Abi's success story: Securing a graduate role at Diageo

Abi is an Engineering graduate from the University of Sheffield. She secured a Digital and Technology Graduate role at Diageo in London, through Bright Network.  

First, please tell us a little bit about yourself. 

“I’ve always been passionate about STEM subjects and wanted to use that interest to make a tangible impact through meaningful work. That inspired me to explore roles where I could help drive innovation and problem-solving.

I studied engineering at university, then spent two years working in the NHS with aspirations to make a difference in healthcare. However, I eventually realised I wanted a broader career that combined technology, data and innovation, so I pivoted. That decision ultimately led me to Diageo, where I’ve found a path that feels truly right for me.” 

What motivated you to apply for your role?  

“What first attracted me to Diageo were the iconic brands – I knew them, saw them everywhere and felt it would be exciting to be part of a company with that kind of global reach and recognition. But as I started to learn more about the business, what really drew me in was the culture. Reading about Diageo’s values, their focus on inclusion, and their ESG goals made it clear that it was a company that truly cared.

The Digital and Technology graduate scheme caught my attention because of the variety it offered. The chance to explore different roles over 3 years, rather than being locked into one path, really appealed to me. The opportunity to relocate and work across different areas of the business made it feel like a unique and exciting way to grow and learn.”  

How did you prepare for the application?  

“Preparation was key. I made sure I had strong examples prepared for competency-based questions using the STAR method. I also researched Diageo thoroughly - their mission, ESG goals, and brand portfolio - so I could show how I aligned with their values and ambitions.” 

What was the application process like?  

“The application process had four main stages: an initial application, a psychometric assessment, a video interview, and finally an assessment centre.

Each stage felt designed to assess different strengths. The most challenging part for me was the video interview, as the questions were often long and split into multiple parts. It was important to stay focussed and ensure I answered everything clearly within the time limit. One thing that stood out was how friendly and human the process felt. I got a call after the video interview to say I’d progressed and had a lovely chat with someone from HR. It was a small thing but made a big difference and really put me at ease.”  

How did Bright Network help you secure your role?  

“Bright Network helped me stay organised during the application process. I was able to set my preferences for the kinds of roles and locations I was interested in, and the platform sent me alerts so I never missed a deadline.

It made it much easier to plan ahead and focus on opportunities that actually matched what I was looking for.”  

What are you most proud of about your journey?  

“The thing I’m proudest of is having the courage to change direction when I realised my first career choice wasn’t right for me. The graduate scheme wasn’t my first professional role -  I spent 2 years working in the NHS after university.

Over time, I came to the realisation that it wasn’t the right path for me long-term. As someone who thought she had her future mapped out, it was unsettling to walk away from something secure without knowing what was next.

It felt like going back to square one, but by trusting my instincts and being open to change, I eventually found a role and a career that feels like the right fit for me. ”  

What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?  

“Start by taking time to understand what motivates you and what kind of environment you want to work in. For me, realising that I wanted to work in tech and innovation, rather than staying on my original healthcare path, was the first step toward finding a role that felt right.

Also be open to changing direction, even if it means stepping outside of what you studied or originally planned. I studied engineering and initially aimed for a different industry entirely, but being willing to pivot led me to something much more fulfilling.”  

What have you learnt from going through the process?  

"I learnt a lot about myself throughout the process – mainly to trust in my own ability. I also discovered the value of preparation beyond just rehearsing answers. Truly understanding the company and the role made a huge difference in how I approached each stage.

From the interview and assessment centre, I learned that showing your thought process is often more powerful than having the “perfect” response. Its not about knowing all the answers but about being honest, adaptable and willing to learn.”  

Tell us about the future. What’s next?  

“I’m coming to the end of my first year on the Digital and Technology graduate scheme having completed two roles across the business so far. I’m looking forward to the challenges and learning opportunities that the next rotations will bring.

Long term, I hope to become a leader in the technology space, and I’m especially excited about the impact of emerging technologies and innovation on the industry.

My main focus for learning and development is to keep being curious, saying yes to new experiences and staying open to change.”