2023 ESG Report
Huda's big career change
December 13, 2021
When she worked as an in-store dietitian at Real Canadian Superstore® and Zehrs® stores, Huda Rashid loved walking the aisles to look at new products.
For five years, her job was to provide advice to customers about cooking and nutrition and show them new ways to use different foods.
“I really loved looking around the store for our new control brand items—PC®, No Name®, PC® Blue MenuTM—because these items were always innovative and of really amazing quality,” Huda says.
“Over time, I realized I wanted to learn more about the process of how these products were brought into the stores, all the way from inception to hitting the shelves.”
She talked to her manager about exploring some other careers at Loblaw, and her manager put her in touch with colleagues on other teams so Huda could job shadow or meet them for a coffee chat.
“I knew I wanted to stay at Loblaw because I really enjoy the culture here,” she says. “I also knew that Loblaw has one of the strongest control brand portfolios in Canada. I think there are probably very few people in the country who don’t have a PC or No Name product in their cupboard, fridge, or freezer, so I wanted to be part of that.”
Huda also knew she wanted to leverage her existing skills, while developing new ones. She’d taken an in-person project management course through the Academy and it immediately felt like a good fit.
Huda talked to colleagues who’d transitioned from the in-store dietitian role to working in Loblaw Brands, and when a posting came up for an assistant product manager, she applied and got the job.
She’s spent the last three years developing new frozen foods like vegetables, dinners and entrees and ice-cream.
“I love it,” she says. “I especially enjoy managing the timelines tied to the launch of new products in our stores which include working with internal stakeholders and amazing vendor partners.”
Once Huda knew she wanted to make a change, she was calculated about pursuing it. But the transition wasn’t without its challenges
“Starting any new role is always a bit intimidating, because you're leaping into something you’ve never done before that might be out of your comfort zone,” she says. “My advice is to keep an open mind and be patient with yourself as you learn.”
For colleagues considering a career change within Loblaw, Huda suggests starting with an open, honest conversation with your manager.
“Share some of the skills that you have or where you're looking to grow,” she says. “My manager at the time was very supportive of me exploring other opportunities.”
She also recommends taking advantage of Employee Assistance Program services, like career counseling and resume support, and Academy courses. It also really helps to have a mentor on your journey, she says.
“Find ways to connect with colleagues who can show you the skills you’re trying to build. There’s so much support available if you seek it.”
