Commercial Intern Review

My role was fairly general, I was a commercial/ retail operations intern in the Luxe division. I didnt work for one specific brand but in the Retail Excellence team. A big chunk of my role was supporting with weekly retail reporting, focusing on two specific brands. This meant I attended meetings with these brands and fed back to my team. I supported with incentives and communication with the field teams.

My excel skills have developed hugely, this learning was mostly self led but hugely benefitial for me and my role. My presentation skills have improved greatly as well as my general communication skills. I have learnt to use new software such as RSi throughout the year too. Working closely with my line manager has also improved my teamwork skills.

A few months into the placement I was trusted to do retail reporting by myself, and take control of the specific brands I was looking after. I would attend brand meetings as the sole representative from my team. I was also given solo projects throughout my placement which I had the freedom to shape to my benefit.

My line manager was hugely supportive throughout the internship, as was the director of the team. As a company, L'Oreal have lots of systems in place to encourage personal growth too.

The people were for the most part extremely friendly, empathetic, and supportive. However the general company atmosphere was chaotic at times. I got the impression that higher management wasn't the most efficient. There were often tight dealines and poorly time-managed projects. It was very normal for people above me to be working extreme hours and delegate work at the last minute. At times it was a very high stress workplace.

I learnt a lot from my placement year, and overall I did enjoy myself. The work I did felt appreciated. However, despite having over 100 interns in the Hammersmith offices, there were almost no social events despite having a socials committee. The HR support when it came to intern events was practically non-existent with no trust/budget given to us (despite previous cohorts having big events). The social side was very poor.

Yes

As long as you're passionate and do your research, you have a great shot at L'Oreal. Enthusiasm and high energy will get you a long way! Don't be disheartened if things don't go your way though, it is a competitive placement and there is a portion of luck involved!