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In this modern age of Fairtrade products and
carbon footprints, today’s students are more
ethically and environmentally aware than
ever before. Consequently, they tend to be
attracted to companies where the concept
of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is
front-of-mind, rather than an afterthought.
For business-focused graduates like Philip
Plano, the key is to find an employer that
combines deep ethical principles with
entrepreneurial drive and commercial
success. For him, The Co-operative Group
ticked all the right boxes. The Co-operative
runs two graduate development
programmes, one in business management,
the other in finance. Philip is halfway through
the CIMA-accredited finance programme,
and has no hesitation in pinpointing what
attracted him to join The Co-operative.
philosophy signifies a lack of entrepreneurial development path is designed not only to
“The ethical stance, the diversity of the drive couldn’t be further from the truth. While satisfy CIMA requirements but also to give
business, the quality of the training programme The Co-operative’s culture is rooted in its you all the insights and leadership skills you
and the qualification at the end of it were all powerful ethical and social values, it is a highly need to take The Co-operative business
major attractions. The organisation is owned commercial and hugely successful business. forward. It’s a large and an incredibly diverse
by its members and not by shareholders. This And for good reason: the more successful it is, organisation, and the opportunities for
gives employees the drive to do things for the more it can give back. progression are brilliant.”
the right reasons and not just for selfish gain.
We lead the way in ethical retailing and we’re For Philip, a recent project placement Philip got his first taste of The Co-operative’s
devoted to local communities. What plc exists with The Co-operative Travel perfectly unique ‘feel-good factor’ right at the very
for these reasons? encapsulated the dual nature of The beginning of his experience, in a moment
Co-operative’s corporate personality. “The that, for him, captured the co-operative,
“I liked the structure of the finance project was a complex VAT-related scheme democratic spirit of the organisation he’d
programme too, which is split into four for businesses that buy and resell travel decided to join: “The Chief Executive met
nine-month placements and involves me products as a principal agent. Basically, I us on the first day, which demonstrates his
undertaking a range of business-critical investigated the idea and then structured a commitment and support for the graduate
projects across the different businesses. claim to HMR&C to reduce our VAT liability. programme. We were encouraged to ask
Rather than a rigid rotation system, it’s mainly This was a commercial project, pure and some really probing questions. It wouldn’t
down to me where I move to and which simple, but at the same time the business is happen in other companies and it made me
projects I work on. But you can guarantee driven by ethical considerations. We were the feel proud, excited and motivated to be part
that they’ll have a significant impact on the first travel retailer to reject the third runway of such a fantastic organisation.”
business and will involve a high degree at Heathrow on environmental grounds.
of responsibility and empowerment. For Then came a nomination for the prestigious It’s certainly a good time to be part of The
instance, my recent project will deliver a ‘Scream if you’re Green’ award sponsored Co-operative’s future. It now has a striking
saving of £1.7 million.” by the Travel Trade Gazette. Commercially, new look to its stores, not to mention quite
ethically and environmentally, The a few more of them. It’s all part of a major
The Co-operative Group is unique in many Co-operative means business on all fronts.” re-branding and expansion programme,
ways, not least in being the world’s largest which is positioning The Co-operative
consumer co-operative and a trusted brand, Philip has been equally impressed by The firmly among the established ‘big boys’
with 16 different businesses, 4,500 outlets Co-operative’s ‘great approach’ to managing of food retail in the UK, while retaining its
and employing 73,000 people. It is quite and developing its graduates. “From day one commitment to its corporate conscience,
different from a plc in that it exists not just we have a ‘Buddy’ in the form of a graduate ethical beliefs and social agenda. The
to make a profit, but to serve the needs of from the year above who is always on hand Co-operative’s profile has also been rising
its customers, its members, its employees to give you advice and help you find your lately with the company winning awards such
and the communities in which it operates. way around, especially early on. We also as: a food innovator; age positive employer;
This isn’t new-age corporate-speak. Social have individual coaching and mentoring, plus leader in sustainable development (Queens
altruism has been a cornerstone of The a development budget, which we choose Award); and as the most ethical retailer (in
Co-operative ever since it first began in 1844. how to utilise best, whether on external a survey for The Grocer magazine). In the
It’s in its DNA. But anyone who thinks that this courses or other learning materials. The community, The Co-operative is also leading
GradJobs Magazine | Autumn 08
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