Human Resource Management Industrial Placement Review

by Unilever

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

2.9/5
  • The Role
    3.8
  • The Company
    2.4
  • The Culture
    2.3

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
  • I have enjoyed my placement due to the level of responsibility I was given. Each of my projects enabled me to progress and develop in the standards of leadership.

    4/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
  • I have felt valued in the team and made to feel welcome. Due to unforeseen circumstances however and a lot of restructuring there has been a lot of change within my team and my team have been really stretched in terms of resource. I have had 3 managers throughout my placement which has made it quite difficult for me at times, despite this I have been made to feel welcome and supported.

    3/5

  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
  • I have had 3 managers. My first manager was supportive and guided my through and we had a few one to ones which I found useful and I received a lot of constructive feedback which helped me to progress. My second manager was in two roles and was particularly stretched however she didn't sit down with me for any 1-to-1s, didn't review my work plan with me or offer guidance so during this period I didn't feel particularly supported. However, my current manager has been great and very supportive of me and we have regular one-to-ones. She has coached me through my work plan and been exceptionally helpful.

    3/5

  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
  • I think I was given the right amount of work, my goals were stretching and helped me develop but nothing I couldn't achieve therefore I think it was the perfect balance.

    5/5

  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
  • I was given quite a lot of responsibility and given tasks to manage by myself working with external facing clients as well as being given a large piece of work to do to prepare for an audit on site, which held a lot of responsibility in order to ensure it was completed in time and to a high standard.

    4/5

  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • The skills I have developed have been invaluable. From team work, communication, IT literacy and time management skills to name but a few I have obtained a lot of skills which are going to help me moving forwards in both my degree and career.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
  • Mainly a positive and supportive atmosphere however due to the restructuring and changes in management my team have been particularly overworked which has sometimes led to the atmosphere being a bit deflated at times.

    3/5

  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
  • I think my case was quite unique as due to unforeseen circumstances my manager who applied for me was off work when I was due to start, so I was moved location a week before I was due to start and they weren't expecting me and there has been changes in management etc. Despite this they have welcomed me into the team and got me up and running as soon as possible giving me a structured work plan with a lot to do and a lot of responsibility.

    3/5

  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • I haven't had any formalised training however the team are very knowledgeable and experienced and through shadowing and asking questions I have significantly developed in my knowledge of HR.

    2/5

  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
  • Subsidised Canteen

    National Travel

    Staff Sales/Staff Shop

    2/5

  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
  • I would like to get a chance to get on the graduate scheme, or to work within Unilever once I have finished University!

    4/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
  • There are a few placement students, however they are based in the offices and I work within the factory so I rarely get a chance to see them. I do believe there are some placement students based in the factories however they don't form a community and tend to stick within their teams rather than socialise with other placement students.

    2/5

  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
  • Liverpool is a very reasonably priced area for living and socialising.

    3/5

  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
  • Liverpool nightlife is great and very cheap!

    4/5

  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
  • Not much that I heard of!

    1/5

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Details

Placement (10 Months+)

North West

May 2015


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