Internship Review at Nestlé

The Role

Role Description

I was given two projects to own and manage during the 10 week internship. Both involved looking at sales data, drawing conclusions on it and ultimately making business recommendations based on my findings. So daily tasks included: speaking to people in the business to better understand the information and its context, regular meetings with your line manager to share your findings & get guidance on how to progress, and processing/presenting the data so your team can use it. In the last couple of weeks, most of my time was spent writing/practising the presentation for the sales director.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

It was a fantastic place to work - the people at Nestlé are well known for being friendly and your success is very much dependent on the relationships you have with your colleagues and wider team. My projects were fascinating and I learnt so much (I knew little about sales before I got there). I guess the only thing I didn't enjoy was the initial work on data processing, but after the first couple of weeks it transforms from just data to interesting work - especially when you start sharing it with people and getting their feedback.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Absolutely. The work I did was always acknowledged and I wasn't treated like a temp student! Everyone knows that the ultimate aim is to recruit bright young people into the business, so I got a lot of support and encouragement. When I left they got me a leaving present (although that shouldn't be the basis on which to apply!) and got invited back for their annual conference.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

For day-to-day support I had my line manager, who could answer any of my questions and act as a sounding board for any of my ideas. He often directed me to members of his team, if they were experts in the area I wanted to know about. Above and beyond that, I got alot of exposure to senior management. I had a senior manager as a mentor, who I could talk in confidence about what I was enjoying and what I was finding challenging. I also had support from my HR manager, who regularly caught up with me to check everything was ok and answer any questions I had on a career at Nestlé. For my project, I presented to several senior managers - including the sales director and managing director of my business unit, which meant I got guidance on my project from all levels.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Work load really varied throughout my 10 weeks. At the start, it was difficult to get going when you're still learning and getting to understand the material. But once you start getting into the data the workload picks up. Then there was a lull, while you are getting feedback on what you've found in the data. Finally, there's a very busy period - while you're writing and finalising your presentation!

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

You're given 100% responsibility for your project. You are autonomous to a certain extent and what you put in is definitely what you get out. However, they don't give you a piece of the business to operate - so from that point of view it's not too much responsibility! The company won't lose millions if you mess up your project. However, if you do a good job, you can influence change in the organisation and consequently save/generate millions from the new insight you provide.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I wish I had done the internship earlier in my degree! It gave me such insight into how businesses are run, it helped me understand my course material. On top of that, I developed skills that got me to a fast start to my third year: presentation skills and analytical skills (for my dissertation). The experience also meant I got offered a conditional graduate job from my success on the internship, so I didn't need to worry about applying to jobs during my final exams.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

It was a fun atmosphere, full of banter - which I've discovered sales team always are! They really embraced me into the team, but at times it was difficult being the youngest and not knowing them as well as they know each other. However, over the 10 weeks I relaxed more around them and enjoyed myself a lot more.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The scheme was very well organised. My year was the first time they'd ever run a scheme and I have to say I was very impressed. Right from the application through to the final celebratory night out - it was well communicated and your line manager is always there to help.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

All the interns went through a presentation skills workshop halfway through the placement - prior to the final project presentations. I also received training on the data systems I needed to use. From a personal development point of view, we got the chance to talk through our expectations of the placement at the start and assess them at the mid-way point as a group. We also each had a development review at the end of the placement with your line manager to discuss your strengths and your development areas to focus on in the future.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• National Travel
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

They were really consistent in saying that there is no competition for places. If you are good enough, you'll get offered a job. That can range from being offered a place on the graduate scheme to being offered a specific role in the organisation.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There were 5 interns based in the Croydon office - so we always met up for coffee, lunch and/or drinks after work. We tended to be out quite alot as we tagged along with each other's teams! Also, there's an 'All Bar One' right outside the office, so even if it was just for one - there was always a chance to catch up with each other and have a laugh over our different experiences.

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

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

Croydon wasn't exactly cheap, but not quite as expensive as the city. So it didn't break the bank (I was used to living in central London from uni)

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Croydon was ok... more for drinks after work in All Bar One. If anyone wanted to carry on, we went into central London as the office is right next to East Croydon train station and there's regular trains to Clapham and Victoria.

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

★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 2/10

There was a gym in the building with exercise classes. Other than that, there were a couple of intern nights out the HR team organised.

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?

Nestlé is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a fun place to work with friendly people. The package is good and you'll get loads of support as well. I'd say, don't be put off that it's sales based - most people don't really understand supplier-to-manufacturer relationships (e.g. Kit Kat to Tesco) - it's not like car selling! Finally, the chance of getting on their graduate scheme is a reason in itself to apply. Can't tell you how good it was not fretting about a job in final year. Good luck :)

Review 6/18 for Nestlé

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