Inside the Global Graduate Experience: Alfredo’s Story
Starting your career in a new country, culture, and organization can be both exciting and challenging. Alfredo Tena Layus, Global Graduate from the Supply Chain path shares his experience from his first day in Denmark to gaining hands-on experience in Finland, and how working across sales and supply chain continues to shape his career.
Do you remember your first day at Unibake?
I certainly do. I joined Lantmännen Unibake as a Global Graduate in Hatting, Denmark, and it was a bit of a cultural shock – in a positive way. I was introduced to colleagues across all levels through “coffee break meetings,” which felt unusual coming from a more hierarchical culture. I remember wondering why everyone would want to meet me. But I quickly learned how flat and open the organization is, and how genuinely people connect with each other. That experience really shaped how I see a great workplace.
Like many of his fellow graduates , Alfredo was searching for a structured way to kick-start his career. Unibake’s Global Graduate Program stood out for him. Although he wasn’t deeply familiar with the company at first, he recognized many of Unibake’s products and that immediately created a connection.
“Even today, when I see our products in stores after work, I feel proud of where I work,” he says.
You came to work for one year in Finland as part of the program. How has your experience working there been so far?
It has been a great experience. From day one, I was trusted with real responsibility and a clear role, which made my work both exciting and rewarding. Beyond work, Helsinki is a fantastic place to live. People here are down-to-earth, kind, and always willing to help. And I was lucky enough to experience one of the coldest winters in recent years - which was on my wish list!
Today, Alfredo works at the intersection of sales and supply chain, a role he finds both dynamic and impactful.
Acting as a link between the two functions gives him a valuable end-to-end perspective. His focus is on making the value of supply chain visible to sales, while ensuring forecasts effectively support production planning.
“That collaboration is what I find most motivating,” he explains.
Growth and developoment is another motivating factor for him and he especially emphasizes how much he learns from experienced colleagues and from observing how teams operate across different markets. Bringing those insights into his daily work keeps him engaged and continuously improving.
What’s your favorite coffee break treat?
Lemon Square! My Danish colleagues found it a bit unusual, but I’m happy to say it’s just as popular in Finland. It’s the perfect mix of fresh and sweet.
Alfredo’s experience highlights what our Global Graduate Program is all about: stepping outside your comfort zone, building connections across cultures, and taking on real responsibilities early in your career.
From his first coffee chats in Denmark to creating impact across functions in Finland, his story reflects the opportunities that come with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn.