HR Spring Programme Participant Review

Really enjoyed the programme, a great insight into the company and my chosen function. I enjoyed networking with the other participants as well as with leaders within the company.

The time spent was leading up to an assessment centre for a longer placement. Therefore we were given constant support and advice throughout as to how to prepare for this, suggesting we were valued from the very start as we could potentially be progressing on into the company.

Fantastic levels of guidance from people on the graduate scheme, senior leaders, and people across a range of functions. This support was not only focussed on the impending assessment centre but also about any general questions such as to do with functions or careers.

The information I received has informed my long term career choices. I have consolidated my desire to work in the FMCG sector and gained an overview of different functions involved in this which will be helpful when looking at graduate schemes in the future.

The timings were very precise and the days well structured, ensuring we had a range of events and networking sessions and also always had somebody from Unilever on hand to answer any questions.

Very friendly and surprisingly relaxed for a big company. Everyone was willing to talk and answer questions, although the full on days were quite tiring! Even people around the office who weren't helping the programme were very accommodating and welcoming.

The insight was mainly into the function applied for and the company itself, rather than investing in you so you gained skills to take away. That said, the assessment board on the final day is good experience in interviews and case study answers. There was also frequent group work with people you had only just met, leading to transferable skills of teamwork and communication.

The insight was very comprehensive in outlining what it was like to work in Unilever and also in the function I applied for. There was ample opportunity to speak to full time employees across all levels and functions of the company and they were more than willing to talk about their career paths, current role, and what they actually do day to day.

There was firstly an introductory presentation about the company and its values (such as sustainability and growth mindsets) which was useful to gain an overview. This was continued in activities we participated in such as sustainability challenges in which we had to consider the company culture. We could also talk to current employees about their views on this.

The content of the programme was useful to give me an insight into the company and the specific function I applied for, which was far more complex and diverse than I originally realised. This has helped me decide that I would like to work in the FMCG sector, although the programme was very function specific so I gained less of a comprehensive overview of some of the other roles available within this company and sector.

I was reimbursed for my travel expenses on the train. Additionally all meals were provided and we were accommodated in a hotel with transport to and from the office every day at no cost to us.

There was a large amount of time dedicated to networking sessions where we could talk to people from across functions in the business. They also had varied levels of experience, from people on Industrial Placements and the graduate scheme to senior level leaders. All were eager to talk about their role and the company, and provide advice.

As mentioned, there was frequent networking with different employees joining event activity including casual lunches and even breakfast. All were eager to talk and provide advice. In terms of social events there were networking dinners in the evening and one evening was a champagne reception. There were some fun activities which were optional such as a quiz night on the day before the assessment centre.

On the office tour we were shown activities such as the onsite gym and fitness classes. The members of the graduate scheme and industrial placement students in particular were willing to talk about their activities as many of them lived and socialised together nearby. Lots of employees were willing more generally to discuss their work life balance.

I would recommend this insight to someone interested in working in business in one of the functions offered by Unilever, or for people looking to gain a deep insight into this specific company. This is because they give you lots of information and you gain knowledge of sectors or areas of the business you may have had no previous knowledge of.