Commercial intern Review

I really enjoyed the diversity of the role and the responsibility I was given as a placement student enabled me to learn a huge amount during the year. Whilst being given a lot of responsibility, I felt fully supported by a large team of colleagues and hands on manager. I would highly recommend this placement to others - a great company to work for.

The culture at L'oreal is a very friendly environment and encourages networking, team working, supporting others. I felt immediately integrated into my team when I first joined, and felt confident in asking those around me for help or advice in a variety of situations. The people I met and worked with at L'oreal made a huge difference to enjoyment within the job.

I felt confident that I could speak to my direct line manager and even a level above, about any concerns I had whilst on placement. My managers were very keen to support my development and the guidance I received hugely helped me to gain the most out of my placement. They were always keen to go the extra level to help my understanding of the wider business.

Periods of business vary depending on the time of year, projects commencing at the time, meetings approaching etc. However on an average day I would consider my role very busy, with always a new task to be commenced - I rarely had to ask for more work to be allocated to me. This enabled a constant challenge and requirement to prioritise tasks throughout the day!

On joinin Loreal I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of responsibility allocated to placement students. You really become very hands on with your role and can see real results within the business world of the projects you have been working on, which is very encouraging! Having said this, I felt comfortable to express if I felt a task was too much pressure, and would be given the relevant advice and support. Therefore although being stretched, I never felt totally uncomfortable with the level of responsibility.

My placement does not directly facilitate my studies at university, however I learnt invaluable skills which can be applied to a variety of business situations in the future. For example networking, presentation skills, numerical skills, excel skills, interaction with clients, dealing with difficult business situations.

The atmosphere at Loreal is very inspiring. In the environment I worked within I interacted with lots of extremely driven people, who have lots of advice to give. Everyone is very friendly and keen to get to know their colleagues on a personal level. This atmosphere was encouraged by team and divisional activities outside of the office, annual events, social events etc.

There was a clear review system in place which enables me to track my progress and make objectives for development. This meant that at that end of the year I could reflect upon achievements and improvements to be considered for the future. The HR team are very friendly and always there for support should you need it.

Over the year there were a number of training programmes which I had the opportunity to attend to enhance my learning. Even those not directly related to my role, I was openly encouraged to attend anyway for future learning. I felt a lot of time invested in me for my own personal development, from my manager and other team members.

There is a well structured graduate scheme which I have secured a place on which enables the opportunity to work in a number of different roles over a year, crossing streams of work. I believe I'll get a lot of learning out of this year, and further develop my understand of the business as a whole, since I have only experienced a tiny section on my internship!

Lots of team events organised, both inside and outside of work. Some funded by the company and some self funded. This boosted team spirit and is particularly important when first joining the company, as it really helps to integrate you into the team. Amongst the interns there is also a social sec elected to be in charge of getting everyone together and organising fun events!

I had the chance to live at home, however the cost of socialising is expensive, but no different to what can be expected elsewhere in London.

Not near central London but a variety of options in the surrounding area!