L'Oreal Intern Review

Overall, I really enjoyed my placement and thought it was a great introduction into the FMCG industry. The working environment at L'Oreal is very fast paced and is really testing at times. Luckily, I was part of a supportive team who took time to train me in the company's processes and develop my core business skills. There are plenty of opportunities to network and socialise after work which really added to my experience.

I was lucky to have a very supportive team throughout my placement. Both my manager and her manager made me feel valued and included me in all team activities. However, I did not feel as valued by other employees in other streams. As an intern, I felt that they often took the work that I did for them for granted and were often demanding. This being said, my team did their best to overcome this when I let them know of my experience and feelings towards this.

When I first arrived, I was given a week's handover with the previous intern. I found this week overwhelming as I had never been in a corporate environment like this before. I felt that more could have been done to introduce us to L'Oreal and I often felt scared to approach HR/ Management for help. However, as I became more comfortable and confident in my role and my understanding of the company grew, I received good training in the processes and software I would be using. Throughout the year, my relationship with my manager became more relaxed and I felt comfortable enough to ask for feedback and additional support if I needed it.

I had a very good work life balance. I had enough work on a daily basis so that I finished between 5-6 nearly every day and was given additional work if I asked for it. I do not think this was the same for all interns. If someone leaves the company then it often takes a long time to find a replacement and during this time, a lot of interns had to step up and take on their manager's responsibilities which often led to late nights. There are large differences between different divisions and roles and so it really depends on where your internship is.

I was given a lot of responsibility - much more than I expected that I would! L'Oreal is extremely fast paced and there is a lot expected of you as an intern. At some points, this was quite overwhelming and I did not feel that I was experienced enough to cope. However, I probably learnt more and have become more resilient as a result.

I do not think that the skills I gained will be beneficial to my degree but do think that they would be beneficial to my future career. My ability to manage my time, prioritise tasks and communicate have all strengthened over the past year.

There is generally a good atmosphere in the office. The company is made of dynamic and creative people who are passionate about the industry. There are plenty of events through out the year to boost everyone's morale.

I think that overall the internship was well set up. I had a week's handover at the start and a mid and end of year review which is a chance to feedback to your manager about how you are finding things as well as discussing areas which you can develop.

As an intern, I think that this is down to you. If you are eager for responsibility and to learn as much as possible then there are the opportunities to do so. Likewise, if you are not interested in your job then Senior Management will not take the time to invest in your development.

Even after completing a year's internship, it is still extremely competitive to get a place on the Grad Management Trainee Scheme. I thought that it would be much easier to get on the scheme as you know the company and they have already invested in you. You really have to go over and above throughout the year to be noticed and earn your place.

Yes - there was an intern committee who organised socials such as rounders matches, meals out and fun nights out. We had a good social sec who got good deals around London for us. The intern socials were not organised by L'Oreal apart from one when we started. There are company wide events during the year such as Christmas party which was a really fun night!

London is very expensive but we managed to get good deals at bars/ clubs if enough of us went.

Great - there is so much to do in London!

As I have previously mentioned, there were lots of socials organised by interns. There are also a football team and volleyball team for all employees to get involved in.