Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the Unilever Spring Insight Programme. It gave an opportunity to really delve into Unilever's culture and values, to understand if it is the right fit for us in our career. It was an amazing opportunity and I recommend it to all undergraduates interested in careers in the divisions they offer. The activities we took part in, such as food solution demonstrations and a mini brand challenge were fun and informative. The chance to secure an internship or placement on the final day at the Selection Board was also an incredible opportunity.

I felt extremely valued by Unilever. It was quite amazing how much they were investing in us, especially at such an early stage in our career and education. Everyone I met and spoke to, from UFLP grads to Vice Presidents, were kind, welcoming and I felt genuinely comfortable to ask questions and learn from them, and they also seemed interested in our future career paths too. We also felt very valued as there were just 18 of us, and so felt very special to have been selected from the many who applied to the programme. However, do not expect the selection board to be easier just as you are a first year student. The interviewers were slightly intimidating, but maybe that was exacerbated by nerves.

The programme was well organised and prior to coming emails with any questions I had were answered quickly. On the programme we were well looked after with two Unilever staff looking after us from start to finish. I only wished we had a proper close or goodbye for the programme, as after the selection board finished we were just left to go. After such an organised programme, it would have been nice to have some closure and final goodbye!

The best thing I found about the programme is that I learnt more about Unilever than reading about the company on the internet ever could have informed me. I always knew I was interested in Unilever, but the programme developed my passion for what the company does, and that knowledge and passion helped me in my interview. The selection board day is also a great experience for first year students, for practicing assessment centres. And of course, if successful, the internship or placement will also help me in my future!

Very well structured programme, I just wish we had more than one full day! The dress codes could have been slightly clearer in the emails as I know many of us were a bit confused about what to wear. The expenses form we were handed on the final day was also for £100 when we were originally told £50 (which led me to book a much longer train home than I needed to!). However, this really is nitpicking. The programme was fantastic.

As a group of 18 us genuinely got on so well and I have made some great friends. The atmosphere was not competitive at all and we all wanted each other to do well in the interview. I really hope I get the chance to work with them in the future!

At such an early stage of our career, the investment was significant. We stayed in a lovely hotel, with all food paid for, and also travel expenses covered. I genuinely felt like Unilever believed in me and were investing to give me the opportunity to work there.

We got to speak to many industrial placement students and ULFP and I definitely built up a consensus of what it was like to work for Unilever as a graduate. We also got to speak to managers and VP's which was insightful! I just wish I had been able to speak to an intern, as this is what I was applying for, however it was the wrong time of year.

Very much so: Unilever's culture, values and purpose were demonstrated strongly throughout the programme and came across from all colleagues too.

It has reassured my the division I am interested in is right for me and that Unilever is the type of company I would love to work for in the future.

Hotel and travel expenses paid for, all food costs covered.

We had networking dinners with a range of people such as managers, graduates, placement students etc. It was a great way to network. If the programme was more than one full day then it would be even better.

On the first night we all had dinner and did a quiz. On the final night we had a networking dinner. They were both great. I just wish the programme was longer to have socialised more with the other programme students.

Not so much outside of work, but we did get a tour of the building which we were shown the gym which has lots of classes etc.

Definitely!