1. Briefly summarize your professional and educational experience up-to-date.

During my time at business school, I completed marketing internships in the music and luxury goods industries, but was looking for more of a challenge. I knew I wanted something more competitive and rewarding from my career and I knew that I wanted to work abroad. So, prior to graduating, I took my final internship in the consumer goods industry, as I wanted to benefit from a more traditional challenging marketing experience.

I started with Reckitt Benckiser in France, in January 2007. At the end of my internship, my application was sent to America and, after a few rounds of interviews, I was offered a position as assistant brand manager! After just 9 months I moved to the next level and have been working on the brand Veet since August 2008. I am hoping to move to a Trade Marketing Manager position by the end of the year before going on to the role of Brand Manager.

2. What do you feel have been your greatest accomplishments during your career thus far?

As an intern I was determined to show that I had what it takes to succeed at Reckitt Benckiser. Working as an intern in France and an assistant brand manager in the US was intense. The RB culture is about finding your way through by yourself and you need to be willing to put a lot of effort on learning quickly and taking the initiative.

And I did it. I was very determined and worked very hard as an intern. Moving to the next level is really about your work and determination and I am so proud that I took that opportunity and made things happen.

3. What do you find unique about your current field and/or industry?

This industry is very fast moving and you have to really think on your feet. At RB the culture is very much about taking ownership of your work, and to be bold and drive for progress and to outperform. And in return you are given real responsibility from day one and you have the latitude to innovate and push the boundaries of convention.

They positively encourage daring ideas to thrive and you are empowered to take calculated risks. Plus everyone has a voice - no matter what your position or rank. Plus, for me, one of the greatest things is the career opportunities available - the fast progression, the experience you can gain in other departments and the chance to work abroad.

4. How would you describe your Personal Brand? What makes you stand out from others?

I am determined and results driven. And I am always ready for the next challenge. In my roles here I have been experiencing and learning something new every day - from launch events and market research to budget management and developing new products.

And being given the opportunity to blog about my experiences has been great - I love that I can show anyone interested in joining Reckitt Benckiser what they can expect.

5. What were the keys to your career advancement and how did your personal brand help you succeed?

In a word, determination. I knew what I wanted and I took the initiative. That is the RB way: if you drive for progress and aim to outperform, you will be rewarded on merit. I always wanted to make my mark on an international stage, and that is where I am heading.

6. Did you have to make any sacrifices to succeed in your field and/or industry, and do you feel the sacrifices were worth it?

I suppose some would see a 'sacrifice' as being expected to move abroad with your job and away from your home town. But that was a great appeal to me, and I am delighted I was given that opportunity. So no, I didn't have to make any sacrifices!

7. Do you have any insights or advice for someone interested in this field or industry?

Be sure that the company values and ethos are relevant to you. Working at RB is not for everyone. This industry is very fast moving and you have to be prepared to take the initiative and be flexible and you will be expected to take your career into your own hands and set the pace.

There are plenty of ways of finding out how the company works now, from a Facebook page and Linked In profile to the blog and the corporate careers site. It's well worth investigating all these avenues so you know exactly what type of culture you will be entering into.

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Profession Confessor:

Oriane Kowalczyk is an ambitious management trainee with Reckitt Benckiser, the global consumer goods giant, and is based in the US. She has had a swift progression through the company since starting as an intern in 2007. For more on whether you have what it takes to be part of the Reckitt Benckiser team on the career section of their website http://www.reckittbenckiser.jobs/. She also blogs about her experiences at the company at http://www.myrbopportunity.com/, a blog which opens the window into what it's really like working here.