Employee Profile
Name: Maria G.
Title: Junior Merchant
Career Area:
Sales & Commercial
Location: Ghent, Belgium
Education: University degree Business Management. Universidad de Huelva (Spain)
“I am in contact with the market and our clients and I try to understand what they need and supply them with that. We need to be very customer focused to understand the demand. Analytical skills and eagerness to learn are also important, as is a global view of the agricultural markets.”
Some of my colleagues have years of experience and it is exciting to work with them because they have differing experiences and perspectives so I learn something new each day.
Describe your work responsibilities and the importance of your role.
I am a merchant in Belgium and I sell meals and oils. I am in contact with the market and our clients and I try to understand what they need and supply them with that. We price our products based on the market.
Describe your day-to-day activities and the skills needed to perform well.
We have some administrative day-to-day tasks, like defining prices, making up contracts and creating market reports. We need to be very customer focused to understand the demand. Analytical skills and eagerness to learn are also important, as is a global view of the agricultural markets. We need to be flexible since every day is different.
Describe your career path. Where did you start and how did you get to where you are today?
My first job in Belgium was at the reception in a hotel. Then I moved to a job in the financial markets where I worked for almost five years. After working for banks, I thought I wanted something more and Cargill was a company I always wanted to work for. I love being in contact with the customers and following the market.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
There is always something new to learn and your colleagues are always there for you.
Why did you choose to join Cargill and what keeps you here? In other words, how has a career at Cargill helped you to thrive?
I was always interested in Cargill. Since I started working here, every day has been interesting. You learn a lot, but I always have the feeling that there is more to come which is motivating.
What advice would you give someone interested in a career at Cargill like yours?
You have to be eager to learn each day and be open to new ideas and perspectives.
Share an interesting tidbit about yourself such as hobbies, volunteerism, favorite foods or activities, accomplishments inside or outside of work.
I always loved meeting people from other countries and learning about new cultures. This was one of the reasons I moved to Belgium. I love Brussels and spending the day in the city. There is always so much to do! I always wanted to learn different languages and I could learn Dutch in Belgium, which is something I really love!