Sales Development Role Review

Really enjoyed my week at Unilever, it gave me an insight into both Unilever and the role which I applied for (Customer Development). The placement was well structured, organised and lots of different activities planned throughout the duration. At the start of the insight we learnt about the organisation as a whole, the following days we specialised in the roles which we applied for, talking to graduates and Unilever Leaders alike, concluding with an assessment centre on the final day.

I felt highly valued by Unilever, as a company it was clear that they had invested a lot of time and effort into the Spring Internship - they provided transport, food costs and accommodation. Everyone at Unilever was so friendly and welcoming, it was a relaxed atmosphere where you felt you could ask any question. All of the employees took time to talk to us, both in the office and at functions outside, they were genuinely interested in our comments and views and made us feel involved within the company.

Throughout the Spring Programme there was a lot of guidance and support provided. As soon as we arrived, we were provided with an information pack with information about contact numbers, the structure of the programme, fellow attendees etc. If we were ever unsure about anything, there was always someone to turn to for help and support. The hosts which organised the programme were fabulous and friendly and were always there to offer tips and encouragement throughout - especially for the assessment centre!

The placement taught me a lot of new things in regards to the interdependence between the different parts of a business and I learnt a lot about the Customer Development role. It was beneficial to my degree as it was useful to experience working in a global company and seeing all of the different variables which attribute to the success of the company.

At the beginning of the week we were provided wit an information pack with a schedule of our week. The week was well structured with a variety of different tasks and activities involved with everything working to time schedule (albeit a few minutes). The insight was well structured, not just during the office hours but there was also activities organised at night time when we were back in the hotel, such as quizzes, team building activities and formal meals. On the whole it was very well structured, it would have been useful to have received the information pack prior to attending so that we knew what was in store for the week commencing.

The atmosphere was welcoming, engaging and informative. Everyone was so friendly on the programme and I feel that over the short duration I made some really good friends with fellow attendees. The employees of Unilever made you feel relaxed and part of the company. The atmosphere was fun due to the range of different tasks, it was good that the day was split into different sections so there was never chance to get bored as you were always kept occupied with the task in hand.

The company spent a considerable amount on the programme, they provided all food and accommodation and reimbursed our travel expenses. The employees invested their time into answering our questions, providing knowledge and giving us an insight into the company. Additionally, they helped us prepare for the Assessment Centre on the final day, (for many this was our first one), by teaching us about Unilever, their core values and information about the roles which we applied for.

We were inundated with opportunities to speak to current graduates and leaders at Unilever, they provided me with an insight into their role but also what they did on a day to day basis, the challenges they faced and what was the most rewarding aspect of their job. It made me realise the responsibility that Unilever gives to its graduates.

Prior to attending the insight I knew that Unilever was focused on sustainability and building a sustainable commonplace, however I didn't know how this would reflect actually within the offices. It was clear that sustainability is a key focus to every decision made within Unilever, with sustainability and customers being the key basis for every decision made. The company culture was talked about by many individuals, touched upon by presentations and constant reminders around the offices.

Prior to the placement I was unsure as to what career path I wanted to take, however, the experience at Unilever has made me realise that I would like to pursue a career in a FMCG company. Following the assessment day, I found out I had been successful and I am now very much looking forward to an Industrial Placement with Unilever commencing next June.

We were not paid during the placement however all food was provided, accommodation was paid for and travel costs were reimbursed up to the value of £100. On the final day we were given a form to fill in to claim back our transport costs, once completed, we had to send it back to Unilever, I received my refunded travel costs promptly.

There was endless opportunities to engage with graduates and leaders at Unilever alike. We engaged with them in various activities but also had the opportunity to chat with them over dinners and at a formal networking meal. Presentations were also delivered to us, there was always time for questions and answers following on from these talks.

Very enjoyable - a range of different opportunities and different individuals to talk to.

I didn't really find much out about this subject.

Definitely! I found the insight so enjoyable and gave me a real taste of what it would be like to work within Unilever and in a Sales Development role. As a first year student, applying gave me the opportunity to practice application skills and the opportunity to partake in an assessment centre. Unilever really invested so much time and effort into the programme and I would definitely recommend this programme to anyone thinking of applying!