Jasmine, an International Business graduate from the University of Portsmouth, completed her degree in July 2021. We asked what inspired her academic path and about the university experiences that made her – including travelling abroad. She also talks passionately about the post-graduate career plans that led her to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and a thrilling four-year graduate programme.

Question: How did you choose your degree?

It was honestly by going to open days at a range of universities that helped me pick my course. I wanted to find out how businesses communicate and work with each other around the world. I applied – and I was accepted – to study International Business (BA Hons) at the University of Portsmouth because I was keen to enter the world of business and have the opportunity to travel.

Question: What was the most meaningful university experience you had?

My most meaningful university experience was studying at San Jose State University in California. My time abroad taught me that language matters and that even if you speak the same language, there are still so many differences in the use of terminology, as well as approaches to business.

Question: When you think about your time in university, what course impacted you the most?

One of the modules at university was on business operations, which made me realise how much I relate to distribution and supply chain management. After I completed my degree in July 2021, I began searching for graduate opportunities in this sector, which led me to Coca-Cola’s Europacific Partner’s four-year graduate programme.

Question: What was the application process like for being accepted into the programme?

I filled out an application, and once it was accepted, I was invited to complete a series of online interview questions. My last step in the process was a face-to-face interview at the Coca-Cola’s Europacific assessment centre, and about a week later, I was offered a position in the Europacific Partner’s four-year graduate programme.

Question: When did you join the programme and how has your experience been?

I joined the Coca-Cola Europacific Partner’s four-year graduate programme in September, and I’ve been loving it. Everyone at the company is genuinely about the people; I’ve felt that from the first day I started. The four-year programme includes rotations around the whole organisation, so I’ll be able to gain a deeper understanding of the business and feel a part of the fabric as I continue to grow during my time here.

Question: Do you have any advice that you’d like to share with university students?

Self-belief is everything. You and only you need to believe in yourself. It’s easier said than done, but once you have that self-belief, you’ll start to do things that are unimaginable.