures within your company of choice!
Fast-paced and innovative work environment
Some background info: Direct and stiff competition between companies means that innovation is the name of the game if the goal is to keep consumers engaged and loyal (or they’ll just hop off to the next company; products share shelves in grocery stores). Companies in this industry need to continually come up with fresh ideas to continue attracting customers, as well as fulfil their requirements to present ones by meeting their needs (that are constantly evolving with changing standards of living). As a result, even if new products aren’t in the offing, companies need to continuously upgrade existing offerings.
Fun fact: FMCG businesses can’t afford to stagnate if they want to remain competitive and relevant. Thus, everyone in the company is required to play their part, whether it’s research and development, pushing new products to consumers, or even just ensuring the supply chain is running smoothly. Expect not one dull moment in FMCG as the industry strives to continually stock shelves worldwide full of their products.
The opportunity to work with renowned names and brands
Some background info: As mentioned, the FMCG industry is an integral part of everyday life, from household goods, beverages and even cosmetics. Leveraging on this, companies in the FMCG industry have become the high-profile and global brands they are today. Some brands that are popular across households around the world range from Kraft Heinz and Johnson & Johnson, to L'Oréal and The Coca-Cola Company.
Fun fact: Landing a job in the FMCG industry may give you some bragging rights among friends and family – the equivalent of working for a large FMCG company is like working for Visa in the financial services sector. But more importantly, working for a company in the FMCG industry will provide a significant boost to your resume.
Growth and development (resulting in career progression)
Some background info: Due to the amount of resources FMCG companies typically have access to, they’re able to offer graduate hires excellent platforms to grow and develop, whether through graduate training programmes (where new graduate hires are rotated through different departments), or upskilling and reskilling courses upon becoming a full-fledged employee.
Things also happen quickly in both the FMCG industry and FMCG companies, so you’ll be able to put your new skills to the test fast, and work on climbing the career ladder!
Fun fact: FMCG companies are well-known for investing in employees. You can leverage the support and opportunities provided to continue learning and growing in ways that will set you up for long-term success!
You’ll be making a difference
Some background info: Remember the third point where we stated that products FMCG companies manufacture are integral to daily life? (Can you imagine a life without toothbrushes and toothpaste?! Or mornings without a cup of 3-in-1 coffee?). In the FMCG industry, you’ll have the chance to make a direct impact on people’s lives.
Fun fact: Because every person in the world is a consumer, whether of body wash or a can of Coca-Cola (or Sprite), there’ll always be a need for affordable and readily available goods for common consumption. So if you join this industry, you’ll be working to satisfy this demand!
Clearly, there’s a wide range of responsibilities and roles in the FMCG industry for you to explore. So take the chance and think about pursuing a career in the sector – it might just be the one for you!
