Meet Diageo digital and technology graduate, Dila Yalman

Meet Diageo's Digital and Technology graduate, Dila Yalman, who is currently in the second rotation of her first year on the Diageo graduate program.

From her biggest piece of advice for anyone looking to apply to Diageo to her favorite aspect about Diageo's graduate program, Dila reflects on her first six months with the company and shes her experience as a Diageo graduate, outlining the support she received to seamlessly transition from campus to corporate.

Aligned with Diageo's culture and values

The Diageo graduate program is made up of six rotations spanning three years, and Dila has just completed her first rotation as a Media Content and Data Business Analyst. She has now moved on to my second rotation as an Enterprise Architect, and is working on a variety of projects and getting to those technological foundations of Diageo.

Dila explains that before joining Diageo, she was an Economics student at the University of Edinburgh.

"I came straight from graduating to starting full time in September," says Dila. "So, initially I decided to apply to Diageo, mainly because of the brands. But after looking at the company behind the brands, I realised the conversations around the culture and the values and the standards that Diageo has sounded like the values that I aligned to myself."

For Dila, the transition from campus to corporate was relatively seamless, with 360 support from Diageo's line managers, mentors, a buddy system, program managers and other representatives. "This support network really made my transition from a university to corporate culture so much more seamless," she comments.

Enjoying a supportive network

Diageo's graduate programs challenge, inspire, and support graduates need to kick-start a rewarding career. The company has different schemes available across its business areas around the world. Employees are encouraged to learn, explore, and challenge one another and the status quo, because that's how real progress is made.

Exposure to all parts of the company and its brands

Graduates are at the heart of Diageo's global organization, with exciting opportunities to gain exposure across functions, regions, and brands.

Dila's favorite aspect about the graduate program is the exposure that graduates and employees get to all parts of the business. "The wide range of experiences I get are definitely really rewarding and something that I really enjoy every day," shares Dila.

Celebrating each employee for who they are

Diageo's wants its employees to come as they are. With diversity at the company's core, Diageo celebrates its people's individual passion, commitment and specialist skills that make the difference.

Dila's biggest advice for people looking to apply to Diageo is not to be afraid of talking about non-work related hobbies that candidates have had.

"You're more than your academic achievements. Tell them about the time that you've been sporty, or when you've entered that photography competition. So be yourself," concludes Dila.