Kelani Phelps tried out a variety of different career paths before finding her current home at PepsiCo, where she works as a customer management associate. But throughout her previous work experience—including roles in marketing, social media, and childcare—one thing remained constant: her drive to succeed, which comes from being raised among strong, entrepreneurial women.
“Many women in my family had their own companies, and I wanted to learn more about businesses to assist them with their endeavors,” she says. “I’d help my mom with her custom jewelry business and fashion styling when she worked in television.”
This inspired Phelps to launch her own venture, styling hair and making custom wigs while getting her business degree at Florida A&M University. During college, she completed various internships, including one at PepsiCo that led to a full-time role and has helped her find direction in her career.
Here, Phelps shares why PepsiCo is a great place for new grads, how she’s found community at work, and the importance of failure.
What was your internship experience at PepsiCo like and how did you know the company would be a good fit?
My experience as a sales management intern at PepsiCo was amazing. I joined the summer program as part of a large intern group that included a few of my classmates. I worked on the sales strategy of the company’s Juice+ sector, and I was tasked with adding new limited-time offers for the KeVita brand. I also had the opportunity to collaborate on projects to support other business units within PepsiCo.
During my 10 weeks as an intern, I interacted with many people across the organization (including VPs) and formed connections with others through the company employee resource groups (ERGs). One of my favorite experiences from that summer was participating in the first episode of a new podcast hosted by the Women of Color ERG. I knew PepsiCo was the company for me because of the interactions I had with every person I met as an intern. I always felt supported whenever I connected with anyone in the organization.
What are you responsible for in your current role?
As a customer manager for Quaker at PepsiCo Foods North America, I focus on two divisions under the Albertsons grocery stores in the Northeast. My daily responsibilities include working with finance and sales strategy to present promotion proposals to my buyers at Albertsons Mid-Atlantic division and Shaw’s Supermarkets. Then I work with global business services to create contracts for these proposals. I am currently responsible for selling the Pearl Milling Company brand along with some hot cereal items.
How did your internships and part-time jobs in college prepare you for your role at PepsiCo?
The internships and part-time jobs I had in college were in sales and marketing, and each one, although different, helped me enhance my people and listening skills. While working in these roles, I was tasked with selling a product or idea that gives people a sense of ease, from working as a nanny to creating marketing campaigns for an adoption agency. Being able to really listen to the needs of a customer or business and act on them is one of the most valuable skills I’ve been able to transfer into my current role to build strong relationships.
What do you like most about working in a cross-functional role? What skills has it helped you develop?
I really enjoy the communal aspect of it: As an introvert, working cross-functionally across various teams has helped me develop my communication skills. Working with different teams has shown me how people can come together to make better things happen every day.
As a new grad at PepsiCo, how did the company make you feel supported and set you up for success?
I felt very safe during the transition from student to my corporate career at PepsiCo. While in the sales associate program, I was offered lots of support through trainings with our director and co-leads, career development with HR, and even relocation assistance.
Early on, I was given the opportunity to connect with other cohorts and graduates of the program, as well as my current manager, which gave me more insight on what to expect upon starting.
One of the recruiters I worked with while I was in school became a mentor, and when I started at PepsiCo, we set up calls every Friday for the first six months to do check-ins. During these calls he provided names of others to network with and reassured me that because of my willingness to learn and the impact I made during my time as an intern he would advocate for me along the way. I am thankful that PepsiCo provided so many avenues of support after I graduated.
Overall, people are at the heart of PepsiCo. Employees are empowered to make an impact and provided with opportunities and resources to make a difference.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced when starting out in your career, and how did you overcome it?
I experienced hardship with the passing of my grandmother a month before my internship, and later with the passing of my father three months into my full-time role. I am still working to actively overcome the effects of losing two special people in my life by leaning on those in my circle and taking care of my well-being with the mental health resources offered by the company. I recently celebrated my one-year anniversary in my role, and I’m grateful for the continuous support and guidance I’ve received from my PepsiCo family.
What is the best career advice you’ve received?
Never be afraid of failure. Oftentimes we see failure as a negative thing, but if you haven’t failed at least once in your career journey, you’ll never have the opportunity to learn and overcome challenges. When I started out at PepsiCo, I wanted everything to be perfect, but I learned that I needed to extend grace to myself when it comes to doing new things.
The lessons you learn from your failures, the advice you receive from those who are more knowledgeable, and the self-awareness you gain with time and experience all contribute to a successful professional and personal life.
What is something most people would be surprised to learn about you?
Most people would be surprised to know that I am a cuisine enthusiast, and I was in a culinary arts program in middle school and high school. I had the opportunity to meet chef Wolfgang Puck and try one of his dishes while at a television shoot for his cookware. I love trying food from different cultures and making the recipes at home.
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
I’m currently reading two books: All About Love by Bell Hooks and The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table by Minda Harts. All About Love is a really good read about the importance of platonic, familial, and romantic love, and understanding how it’s different from what it’s known to be in society. I recently started The Memo, which I received as a gift from board members of the Northeast region of our Women of Color ERG while at a conference. It’s a guide for young women of color to navigate their careers successfully within corporate America.