GROWing at BASF: A half-year reflection
It’s been a huge six months of learning, travel and change since our talented Grow Graduates joined BASF Australia and New Zealand. Designed to nurture and develop the next generation of leaders, the BASF Grow program offers graduates the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience working on business projects across our diverse business units. To mark this milestone, we asked our talented 2024 cohort of grads - Hugh Conway, Keely Pakes and Riley Hodgson - to share their highlights so far.
Hugh Conway: Embracing adaptivity and taking charge
Hugh joined the program with open expectations and has spent the last six months learning about project management, helping oversee an office move and getting to experience life on the road with our Agricultural Solutions team.
BASF’s extensive matrix organisation structure presented a unique challenge, but Hugh quickly realised the importance of being adaptable and taking charge.
“I’ve learnt to articulate ideas and collaborate more effectively. Personally, I’ve become more adaptable,” Hugh expressed. “Being exposed to different work environments, cultures and people has helped me navigate new situations.”
“There definitely have been ups and downs. But I’m proud to say that despite the challenges faced over the last six months, the ability to overcome them is my key takeaway,” Hugh added.
One of Hugh’s most significant learning experiences was the Future of Work project, where he collaborated with colleagues from various departments including Country Development, IT, HR, Corporate Affairs and EHS to oversee BASF ANZ’s head office move.
“I felt out of my depth at first, but by adapting and being surrounded by people who help build your confidence, I felt I was able to provide value to the team”.
Whether that be through providing a different perspective, or taking on tasks that matched his skillset, he is proud to have been a valuable member who contributed to the team’s and project’s success.
Hugh’s journey as a Grow Graduate has taught him to be malleable and proactive in responding to the constant changes that occur in the workplace. “While I may not have much experience, it doesn’t mean I can’t take initiative. It’s important to seek out opportunities to gain experience in your fields of interest and take control of your career,” he reflected.
“The culture here has made me feel engaged and become a valued part of the company. Everyone is willing to take you under their wing,” he further connoted.
Keely Pakes: Diving in and embracing challenges
When Keely joined the program, she anticipated that she’d gain new skills, but says she had no idea just how quickly this would happen. Since joining the program Keely has worked in BASF’s Coatings and Country Development divisions, where she has worked on a number of unique projects such as controlling, marketing, and project management with a focus on areas including gas treatment, research and biosecurity. “Working in diverse business units and taking on challenging projects has allowed me to develop new competencies and enhance my existing skills,” Keely remarked.
Looking back, she shared one of the most challenging experiences where she had to step in to cover for a departing team member in the Coatings division. “Despite limited knowledge and experience, I accepted the challenge and took a leap of faith to dive in, learn on the go, and sought support from colleagues when needed”. Certainly not textbook learning, but this experience proved to be opportune as Keely was able to gain firsthand involvement to develop new skills.
Keely demonstrated her commitment to diversity and inclusion by taking on the role of Chair of the Mental Health working group within BASF ANZ's Diversity and Inclusion council. A passionate advocate for mental health, Keely found it personally fulfilling to lead the group and develop initiatives to promote a healthier and more inclusive workplace.
Keely demonstrated her commitment to diversity and inclusion by taking on the role of Chair of the Mental Health working group within BASF ANZ's Diversity and Inclusion council. A passionate advocate for mental health, Keely found it personally fulfilling to lead the group and develop initiatives to promote a healthier and more inclusive workplace.
“All my interactions with colleagues have been super valuable. I look forward to coming into work and giving my all,” she said in acknowledgement of BASF’s supportive culture to nurture talent for the future.
Riley Hodgson: Navigating the BASF Maze
Riley's journey at BASF began with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The vastness of BASF, with its numerous business units and complex operations initially felt overwhelming, however Riley's curiosity and determination fuelled her enthusiasm with an urge to learn more. Much to her pleasant surprise, the Grow Graduate program has opened her eyes to a wide range of opportunities within the organisation which Riley says has made her more adaptable and open-minded.
“The breadth of experiences gained through exploring various aspects of the organisation and being given the opportunity to participate in diverse projects has kept me going,” Riley states. She has also gradually learnt how to navigate the intricacies of BASF’s systems and work effectively with colleagues. On a professional level, she noticed her soft skills have also improved as she has developed a better understanding of time management, prioritisation and effective communication to better collaborate with colleagues.
One of Riley’s most rewarding experiences so far has been her involvement in the Women in Business (WIB) working group, a subgroup of the organisations staff-led Diversity and Inclusion Council. As part of this team, she participated in a project aimed at rolling out emergency period products to BASF sites and remote workers. This initiative is crucial for creating a more inclusive and comfortable workplace environment for all employees.
“Throughout this project, I engaged in activities such as finding suitable suppliers, discussing budget considerations, and convincing stakeholders of its importance. This certainly put my communications skills to the test!” she recalled.
As Riley looks towards the future, she is eager to continue developing her skills and knowledge and gain greater insights and deeper understandings of leadership ways of working within smaller business units. Marked by growth, resilience and willingness to explore the vast landscape of BASF, her experiences highlight the Grow Graduate program’s ability to provide a dynamic and rewarding environment for aspiring professionals.
It’s been a pleasure to witness the growth and enthusiasm our graduates have brought to BASF Australia and New Zealand over the past six months. We can’t wait to see them continue to develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in their chosen careers.