Procter & Gamble Should I get an MBA? I would love to break into CPG Brand Management (Unilever, Procter & Gamble, The Kraft Heinz Company, etc), but it seems like you get in through UG or an MBA. I’m three years out of college and in automotive as a DM, so 0 transferable skills. Has anyone managed to sneak into CPG without the relevant background?
Get the MBA. You’re early enough in career where it will be worth it and you’ll be in a much better position to make that jump
Yes it's possible. I started out as a retail manager for a couple years out of college and landed on the Sales Team for the CPG company I was at which my skills transferred over before working my way into Brand Management.
Just realized, I’m not able to DM you. I’ll reach out another time when you reach the amount of likes needed!
When I was at Kraft, a few associate brand managers were actively pursuing MBAs while already working. Wouldn’t be surprised if the company was paying for it, too. Don’t let your lack of an MBA keep you from applying.
I’d never say zero transferable skills, even ones that don’t directly apply can be different insight, perspective that brings something different. I would focus on what the biggest priority gap would be and try to bridge there. And always networking! Sometimes right place, right time, means more than all the skills in the world.
Get the MBA. My biggest regret. UNC has a program that doesn’t require the GMAT.
If you're a Senior Manager at a CPG company they will push you to get an MBA before you become a director and if you're considered high potential will even pay for an executive program.
You don't really need an MBA if you're going for entry level roles in brand management especially if you go into a different function in that CPG company first to prove yourself. OP might be suited to start at an entry level sales role at a CPG company first and prove themselves if he/she doesn't want to pursue an MBA. Transparently, it might work to their advantage considering MBAs come in at a high salary and in this market, an MBA is more than likely not worth the cost unless you go to a top ranked university.
Get the MBA if you’re interested/open to it. I work in CPG brand management and while some folks slip in through cracks, the vast majority came in through undergrad or mba internships and have been here since.