Finding a niche in an ever-growing industry

Lucija Matkovic, a senior studying food and consumer package goods marketing, is thankful for her time at Western Michigan University, but she’s also incredibly excited for her future—she has accepted a full-time position with Reckitt Benckiser, a multinational consumer goods company. She currently serves as the vice president of professional events for the Food Marketing Association and is the chapter president of Alpha Chi Omega. During her sophomore year, she found herself conflicted with where to focus her studies until she attended Business Bash and bonded with students in the Food Marketing Association. She decided to take the introduction to food and consumer package goods industries course and immediately felt that she had found her niche. Matkovic tells us about her Haworth College of Business experience and her opportunity to intern in New York City for L’Oréal.

Why study food and consumer package goods marketing?

The industry is constantly changing and growing. I find it thrilling to see the growth of online-only stores and to observe huge retailers as they transition into e-commerce. I also think it is interesting to see how retailers are handling the new smaller niche and sustainable brands as they infiltrate the market and eat away some of the market share from the giants. This industry will always be relevant because people will always use personal care products of some kind and everyone needs to eat!

What sets the Haworth College of Business apart?

Students here are given so many unique opportunities that I’m not sure I could find anywhere else. I take advantage of as many of these opportunities as I can, and my experience in the Haworth College of Business has been amazing. Our professors care deeply about student success and encourage us to connect with other students, the faculty and our community. We learn the value of succeeding as a team rather than only as an individual. The Haworth College of Business emphasizes teamwork and finding self-confidence along with professional and personal growth. My involvement with the National Grocers Association case competition team solidified these lessons as we suggested ideas to real retailers for health and wellness initiatives.

One incredible and unique opportunity for students in WMU’s food and consumer package goods marketing program is attending our own food marketing conference. Students have the exclusive chance to mingle with hundreds of industry professionals who come for this much-anticipated conference every year.

Fast-paced industry in the big city

The most exciting experience I have had so far in college is working for L’Oréal as a revenue growth management intern in New York City. During this internship, I helped analyze data on pricing and promotional strategies for L’Oréal brands and their competitors. The experience was challenging, humbling and extremely rewarding.

The beauty industry is enticing to me because of the delicate balance between managing timeless trends and investing in the next greatest thing. In order to keep up with these changing trends, the industry is fast-paced and energized by the consumer who is always asking, “What’s next?”

While at L’Oréal, I learned a valuable lesson—never be afraid to ask questions, but be sure to ask them strategically. Asking the right question makes a positive impression and can open doors to meetings and chats you never thought possible.