Customer Supply Chain Executive Review

I have really enjoyed working here on placement. My teams have treated me as another employee, not just as an intern meaning the jobs I was allocated were challenging and valued. In addition, L'Oreal give benefits such as WorkSmart meaning hours can be flexible and work around things such as appointments.

Particularly in my function/role, I felt extremely valued as I was working what is a full-time position. This means that although the work can be extremely challenging, it is also extremely valuable and interesting. I was not given typical 'intern' tasks and I have not been recognised as an intern to other teams. This means I was treated and appeared as another permanent employee.

I was given a lot of freedom and responsibility in this internship. If I required help or guidance then I could approach my manager or other team members. In addition, we had a couple of trainings given by team members when we joined which helped to learn the basics. On the whole, I would say the support and guidance is there but I needed to ask for it.

On the whole, I would say this is a very busy job to have on placement year. There is of course days or periods of time where you are less busy than normal but these times are fairly rare. This being said, I think it is good to be busy and have things to do at work

I was given a lot of responsibility on the internship as it is an equivalent of a full time role. In addition, I took on a challenging project where few other people were involved despite the business impact it had. This means I was responsible for all aspects of the project in addition to the other side of my role.

The soft skills I have learnt on this internship such as task prioritisation, networking and project management are invaluable and extremely relevant for the working world. I have also undertaken trainings which taught me about general working life as well as developed my computer based/excel skills. In terms of my degree, these skills may help me however, as I am studying a science degree, I will mainly use the things I have learnt post-uni.

General atmosphere in the office is fun, lively and fairly busy. In the department where I work, the teams are extremely busy so this often leads to a lot of quiet working. This being said, this does not mean there is silence in the office and so it is easy to talk/ ask questions if needed.

It is clear they take a number of placement students at L'Oreal as the overall process or setup of the internship is well organised. I feel the organisation is less clear in the teams as sometimes, when there is a shift in management or job roles, the expectations and responsibilities become less clear.

The company does invest quite a lot into the interns in terms of training and development. As well as compulsory trainings, it is also possible to sign up to many different trainings through the L'Oreal website. this means interns can take part in trainings alongside other full time employees in things like Personal Development Planning, E-Commerce and Excel training.

Future employment prospects are really appealing at L'Oreal. The graduate scheme offered is 1.5 years and involves 3 rotations which really appeals to me as you would get to explore different areas of the business. My hesitation to future employment propects at L'Oreal is the lacking of ability to move into different functions as this appears to be really difficult. Another hesitation for the grad scheme is its very competitive meaning the chances of getting future employment is small through this route.

Yes, there is a social committee for both interns and they have also recently setup a divisional committee meaning there is even more socials! Although they do not happen very often, when they do they are really fun and have a really high attendance. Not only is there socials to drink but there was also socials setup to play rounders in the summer which was really fun.

Cost of living and socialising in this area (West London) is extremely high. This being said, it is possible to live off the salary and even save if you also get the student loan which is offered by the government. Another thing to consider is the transport which can also be really expensive.

The nightlife in London that I've seen is more pubs and drinks than clubbing. This being said, this is way more suitable whilst on internships as you are working a full time job. In Hammersmith, there are a lot of really nice pubs with nice gardens but they are very expensive.

There are a few opportunities to get involved with such as social events like the intern ball at christmas. there is also things like the football or netball team which you can take part in if you are competitive or you can join in with the rounders which was way more casual and setup by the social committee.