Commercial Intern Review

I'm so happy I took the opportunity to work here at L'Oreal this Summer. I've had a fantastic time - it's been challenging, but so interesting and rewarding at the same time, and I feel like I've learnt a huge amount. The social aspect is great too, and everyone is so friendly that I felt at home almost straight-away. Really good ten weeks!

All of my colleagues, no matter their position or role, were more than happy to take the time to answer my questions, take me through things I needed help with, and just in general make sure I was getting along okay with everything. Whenever I was given a task, it always felt like my work was being valued, and the person giving me the task always explained where it came from and what my work would be used for in the bigger picture.

My manager and others in my team always took the time to explain things to me and answer my questions. I had weekly catch-ups with my manager to make sure that everything was okay, and where I could make suggestions for how anything could be changed to make my time here as useful as possible. I hardly had to, however, as the support and guidance I was getting was excellent.

I'd say most days I had the perfect amount going on - I had stuff to do, but it wasn't an overwhelming amount. At times it felt even that I could have had more to do, and more thrown my way, I suppose at those times where my manager or the team were particularly busy or focused on their own jobs.

This was one of the most unexpected things about my internship! Coming in as an intern for just 10 weeks, and with very little knowledge or experience, I thought there was no way I'd have the amount of responsibility I have done. I feel incredibly lucky with the trust that has been placed in me by my manager and colleagues, and have enjoyed working on things which have really made a difference.

I have acquired a lot of knowledge about business while I've been here, and life within a company of L'Oreal's size and influence. I have also definitely improved my proficiency in various platforms and systems, like Microsoft Excel. Alongside an increased knowledge of how to work in a corporate environment, I will also leave with a lot more experience working collaboratively, and proactively.

The office had a great buzz to it - it is full of people who are here not only to succeed and work hard, but also to have fun at the same time. Everyone is very focused on their own jobs and what they have to do, but in no way does this stop them wanting to help others. The work environment at L'Oreal is very collaborative, and everyone is working to succeed together.

I'd say that overall it felt well-organised. It seemed like thought had gone into the whole thing and that it was planned out so all the interns were in a place where they would be useful. The internship review process ran smoothly, and the application process for graduate roles as well, even if on the ten week internship it did feel a bit rushed.

The company put on trainings and inductions right from the word GO. I never expected as a Summer intern to spend as much time learning and being trained as I did - it was fantastic. L'Oreal have both made sure that I knew what I needed to to work well here, but also taught me so much which I will take with me when I leave!

The Management Trainee scheme is a very appealing option, giving trainees the opportunity to experience life in three different areas of an incredibly diverse and vibrant company before hopefully going to work in one of them afterwards. However, there is also the opportunity to go into the Talent Track, which is useful if you are very interested in one particular job and would like to go into an entry level role there when you graduate.

Living in London is obviously always going to be expensive. I found a place about fifteen minutes walk from work for approx. £700 a month, which was pretty average. As for the rest of it - I think it's just important to budget properly. Food and drinks can be really expensive so it's good to find that balance between going out and staying in.

Nightlife was pretty good actually. On average rather expensive as you'd expect in London, but there were some nearby clubs which had more of a cheap and cheerful vibe, which was nice. Of course, being in the capital the variety was fantastic, so if you can find people to go with then you can practically go on whatever night out you fancy.