Magdalena, you were a participant in the first edition of Coke Summership, the summer internship program of Pivara Skopje. What was your experience in this pilot edition, and how did this experience prepare you for what followed in your career development at BPivara Skopje?

– My experience with the first edition of Coke Summership was truly inspiring and opened up a new world for me. As a young person who had just finished my studies, this program gave me the opportunity to enter the professional world in a right way, through working on projects, with mentors and real tasks. It helped me understand the company from the inside and gain skills and contacts that later became key to my development. That was the beginning of a journey that still drives me forward today.

You started as an intern and now you’re a demand planning manager leading your own team. What skills did you learn at Coke Summership that were most useful for advancing in the company?

– The most valuable skills I gained from Coke Summership were communication, teamwork and presentation skills. I learned how important it is to listen to different opinions, to be open and flexible. Also, being exposed to various sectors and people from day one, helped me navigate and understand how the entire system works, taught me how to be proactive, and how to handle challenges, which helped me a lot in my career evolution.

Can you share a specific moment, lecture or project from Coke Summership that has a lasting impact on you or your career?

– I remember a project where we had to analyze and propose improvements for an internal process. We worked as a team, with mentors guiding us, and it was the first time I felt what it’s like to lead a project from start to finish. That’s when I understood how important it is for each team member to contribute and how powerful the feeling is when you achieve results together. That project opened the door for me to analytical thinking and further interest in planning and the supply chain.

How has your perspective on the company changed from the time you were part of Coke Summership until now?

– In the beginning, I saw Pivara Skopje as a large and serious company where a lot of knowledge and experience are required. Today, after 5 years, that definition has expanded; I now see it as a company that provides true support for development, invests in people, and creates opportunities for advancement. What inspires me the most is that they value young talents, and there is always room for everyone’s voice to be heard.

What’s your personal view on this type of internship, and if you could go back as a participant, would you change anything about your approach to learning?

– I think this type of internship is an excellent opportunity for young people to see what real work looks like and to discover their potential. If I were to go back, I would be even more open to asking questions, I would seek more feedback, and I would strive to build deeper connections with colleagues from different sectors. Every interaction at that stage is an opportunity to learn.

You were also part of the Women in Leadership program within Coca-Cola HBC, where you gained additional leadership skills. Now, as a manager, how do you support and mentor young people, drawing from your personal experience?

– The experience from the Women in Leadership program helped me understand the importance of empathy, listening and mentoring. As a manager, I try to be available and open to my team, encouraging them to try, to fail and to learn. I believe that everyone has potential, and my role is to create an environment where that potential can develop.

What advice would you give to young people who are considering applying for this year’s edition of Coke Summership?

– My advice is: apply without hesitation! This is a unique opportunity to learn,  to connect with professionals and discover your career path. Be curious, be open to new experiences, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You never know – this internship might define your career path, just like it did for me. And one more thing, don’t be afraid if something seems unfamiliar or challenging. Every new situation is an opportunity for growth. The internship is not only about learning the job but also about learning about yourself – how you think, how you collaborate, how you react to challenges.

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