Internship Review at Unilever

The Role

Role Description

Formulate and test different hair conditioners in the lab, and data analysis.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

It was a great experience and I made lots of good friends. I got to explore a whole new city, live independently, and manage my own finances.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I felt that I could have been given a more important role in the team, but my office was very friendly and easy to get on with.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I got lots of support from my supervisor but did not have a lot of contact with my line manager, although when I did get contact, it was always very useful. I wish I had had more catch ups with my line manager, but as she wasn't involved in my project, it made it more difficult.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

I always had something to do on my placement, but it wasn't very varied, so I did get bored on some occasions.

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

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

I was running my own project which was lab-based, but I felt that I could have been allowed to have more contact with the rest of the team.

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 learned so much about the world of work, so much about the company and all about what people are looking for in a potential employee.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The office dynamic was always very lively - there would always be an interesting conversation or joke being told. The office was also very young too, which made it easier to connect with colleagues.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

It was very structured, and I was told from the outset what my targets were. It would have been better if I had been told that I would get reviewed mid placement, and how I would be assessed.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

My line manager put in a lot of effort into me, but I would have liked to have had a more important role with regards to my project as I felt as though I could have done much much more but the scope of the project, and rules that restricted me limited me to what I could do.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

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

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Not sure, since the department may not be for me, but as I am still working for them but on a different role and with completely different people, there may be chances for me to get a job with them in the future.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was put in contact with other students, and we arranged to live together - all of us got on well and we hung out a lot. It would have been better if there had been more organised social events though as without that, students tended to clique together depending on department.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Liverpool is great for cheap living and socialising, plus the taxis (Delta) are really cheap too! The city also always has something going on at the weekend - the council is very keen on making the city a very happening place to be at.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Pity I didn't go out more...

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

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

There was a volunteering event, and a walking group, but as a summer placement student, it was difficult to get involved in other events that were specifically for permanent employees.

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?

If you get the placement, make sure you have regular contact with your line manager since they will assess you and fight for you to be fast-tracked to the grad scheme. Also keep a work diary!

Review 37/52 for Unilever

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