Axel, a recent graduate passionate about supply chain, joined AB InBev’s SMT Programme to explore diverse roles in a fast-paced environment. Inspired by the company’s values and culture, they gained hands-on experience, collaborated with operators to drive impactful changes, and worked on high-impact projects that optimized production efficiency. ? Why did you choose to apply for our SMT Programme at AB InBev? I chose to apply for the SMT programme at AB InBev because both the programme and the company aligned with my values and career expectations. First, I wanted to start in the industry in a fast-paced supply chain environment but wasn’t sure where I wanted to be in that supply chain. This made this short & intense programme in which I would rotate through all supply departments very attractive and a great fit for my wishes! Next to the programme I also wanted the company culture to be in line with my values and personality and it was clear from the start that would be the case. I started reading the 10 principles our culture is based on, in which I recognized my own work-ethics. Take ownership, optimize what you can, but do it without shortcuts, and strive for excellence at low cost! ? What key lessons did you learn from working hands-on in the breweries, and how did collaborating with operators enhance your understanding of the supply chain? During my studies, my courses mainly focused on improving and optimizing processes, such as production lines, warehouse configuration, and project planning. However, once you start working on projects in the brewery, it becomes clear that the success of a project ultimately depends on the people involved. It is the people who are influencing or affected by the project you need to get on your side and at the same time listen to their knowledge. Very often their knowledge in terms of the practical aspects of implementing change will be crucial for a project to succeed. ? How did the capstone sessions with senior leaders and networking opportunities influence your career path and future aspirations within the company? The capstone sessions are incredibly inspiring and insightful to learn about the global strategies, all possible career paths, and exciting new challenges ahead. It makes you feel even more part of the company and proud to be where you are! Next to getting an idea of where your path might lead you, it is simply great networking sessions and team building with your fellow trainees. ? Can you share an example of a high-impact project you worked on that focused on improving processes or supply chain efficiency, and what was the outcome? My second individual project was on two packaging lines in the Leuven brewery where I had to define the right configuration settings for one machine on each line. By creating a routine with the operators and Line owners I was able to capture lots of data that combined with the characteristics of the machine supplied those optimal configurations. After the project, some major causes of breakdowns and downtime of the lines were solved! Having an impact so early on is unique for this programme!
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