Intern Review

My placement was completely different to what I thought it would be, but in a good way! The amount of responsibility and opportunities available was amazing and much more than I expected in such a large company. My role has been so varied but that is what I have loved. No day was ever the same and I was able to see how my role affected the brand and its results. I was able to go to events and work with internal and external stakeholders on a variety of projects. My team always listened and supported me in my personal development and helped me achieve what I wanted out of my placement.

I think I was really surprised how much respect you get as a L'Oreal intern. You aren't there to be at the bottom. My team valued my input and opinions and didn't treat me differently because I was an intern. I was encouraged to go to meetings and contribute - your opinions and thoughts are really valued. At times, I went to meetings on behalf of my team, contributed and then fed back to them.

Weekly 1-2-1's with my manager really helped me throughout my internship. At the beginning, it made me feel hugely supported and eased me into the role nicely as I always knew what was expected of me week by week. My manager gave me a huge amount of independence throughout my internship and let me take control and ownership of projects. Even though I had a great deal of independence, I knew I could always rely on her for support. Having such a supportive manager has definitely helped me hugely develop both personally and professionally.

My role always felt busy which I liked, there was always a project to be getting involved with. It definitely came in waves and there were times where I did feel extra busy but throughout the year I have learnt to manage my time and expectations to ensure deadlines were met.

You aren't treated as an intern at L'Oreal, the job you are doing is a full time role and that comes with responsibility. However, it was a perfect amount and enabled me to challenge myself whilst being able to make changes and see results. I also loved that you are equally responsible for your own development and managers encourage this. There are numerous training sessions you can choose to attend which help you to develop. I spoke to my manager about seeing other parts of the business and she helped me to network and make connections so that I could learn more.

I have learned so much more than I thought possible from this year. It has helped me to see how the industry really works and has confirmed that this is what I want to do. What I have seen this year has helped me to think about potential dissertation topics and where I see myself in the future.

There was such a lovely atmosphere in the office. Everyone worked so hard and wanted the same goals, I loved how the different functions worked so well together. Having a flexible working culture such as the ability to work from home was also really nice. It meant you could still work hard wherever you were!

I thought the placement was fairly well organised. I liked the fact you set objectives with your manager at the beginning which you review at the middle and the end of your placement. This meant I could make sure I got what I wanted out of my placement and my progress could be tracked.

There are so many training sessions available, even for intern level. The learning team constantly have training sessions available which have really helped my personal development. You have to take your own learning upon yourself and know what you want but the learning team have been great in facilitating those needs.

Interns are able to apply to the grad scheme or talent track. Talent track launched this year which caters for those whose role is not available on the grad scheme / if you feel the grad scheme isn't for you. I was really pleased it launched as it gives everyone an opportunity to apply and come back if they see themselves in the organisation in the future. It gives everyone an opportunity which I really value.

The great thing about being a L'Oreal intern is that there are so many of you! Constantly new people to meet and I would encourage any new intern to make the most of meeting new people. I feel that my experience this year was made so much better by the new friendships I have made.

London is expensive so socialising and living are too! Saying that, we are comparing it to student living. But this will be the same for any placement in London, not just L'Oreal. It just means you have to budget!

The nightlife in Hammersmith isn't great but having the tube (and being in London) means you aren't far from a good night out!

Yes, the intern committee run sports teams throughout the year and L'Oreal Citizen Day meant we had a day out of the office to help volunteer.