A Day in the Life of a Business and Commercial Graduate at Buitelaar

Fully supportive of all students and graduates, Buitelaar offers work experience, graduate schemes and placements throughout the Group. We know that our strong, aspirational, and talented team is one of our greatest assets and that’s why we’re completely committed to investing in our team.

Earlier this year, we launched our much anticipated Graduate Programmes, seeing Katie, Jade and Robbie join the business. Find out more about Katie’s journey on her Business & Commercial Graduate Scheme.

‘As I come to the end of my first rotation on the graduate scheme, it feels only right to reflect on everything I have learnt over the last six months - its been a busy, but incredible start to my Buitelaar career!

Following my graduation from Harper Adams, where I studied BSc Agribusiness, I chose to apply for the Business and Commercial Graduate scheme with Buitelaar. I have such a passion for the Agricultural industry and Buitelaar offered a wide range of opportunities, which ticked a lot of boxes for me.

My induction incorporated a month of experiencing all areas of the supply chain, allowing me to get to grips with the business as a whole and expand my knowledge.

In my first week, my time was split between the Wrexham Collection Centre and being out on farm with the buying team. It was so clear to me how positive the relationships were between the buyers and the farmers.

During my second week, I visited the Development Farm down in Somerset, helping with general farm duties, assisting the on-farm vet and learning about the different commercial trials that were going on at the time.

Having a background in the meat industry, I really enjoyed visiting the processing site at Woodheads Abattoir in Spalding, Lincolnshire. It was a really exciting opportunity for me and something that I’ve wanted to experience for a while.

Following my induction, my role has been split between working within the marketing team and assisting the Group Managing Director. In addition, I have been responsible for my own project, which has included working with major retailer teams.

I’ve really enjoyed working as part of the marketing team; each day brings something new, the more I’ve got involved, the more I’ve learnt! Jobs vary from the organisation of shows and events, researching, content planning and running campaigns. During my university course, I was taught the basics of marketing, however, getting hands on has really shown me how much goes into the marketing of a company and I have enjoyed every minute of it!

For me, one unique aspect about the scheme is the opportunity to work so closely with senior management. The scheme has allowed me to assist in budget meetings and shadow management calls, which has rapidly built my confidence and expanded my knowledge of the company.

Now about to embark on my next rotation of the scheme in the Pet Food office, I’m looking forward to working in another division of the company, as well as meeting more of the amazing team here at Buitelaar.

Following university, I didn’t expect to settle into my first role so quickly, but I’ve loved every second of it and I can’t wait to experience the next 12 months of my journey!’

Applications for the 2022/23 Graduate Schemes are currently open. Find out more here.