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There aren’t many places where you get that kind of exposure and your opinion is valued, despite being so fresh out of university.
Gina Smith joined our Graduate Programme in 2018. Since then, she’s worked across a variety of roles and teams – and whilst not every role has been a perfect fit, she’s learned a lot along the way.
“My career journey at William Grant & Sons has been really varied! I’ve been lucky to experience a lot of different roles and had support and encouragement to succeed in them.”
“Some of my roles I really loved and some perhaps less so, but every one of them has been a great opportunity and helped shape my career. I wouldn’t change a thing!”
Gina now works as a Business Process Expert, working across our Demand & Supply Planning Software.
Before joining the team as part of our Graduate Programme, Gina Smith was already working in the whisky industry.
“I’d heard good things about William Grant & Sons so I did some research, had a look on the company careers website and made sure to apply when the applications opened,” she says.
“The recruitment process was unique in that it focused on making sure I was having the best possible experience. When I found out I’d been successful, I was excited for the challenges ahead and to be part of a culture I’d liked so much during the interview stages.”
“When you’re new here, people go out of their way to help you. Make meaningful connections and appreciate all the help you’ll get. You never know where your network might take you!”
Gina spent her first year in the Technical Development team in our manufacturing site in Girvan, which suited her her background in chemistry well.
“I worked on innovative technologies and developed new whisky flavours, which accelerated my knowledge of the whisky making process,” she adds.
She then spent her second year with our commercial team, buying casks for innovation, helping the Master Blenders with blending whisky and working on our rum brands.
“The commercial role helped broaden my knowledge and understanding of the industry. I really enjoyed working alongside the Master Blenders and being able to have daily chats with the site leaders and directors, whether asking for advice or just a normal day-to-day conversation.”
As well as hands-on training, Gina has completed several formal qualifications throughout her time with us, which has deepened her technical knowledge.
“From the outset, I was impressed by how much William Grant & Sons was willing to invest in my development. I’ve also learned a lot from colleagues, who’ve been really friendly and helpful.
"I’m seeing how strong working relationships help boost enthusiasm and productivity. If I were to sum up the working environment I would say it’s hands-on, fast-paced, challenging and extremely rewarding.”
Gina has held several roles in her time with us, but there’s one thing that’s kept her at the company – and that’s the people.
“I feel people really band together, help each other and want to succeed together. I never take that for granted. I know I can reach out to the people in my first year here, for example, and I know they’ll do all they can to help me – and of course I’d do the same for them.”
“I also really love getting a global view of the business. I’ve formed relationships with teams all over the world in my roles, and it’s great to get lots of different perspectives.”