Virtual Summer Placement Review

Very insightful and enjoyable experience. I was able to get a real idea of the different business functions as well as their core values and the opportunities available in the long run. We were even able to get some quality Q&A sessions with some senior executives which definitely was a unique opportunity that I have not experienced elsewhere. The sustainability business challenge was fun, challenging and a chance to be more creative. It still felt relaxed and inclusive and very enjoyable.

They made sure that everyone felt included. On the first night, they held a pub quiz in the evening so that we were able to get to know some of the other participants better. During the purpose workshop, they were very interested in hearing our personal experiences and motivations as well as just getting to know us overall. The other participants were also very friendly. It has made me very excited for joining them next summer.

The experience comprised of a series of webinars, Q&As, and then a series of workshops. During the workshop, there is someone who is from Unilever who is working with you so you receive a lot of guidance. Overall the work we did was more focused on our personal aims and learning about whether we feel Unilever is a good fit for us. The staff were super friendly and available to answer any questions you had.

The purpose workshop certainly was thought-provoking and something I will definitely be working on myself in the future. The Q&As with the executives also provided great insight into potential career paths and developments as well as developing a work culture that is applicable for the career you are hoping for. Overall it was more focused on looking at your long term aspirations than specific skills but certainly useful. Definitely applicable in all aspects of both personal and professional life.

The experience was well-structured providing a nice balance between webinars, Q&A sessions, workshops as well as some more informal activities. This way it felt nice and varied and kept me engaged throughout the experience. The virtual quiz was also a nice touch to add a more social experience that other virtual internships I have done have not included. There were still plenty of breaks so we weren't feeling too tired at the end of the day.

I was initially worried as other virtual internships I have done have often been a bit awkward especially when there have been lots of people and you cannot see everyone. However, there were not too many people and we split off into smaller groups for workshops so were able to get to know other participants and create a friendlier atmosphere. The hosts were also super friendly and welcoming and so it felt very comfortable for the whole experience.

I was supposed to do a full internship this summer with Unilever. Thankfully rather than cancelling it as a result of COVID, they delayed it to next summer and this virtual experience has been a nice bonus to give me an insight into what I can expect. This definitely has made them seem more interested in my personal development and training. Speaking with other employees it's clear this is a key feature of the Unilever working environment.

The biggest take away was just to what extent Unilever is a values-driven firm and how this applies to every product they sell. Whatever role you end up being involved in, this is a critical consideration - especially around sustainability. I definitely was impressed by the potential for travel and new opportunities, even for those who had been at Unilever for several decades. They also gave a thorough overview of what the Summer placement and UFLP will look like.

This was definitely the biggest takeaway from the virtual experience. Unilever is a values based company with the goal to make sustainable living common place. This is definitely a refreshing outlook for a consumer good company to have and seems to encompass everything the company does from their research and supplying, to their marketing and advertising. This is something Unilever want to make sure applicants understand to make sure you are a right fit for them.

As I already went through the application with Unilever for the Summer placement, I already knew marketing was something I was looking to pursue and that Unilever would be one of the best to do this for. However, this certainly has got me excited to start my placement and to apply to their future leaders programme. I was impressed with how much flexibility they provide to allow you to explore different careers within Unilever.

I did not have any expenses

Yes we had a Q&A with a Senior General Manager for the UK & Ireland as well as the Vice President for Human Resources.

They provided a social opportunity on the first evening where they held a virtual quiz which povided a great opportunity to get to know some of the other participants.

This was not something that was explored too much, but as the experience was only two days there was almost too much to cover!

Yes absolutely! They cover such a wide range of functions but especially anyone looking to get into marketing and who cares about sustainability this was a great experience. Especially if you are able to get on to one of their placements.