Placement Year Review at Unilever

The Role

Role Description

I was based in Global supply chain in the technology team. The role involves working with the regional technology teams and R&D to implement new innovations in facories.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Really enjoyed it, recommend to everyone who is thinking about taking a placement

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I feel really valued because I know the work I'm doing is contributing to the business overall. I have been treated as memeber of the team from the start.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Any question I had everyone was happy to help, not only in my office but everywhere on the site. The managers have been great tutors, and although I am only 4 months in I feel I have learnt so much already.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

It took a while to get going, but I now think that was a good thing as it slowly builds you up so you don't get thrown in the deep end. Since about 2 months into the placement, I have always been busy by working on 4/5 projects at once but they know not to push you beyond your limit.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I feel I have had a lot of responsibility and have been trusted to get on with my work and report back every so often. I've had the opportunity to manage projects from within and with outside companies. As my knowledge has increased I have been trusted with more important decision making.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

My time management skills have improved beyond belief, which is all down to having the responsibility to work on many projects at one time. Also the skillls I have developed in project management will be something i take into my final year and beyond.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Friendly atomosphere, but you do have to rememeber you're not at work with your mates from home or uni. It's just professional.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Should perhaps of had more to do when I first arrived, but because you are treated as one of the team I did eventually get really stuck into team projects

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There wan't much structured training, it was more of a case of learn by doing, which I believe is much better anyway.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Flexi Time
• Sports and Social Club
• National Travel
• International Travel
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Above 25 days holiday

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Unilever run a great graduate scheme, which I will probably apply for and I think the placement has put me in a good starting position.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There about 30-40 summer placement students when I first arrived, and then ~10 12 month placement students so there is no chance of being bored on your own at the weekend or in the evenings.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I lived in the city centre of Liverpool which was about a half an hour drive or 45 min train journey. Managed to find a flat within about 2 weeks (don't leave it that tight!) for £300/month excl. bills. Really cheap place to live

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Great night life and social scene in Liverpool

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

You can join local sports clubs and clubs in Liverpool Uni, and there are always plenty of events going on in the city centre.

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 has been a great placement to be on and would highly recommend to anyone who is thinking about going for one in Unilever. The work has been really interesting and engaging, the people are great and the opportunities with the company afterwards look promising.

Review 38/52 for Unilever

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