General Mills Internship Experience

As I begin rounding out my internship for this summer, I'd like to recap all that I have been able to accomplish in my time here.

My internship with General Mills has been an invaluable experience, exceeding my expectations in every way. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities I've had to immerse myself in the company culture and contribute to its success.

Experiences?

• The summer began with the Intern Summit in Minneapolis, where I connected with interns across various divisions, gaining valuable insights into the company's strategic direction and fostering cross-functional collaboration.? The opportunity to meet with the leadership team at the MGO, including Lydia Anderson, James Evans, and Amanda Tuck, was particularly inspiring. Their insights into the company's vision and values provided me with a deeper understanding of General Mills' commitment to innovation and growth.
• My trip to Chicago for the Albertson's team meeting further strengthened my network and allowed me to witness firsthand the team's dedication to continuous improvement. Maggie Molitor's leadership and commitment to fostering a positive team culture was truly motivating. Her focus on understanding the team's culture taught me the importance of being an attentive leader. The tour of the CSF was an incredible experience, providing me with valuable insights into the intricate process of creating and shipping our displays and SPPK.
• Beyond these trips, General Mills' commitment to fostering a sense of community was evident in the various social and volunteer events we participated in. From volunteering at local food drives and fundraising for the Foster Alliance to attending sporting events, I've experienced a welcoming and supportive environment that extends beyond the office.
• Finally, the weekly lunch meetings with senior management were invaluable. I gained insights into General Mills' strategic direction and growth opportunities, expanding my knowledge of potential career paths within the company. These conversations provided a deeper understanding of the company's future plans, particularly in innovation and market expansion. I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to meet with me and answer my questions.

My internship at General Mills has been a transformative experience, shaping my professional aspirations and providing me with invaluable insights into the corporate world. I've had the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, contribute to meaningful projects, and develop my skills in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Lessons Learned

My time at General Mills has taught me several valuable lessons that I will carry with me throughout my career:?

• Seize the Moment: Always saying yes to new opportunities and challenges has allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and expand my skillset. These past 10-weeks has reinforced the importance of being open to new experiences and pushing myself beyond my perceived limitations.
• The Power of Inquiry: Asking questions is a sign of curiosity and a willingness to learn. It has helped me better grasp the company's operations and processes. By being eager in my questioning, I have been able to gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the company and gain confidence in my ability to produce accurate work.
• Embrace the Unknown: The business world is constantly evolving, and adaptability is crucial. I've learned to embrace change and see it as an opportunity for growth. Jeff Harmening's message at the Intern Summit resonated deeply with me, emphasizing the importance of being adaptable and embracing change as a catalyst for growth.

Projects

Another incredible experience from this summer is that General Mills has allowed me to contribute to several impactful projects:

1. My first and largest project evolved around Annie's Fruit Snacks Sourcing. I tracked performance for direct vs. indirect sourcing, finding valuable insights that my team will use to improve their strategies for the next fiscal year. I identified a significant increase in units sold following a sourcing change and flagged a discrepancy in Base Unit Price for my team to adjust margins.
2. Next, I was tasked to analyze an OMNI Channel Virtual Store. Using e-commerce research, I analyzed Pillsbury e-commerce performance at Albertson's, identifying problems and areas of opportunity. I recommended moving Pillsbury products to a more user accessible category and utilizing sponsored posts like Sweet Loren's for Key Baking Season. I also suggested using more lifestyle images to increase sales and the utilize Key Word Bidding for key search words.
3. Lastly, I measured the impact of our June Dairy Month Post Promo for the Southwest division. I was tasked with assessing the effectiveness of these month-long promotions. I was able to discover that a specific week in the month was consistently outperforming other weeks, so I recommended we utilize advertising and merch during this high performing week. I also highlighted the positive results of a merch event for dough products and recommended optimizing pricing for the merch ad for cookie dough. It was explicit from the data that the frequency of ads has a direct impact on sales, so we want to continue investing in merch, specifically during our high performing week.

As I conclude my internship, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. The skills and knowledge I've gained will undoubtedly serve me well in my future endeavors. I am particularly grateful for the mentorship and guidance I have received from my supervisors and colleagues. I'm excited to continue learning and growing in my career, and I am confident that my experience at General Mills has equipped me with the tools and knowledge to succeed.