What is it like working at Sodexo as a student or recent graduate?

Sodexo is the world’s 22nd largest employer with 412,000 employees. It is a multinational company headquartered in France that provides food services and facilities management to various sectors, including schools, hospitals, corporate environments, and military sites.

For those early in their career, working at Sodexo can offer a wide range of experiences and insights into the service industry. Here’s an overview of what one might expect:

1. Diverse Services: Sodexo is not just about food services; they also offer a range of facilities management services. This can allow early-career individuals to gain exposure to various aspects of the service industry, from catering to property management.
2. Training Opportunities: Sodexo typically provides robust training for new hires, particularly if you’re entering the food service sector. This can range from food safety to customer service training.
3. Diverse Work Environments: Given that Sodexo serves a multitude of sectors, employees might work in different environments—from corporate cafeterias to school dining halls, or from hospitals to military bases.
4. Global Footprint: Sodexo operates in numerous countries around the world. Depending on your role and mobility, this can offer a chance to gain international experience or transfer to different locations.
5. Team Collaboration: Whether you’re in food service, facilities management, or a corporate role, collaboration is essential. You’ll often be part of a team, which can foster interpersonal and communication skills.
6. Customer Interaction: Many roles at Sodexo are customer-facing, offering ample opportunity to hone customer service skills and directly receive feedback.
7. Variable Hours: Depending on the specific role and location, some positions might require working during non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, or holidays—especially in sectors like healthcare or education that operate round the clock.
8. Opportunities for Advancement: Given Sodexo’s vast operations, there are multiple avenues for career progression. Consistent performers can move up the ladder, transition between services, or shift to different sectors or regions.
9. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Sodexo places a significant emphasis on CSR initiatives, including sustainability, diversity, and community engagement. Employees often have opportunities to get involved in these initiatives.
10. Competitive Environment: The service industry can be highly competitive. Meeting client expectations, maintaining high service standards, and managing costs effectively are constant challenges and learning opportunities.
11. Benefits and Compensation: Compensation structures might vary by region, but Sodexo generally offers competitive pay and benefits packages for the industry. Employee perks, such as meals during shifts, are also common in food service roles.

Working at Sodexo early in one’s career can provide a broad understanding of the service industry and open doors to various opportunities within the company.