What's your job about?

I’m a packaging Engineer graduate at CUB Abbotsford Brewery. My graduate program consists of a general supply program where grads get a wide training in all areas of the company, from the corporate side of the business, going through supply and operations to marketing, beer tasting, sales and distribution of our products; and a specific program that contains all the key areas of packaging. I support the packaging team in different projects on daily basis complementing my training. My work area includes all the process of packaging beer (and cider) to get it to the customer’s hands. I can get involved in as many projects I have interest with the flexibility to manage my own schedule.

What's your background?

I was born in Venezuela, I grew up in the capital city and got my Mechanical Engineering degree at the Simon Bolivar University. I worked for a Cleaning products manufacturer as an intern and after getting my degree, I worked for two years in my own business while planning my trip to come to Australia.

I arrived in Melbourne on February 2014 to start my Master in Engineering (Manufacturing) course in RMIT, a month later. During my time in RMIT I got my Australian Residency and was awarded as the best student of the program by RMIT and the AMCRC. Finishing my studies in November 2015, I started looking for my first engineering job in Australia. I applied for graduate programs in several great companies, but CUB was absolutely on the top of my list. Starting in a new company is always uncertain, but so far I couldn’t be happier with my choice and my last year with CUB had made me grown in every aspect of life.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Absolutely! Anyone with the right attitude and willing to work hard could be a Supply graduate at CUB. What is really important for the company and the people is to share the pride we have for our products. As long as you are a hard worker, with lots of energy, willing to learn and have passion for what you are doing, everyone here is happy to share knowledge and welcome you into the team. I believe I am a good example of how diversity is part of our company’s culture.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is having the freedom to decide what area I want to be working at and learning about. It gives the option to explore and learn about any role in the team and understand what I’m really good at. One day I can be doing mechanical work in the machines and another day planning or working in technical projects. Having the time to try different areas and learn is a once in a life opportunity. It also makes me develop my management skills and helps me to discover my skills and strengths.

What are the limitations of your job?

As a graduate you do need a lot of energy and time to dedicate to the program. Availability can make the difference. I think it helps to be willing to work at any time, any day of the week, sometimes during holidays, due to the nature of packaging beer. I think you really need to like and enjoy it to be successful in this role, because it is time demanding. We are doing diplomas, trainings and also day to day work, so you need to multitask and manage your time well.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

• The first thing would be not to waste any time. Take every opportunity to learn and grow your resume. Every experience is a good learning opportunity.
• Then I would tell me to stay in touch will all my Uni colleagues. You never know who will be working with you, or in a similar environment and keeping in touch with that network could be helpful in your career.
• And the third thing would be to aim high, and work hard. Three years ago I didn’t even imagine I would be where I am today.