Five reasons why you should work in the FMCG sector

FMCG is a buzz word for the past few decades. The abbreviation is Fast Moving Consumer Goods, which also known as Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG). The FMCG products are typically non-durable goods and sell quickly. Since it is consumable or short-lived, people buy these items regularly.

As the consumerism tighten its clutches on our society, the FMCG sector grows rapidly with products which ease the daily life of consumers. The sector shows constant growth by introducing new and innovative products. From food items to toiletries, these goods are the most useful items for the day-to-day life of each individual. For example, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, face wash, skin care products, biscuits, confections, soft drinks, dairy products, baked goods, frozen food, pen, pencil and many more items we use from getting up from bed to sleeping in the night.

FMCG sector is India’s fourth-largest sector with around 55 per cent of revenue from urban segment. FMCG products account for 50 per cent of the total rural spending as the semi-urban and rural segments register rapid growth. The retail market in India is estimated to reach US$ 1.1 trillion by 2020 from US$ 840 billion in 2017. With modern trade is projected growth of  20-25% per annum, the FMCG companies are also expecting a revenue boost. Revenue of FMCG sector reached ₹ 3.4 lakh crore (US$ 52.75 billion) in FY18 and is estimated to reach US$ 103.7 billion in 2020. FMCG market is expected to grow at 9-10 per cent in 2020.

The job positions in FMCG are involved from product design, branding and advertising, project management, engineering, and finance to supply chain, distribution, sales and IT. This sector provides exciting jobs for both freshers and experienced people, who want a change in the career path.

Reasons to choose a career in FMCG

Followings five reasons will attract you to the FMCG sector for a future career.

1.      Brightest employment prospects

FMCG industry always acquires individuals belong to the culturally diverse background as the products sell among different communities. The person should be quick-minded because the industry is very fast-paced and ever-evolving. Other than any other industries, FMCG provides more knowledge and experience to its workforce. If you are working in the FMCG sector, you would quickly learn things and earn much experience in less time and thus, rise in the career ladder.

The industry is a constant job provider with about 15-20% of the workforce working in this sector. Working conditions, salary and work-life balance are excellent in FMCG companies. Even a freshly graduated student can enter the FMCG job. The starting salary is between ₹3 lakh to ₹7 lakh per annum based on the qualification and role.

2.      Chance to work with the biggest brands

FMCG industry consists of the world’s largest and reputed brands. You are familiar with most of the brands and their products since your childhood such as Unilever, Procter and Gamble, Coca-Cola, Nestle, Hindustan Uniliver, ITC, Britannia, Dabur, Cadbury etc. It would be a great opportunity for you to be part of any of these brands you grow with.

Additionally, all these brands are market leaders and working int these companies will give you a world-class experience, that help you to grow further in your career. However, there are many start-up companies in the FMCG, you can also join such new entrants to learn and grow.

3.      Abundant opportunities to have a global career

Owing to its universal nature, FMCG offers chances to the employees to work all over the world. Based on your job role, the companies take their employees to their various locations to offer opportunities to experience working around the globe. If you are planning a shift in your career, you can move on to any of these national or international companies.

4.      Stable & fast-paced innovative sector

Since the products are non-durable and quickly consumed, the FMCG sector remains stable for years as long as the continuous demand for the products. Also, the changing nature of consumers, the fast-moving market and competition compel the companies to rely on research and development to introduce innovative products. Because of this, they come out with new items or brands on a daily basis to compete with similar products already available in the market. If you are a creative person with many innovative ideas, this sector is suitable for you.

5.      Skill is paramount than qualifications

Unlike many other professions, the FMCG sector emphasises skills over qualifications. Whatever your qualifications, if you are talented enough, then you have many opportunities in the FMCG industry. Your career progression is also depending on the skills and results you realize in your role. You only need to do is polishing your soft and hard skills to advance quickly.

The key skills for jobs in FMCG are verbal and oral communications, negotiation, problem-solving, collaboration/teamwork, creativity, and innovation. The hard skills required are marketing, sales, analytics skill to find the prospective buyers and markets, and others depending on the roles.

Institutions like Manipal ProLearn helps you to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to shine in the Consumer Goods industry. By instilling soft and hard skills, several programs aim to prepare the interested candidates to meet the industry-standard from the first day of their career. Both freshers and experienced individuals can enrol in these programs to end up in a dream career.