Customer Development Review

I was in the Unilever International section of the business. I worked with distributors in Nordic countries, selling a range of beauty and personal care and food products. I was the main point of communication for several distributors, collecting logistical information, organising shipments, negotiating pricing, discussing business plans and marketing activities. I also helped in the seeding of new products to relevant markets, conducting market research, creating relevant product portfolios and presenting these to distributors.

I have really developed my professional communication skills. I have learnt so much about the consumer goods industry, my role allowed me to work closely with supply chain and marketing teams, this partnered with constant customer liaising has meant I have learnt and got involved with many processes involved in the business, delivery to shop floor. Understanding and being involved in these processes massively helped with customer service.

I was given a huge amount of responsibility. When you come for a placement at Unilever you are given a real role in which you can make an impact to business and your team. I was account manager for several customers and I felt as though I was really appreciated within my team.

The covid work from home situation obviously effected this as I was not able to meet my line manager or team in person. However, the way in which they supported me and guided me throughout my placement was very good, I felt comfortable asking any questions no matter how big or small and they also developed my business skills by talking me through and teaching me new skills. I felt fully supported and appreciated.

Really positive. I felt there was a real entrepreneurial spirit in the team. There was very little hierarchy between the different work levels and I felt comfortable reaching out to anyone no matter how senior they were to me, everyone was willing to help were possible, everyone was very welcoming.

I enjoyed this placement. Although there was little social opportunities because of Covid, I felt my role was interesting and positively challenging. I have been stretched, but supported by my team and I really feel as though the placement will benefit my commercial skills and career going forward.

Yes

Unilever is a really positive environment, that tries to play to each of its employees individual strengths and characteristics. Try to demonstrate the individual soft skills that you possess in your character that could benefit the business as well as the hard skills you already possess. Your soft skills are something that will carry you through the placement, a lot of the hard skills you will learn on the job.