Internship Review at Unilever

The Role

Role Description

Worked in packaging development, liaising with marketing to create material for consumer qualitative tests. Also involved in concept selection and testing of packaging in the laboratory.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The work placement gave me an insight into the workings of a global company that I would not have had before. The work itself was stimulating and catered to my skill set, and I felt like I was contributing.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

I would say that other than with my line manager and a few others, it was difficult to connect with the other people in the office, simply because I had no need to speak to them and vice versa. Having said that however, there were several people who made me feel welcome, and the people on the project I worked with made it clear my work was valued.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

If I had any problems it was very easy to speak to my line manager, and he was very supportive.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was extremely busy on the first week, but the workload lessened as the weeks went on. Towards the final week I had very little work.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The work I was given was to be completed on my own, and therefore it would be my fault if the work was not up to standard as no-one else will work on it upon submission.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

The skills I developed related mostly to communicating within a global company. It's unlikely it will help me in my degree but it will make me stand out for other job applications.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

My particular office contained 30+ workers, so it was never quiet. Cakes were readily available.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

My placement was well organized, and I was contacted by phone before the placement began so that my line manager could discuss with me about the kind of work I would be suited for. My first week was completely organized, but from then on the work plan was loose as it depended upon how the first task went and how I could fit in with the current project.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

My line manager allowed me to sit in on every meeting related to the project which meant I learnt quite a few things about the company and how things work. The company did not exactly train me for anything but I was only there for ten weeks.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Upon completion of the placement, I am being considered for the graduate scheme. I find out later this year if I will be fast tracked to the Assessment Centre event for it.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

It was mainly self organized, save one social organized by a member of the grad scheme.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I stayed in a student house which saved a lot of money but it was a bit far from everything. Taxis were not too expensive, and everything was generally averagely priced. With time I eventually found out which places cost more than others.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I really liked the places in Liverpool city centre, and it was a shame I didn't go out more often!

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

There were a few company sports clubs (karate, badminton etc.) but for a 10 week placement there wasn't much point in joining.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

It is quite difficult to find places to live for a ten week placement, and you do not receive very much help in this area. My advice is to look for student housing, and there were also quite a few places in Rock Ferry. I managed to find a place in Kensington, and I think it is much better to live in Liverpool than outside it.
During your placement you should talk to everybody. This way, if the work you are doing is not what you are after, you have at least made new friends and contacts and the whole summer was not a waste.

Review 36/52 for Unilever

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