Arthur Burnand

Assistant Manager, World Class Manufacturing, Swire Beverages
University of Newcastle − B.A. in Modern Languages (Spanish & Chinese)
Joined the Swire International Management Trainee Programme in 2007

Swire is the best company to work for if you want a career in Asia, not just an internship. I was really lucky to start my career with Swire Beverages in Xiamen as a sales representative selling Coca-Cola and other beverages. I learnt a great deal about business and sales in China during the nine months on the sales route as I was out 6 days a week meeting customers and delivery partners. I had to speak in Putonghua, which isn't my first language, so communicating was often difficult. Clearly, multiple language skills are definitely an advantage when you're a trainee.

After working in the back office learning the operational side of the business, I spent my final posting in manufacturing. Here, I focused on supply chain management and project management, using what I had learnt in my previous roles to execute and deliver. It was especially challenging because I had no technical experience and needed to earn credibility with the clients and my counterparts alike.

At Swire, we lead by example and strive for excellence. I try to keep an open mind, absorb all I can, and take every opportunity to learn from, and ask questions of, senior management. I catch up regularly with my managers and mentors and am amazed at how ready and willing they are to offer advice. This is one of the unique things about working here.

I've also developed a close bond with my colleagues through various events. One was an unforgettable 15 km charity swim; also while at a Family Day in Xiamen, a fellow trainee and I performed 'Everybody Needs Somebody to Love' and 'Soul Man' in front of 2,000 employees. That was a different kind of challenge!

When I'm not on the road, I like to swim and jog in my spare time. I've also helped set up a rugby club in Xiamen, which started with a few members and now has over sixty and hosts one of the most popular rugby tournaments in China.

Personal integrity is valued above all else here, so, as a potential candidate, I think you need to be open and honest with yourself about whether Swire is right for you. Joining the International Management Trainee Programme is not just a career choice - it's about a certain kind of lifestyle, too. You have to be prepared to move at short notice, and be able to adapt to different environments quickly.