Supply Chain intern Review

This internship was such an amazing experience. It has given me an insight into the world of work, and I have also met many intern friends. I have learnt a lot about the company and the particular function I am in. The internship flew by very quickly! I wish it was longer,

As many of my team members were very young, it was very easy to get on with them on a professional and personal level. They were always there whenever I needed any help on my projects, and was happy to chat with me about anything. Very friendly, supportive and fun. They helped me put myself in contact with other colleagues so I could network.

We had regular review meetings to track the progress of my projects, and they offered excellent advice on my next steps if I appeared to be falling behind, or struggling. The meetings were driven by myself rather than the manager. Although I had a lot of freedom and autonomy to drive the projects to reach the end goal.

Initially at the start of the internship, it was slightly slow, but this was due to the CEO's visit. However, in the second week, I began to start on my projects and had work to be doing on a daily basis. Obviously there were times when it was a bit hectic or quiet, but there was always training to do (HR, Excel etc.)

I did not have a day to day job, but instead worked on my 2 projects so did not have a direct influence on the actual running of the business. However, the projects enabled me to inform and teach the key principles of the function I was in to other divisions, and hopefully my work will begin to influence the behaviour of others.

Working on the 2 projects themselves taught me a lot, from managing complexity, communication and other skills such as networking and presenting in front of people. Interns had access to websites with Excel training, and modules on ethics, morals, and presentation skills. We also had workshops where we learnt about other functions in the business, and how to manage time.

It was a very interactive office, and the sweets/ snacks table was always full! Everyone was up for a chat if you wanted to, and the team were serious at work. So there was a perfect balance between working and it being relaxing. Nothing was too intense or too chilled.

On the whole, it was good. We were informed of our line managers well in advance and someone collected us on our first day. There was a lot of structure, in terms of reviews and we were told how we could apply for the grad scheme. There was a lot of support, both from our immediate team, and also the team from HR.

You have the opportunity to apply for their grad scheme and you could be offered a place before you go back to university. Everyone is very young in the company so it shows that you can easily progress to a more senior position, and even a manager by the age of 28!

Obviously being based in London, rent, food and travel are not cheap! But the canteen at work was very heavily subsidized, with a decent meal costing around £3 or so. But on the whole, it is very manageable if you budget well in advance! If you live slightly away from work, rent becomes a bit cheaper.

London has a lot of variety and a lot to do after work. Unfortunately being here for only 10 weeks, I didn't have a chance to visit everything in London that I wanted to do, Everyone is very sociable and friendly! Large range of clubs, bars and restaurants but drinks can be on the expensive side...

Yes loads! There are obviously volunteering opportunities, and Loreal allow you to volunteer for a day and still get paid. There is also citizen time, and I think this is when you try and raise money for charity as a team. This wont happen in my internship, but I have heard it is a very good day!