How to Get into the FMCG Industry

The FMCG sector is probably one of the most energetic and vibrant sectors in the world. This industry represents companies involved in producing and selling fast-moving goods such as food and beverages, personal care items, and household goods. To break into the FMCG sector has been one of the most desirable career choices because it presents innumerable opportunities for employment and is highly competitive in terms of salaries with other sectors, besides promising good growth prospects. Also, for getting into this sector, cracking mba entrance exams will ease your process. Here’s an all-inclusive guide on how to get into the FMCG industry.

Understanding the FMCG Industry

Any professional who wants to make a career in FMCG needs to understand the landscape of the industry. The products are essentially high-turnover and low-cost products. The market is highly competitive and dominated by four large groups: Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Nestle, and Coca-Cola.

There are a few key factors to be understood about the market.

• Market Trends: The trends which prevail at present times in health and wellness, sustainability, and digitalization.
• Consumer Behavior: Study what the consumer likes and prefers in a product and their buying habits, as it is a consumer-driven industry.
• Product Life Cycle: Be conscious of the life cycle of FMCG products from production to marketing to selling.

People should be aware of the fact that while you are working in the FMCG and not careers like Finance, you will still be required to work a lot with numbers. Do not expect a Silicon-Valley startup with a ping-pong table and people moving around in shorts and flip-flops.

Keeping a track of the domains mentioned above, and more, requires a lot of data and playing around with that data.

Identify the Right Role

There are a lot of roles in the FMCG industry, and hence it is essential to clearly identify the right role according to your skills and interest. Some common roles are:

• Marketing: This would involve market research, brand management, and advertising. A job of this nature would be ideal for individuals possessing creative and analytical skills. The sales category involves the selling of products to retailers and consumers. This category shall ideally suit people possessing interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Supply Chain and Operations: This involves the production and distribution of products, hence requiring organizational and logistical skills.
• Product Development: This is a category concerned with the creation of products and improvement of the same, hence ideal for individuals possessing a science or engineering background.
• A manager would be responsible for managing budgets, financial planning, and cost control. The job is suitable for an individual possessing strong numerical and analytical capabilities.

Obtain Relevant Education and Skills

Without the proper type of educational background and skill set, an applicant is going to struggle to make their entry into FMCG. The following is how to get prepared:

• Education: The preferred qualification is a degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, Engineering, or another related field. Some specialist positions will demand special degrees like food technology for product development roles.
• Skills: High demand skills in the FMCG Industry
  Analytical skills: Analyze data and decide accordingly. A
  Communication skills: Good verbal and written communication for marketing, sales, and management roles.
  Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of relevant technologies and associated software, especially around supply chain, operations, and product development functions that exist.
  Adaptability: Working well under a fast pace and constant change.
  • Also, these skills can be learned by practicing various free online mba resources.
    

Get Relevant Experience

Get in-sector experience, since it often proves to be a passport to a job in FMCG. The following are ways by which one could gain relevant experience:

• Internships: An internship can be looked for in FMCG companies. It helps get hands-on experience, which normally results in full-time job offers.
• Part-Time Jobs: This can be in retail or sales-related industries that inform one about consumer behavior and the process of sales.
• Volunteering: Engage in projects or activities that have to do with marketing, sales, or product management.
• Extracurricular Activities: It is important to join any business clubs or organizations within the university setting to develop leadership skills or the drive to work in a team.

Network Effectively 

Networking is important in the FMCG industry. Contacts would help you get information about job openings and also give you proper insights about the industry. Here are some ways to leverage your networking:

• Industry Events: Industry conferences, trade shows, and seminars provide a platform to meet people and know more about the trends in the industry.
• Alumni Networks: Get in touch with your university alumni who work in the FMCG sector, as they can guide you more about the openings and even refer you for any jobs.
• Professional Bodies: Join professional and industry-specific bodies and attend their seminars, workshops, etc.
• Social Media: Make connections on platforms like LinkedIn; join related groups to keep abreast of current happenings regarding the industry.
  

 Tailor Your Job Application

While seeking a job in FMCG companies, application tailoring for standing out is necessary. What to do:

• Resume: Highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Use keywords used in the industry in your resume, quantify what you have achieved.
• Cover Letter: Customize your cover letter for each application. Express interest in why you want to join the FMCG industry and how your experience and skills qualify you as a good candidate.
• Portfolio: If the role you’re looking for falls in the marketing, product development, or design spectrum, then do prepare a portfolio of your work.

Additional Points:

The FMCG sector is constantly evolving. To be consistently effective, continual improvement and learning are essential:-

• Professional development: Utilize training programs, workshops and certifications which will help you in your role.
• Staying Informed: Remain up to date with industry developments, trends and innovations. Subscribe to various publications. Join professional groups.
• Feedback: Get feedback from mentors, peers, and supervisors on areas of improvement and how to grow.

Breaking into the FMCG sector is building the right set of education, skills, and experience. Build your network, and if you understand the industry well, target suitable roles and improve continuously, your successful FMCG career shall be built. Keep persistent, updated, and grab whichever opportunities come your way.