Kraft Foods is a leader in the food and beverage industry, and also a leader when it comes to being one of the most Generation Y-friendly companies in Chicago. This company lives out its mission to “Make Today Delicious,” not only in its products but with its employees as well. Kraft Foods strives to make the food and beverage company a “delicious” option for college grads to seek employment.

Associate Director of University Relations Timothy Mote says, “Gen Y has had a big impact as we have invested in our college hiring programs to bring in the next generation of leaders. We are looking for the top students to help us long term by looking at today’s problems through a different light using their experiences and perspectives.”

Kraft Food’s office maintains a flexible work environment where new hires can come in and make a difference on day one. There is no need for junior level staffers to feel inhibited, as all ideas and contributions are acknowledged equally, regardless of seniority with the company.

“The culture here is very open and inclusive,” adds Mote. “We welcome and encourage everyone’s input into the decision making process. From a structural point of view, we are moving to ‘open’ workspaces without offices that will foster this team atmosphere and sharing of ideas.”

Young professionals can feel confident in their abilities at Kraft Foods through their thorough training and development programs in place. The food and beverage company has its own institution, Kraft Foods Learning Academy. Here, new hires can receive classroom training during their first year with the company.

Mote says, “Our philosophy is 70%/20%/10%. That is to say, 70% of your development will come through on the job learning and rotations, 20% is learning from others through coaching and feedback, and 10% is through formal learning opportunities.”

Kraft Foods also believes that community service and outreach is quintessential to the growth of its employees. Generation Y can fill their need to give back to the community through service opportunities provided by the company. Most recently, Kraft Food interns were able to participate in a blanket drive, collecting over 175 blankets to donate to a local homeless shelter. 

The food and beverage company also gives back in the best way it can, by donating food. Mote says, “We have donated over one billion servings of food since 1997 and donate 70 million servings annually.”

Kraft Foods is committed to its Generation Y employees, making it one of Brill Street + Company’s “Top 50 Chicago Generation Y Employers.” The company gives its young professionals an experience in the work force that is well rounded. Mote notes, “It’s exciting time at Kraft Foods; when you join us you will get great experience and develop your skills. If you want to be part of something exciting and rewarding to your career, come join us and help to create our future while we develop yours!”