Summary: Marlene discusses how to learn about work-life balance at a company during an interview, and why it is important to ask questions during the interview. To download this podcast, click here Marlene believes that young professionals must take the time to understand what is most important to them, particularly where work-life balance falls in their own values. Before an interview, do research on the prospective employer such as reading the diversity mission and the work-life statement. At the interview, a student can ask about tools and programs that help employees succeed both at work and in their personal lives. Note that some industries are friendlier to work-life balance. Students can also look at a company’s track record in diversity, demographics, and number of minorities in leadership positions. Students may be worried that asking about work-life balance will reflect poorly on their work ethic. However, Marlene says that this all depends on how the student asks the questions and how much homework they have done on the company. She suggests starting by asking about the company’s vision and mission, and moving on to programs and tools that support them. Work-life balance falls under diversity, and if that is not in the top 5 most important things to the company, that should be a red flag for students. Marlene Quijano is Senior Director R&D for Growth, Enabling Technologies and Strategy for the Snacks & Cereal Business Unit. She is responsible for R&D Leadership in driving platform growth initiatives across categories like Cookies, Crackers, Salted Snacks and Bars. She also overseas R&D strategy including Open Innovation and Sustainability initiatives in addition to responsibility for the Pilot Plant facility.Marlene holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Cornell. She is the Kraft Key School Recruiter for Cornell University and sits on Cornell’s Co-op Engineering Advisory Board and Food Science Advisory Council.
