Summer Series – Kimberly Clark, Paraguay
For the last 2 months I’ve been immersed in the jungles of Paraguay (both urban and rural) trying to unveil and understand the mystery that is woman. I am on a quest to understand how women decide among products that are so intimate, so personal, and vital for her confidence self esteem and even health – and why isn’t this process even more complex? This is my job as an MBA Intern in Kimberly-Clark Paraguay, responsible for the general management of the FEM category products.
Now you would think this would be a hard task for a GUY that was raised in copper mines and who sold mining trucks for three years… but it hasn’t, thanks to the transportability of the concepts learned in the program and how they empower us with a great set of tools to leverage. Though during our first year at times I came to question the practicality in the approach of some of the courses, I’ve quickly become to realize how necessary this MACRO view really is, especially when connecting dots and presenting to upper management. I’ve also realize how everything makes sense and how easy it has been to integrate all functional areas, once we start applying what we’ve learned. On August 21st, I’m representing our branch (Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay) in the annual Interns’ Speech Series presided by Tom Falk (KC’s CEO), on which I present the results of our project and its impact on sales. This generally determines who gets an offer and a special bonus as best speaker, so I’ll do my best to represent the “Smealers” and its marketers.
I’m deeply thankful for this experience and for what I have learned during our first year. I can’t wait to go back and continue to grow. I hope to see you all in a couple of weeks in what I’m sure will be a great Second Year… Hasta la vista!
Phillip Jarpa
President, Marketing Association