Supply Chain Industrial Placement Review

I loved working for Unilever! It was my first choice among the companies I applied to work in. My role was in Supply Chain. I got global exposure working with colleagues from all over the world. I was part of the best team who were very supportive and helped me learn so much.

I was treated equally to all other team members are rarely felt any hierarchy across the wider team. My work was always trusted and what was expected from me was the same as all other team members. I was always widely appreciated when a piece of work was successful or hard work was put into something.

Any question asked would be answered seriously-this was so helpful at the beginning, coming into a technical role which I had limited education on. It helped me learn a lot very quickly! There was no micro-management so I would be free to run my own work. However, if I ever needed any support I could ask for as much as I wanted. This was from my line manager but also everyone else in my network and the recruitment teams.

The work flow varied throughout the year. Sometimes particular projects would take a lot of time over a critical period and other times projects would overlap. Providing you can manage your time well the work load was perfect. In my role there were rarely tight deadlines set by stakeholders so to be busy you need to motivate yourself and give yourself timelines to work towards. If I was ever struggling with work I could easily reduce the amount or get motivational help by speaking with my supervisor.

The amount of responsibility was the as me as any other employee in the business. At the start you have room to learn but once your projects begin you are treated equally. I felt motivated to not let my team down rather than worried I was not performing well on my placement. Often you are leading a project so if you do not deliver it is visible. I wrote my objectives for the year alongside my supervisor so I was given the responsibility to choose my work streams which meant I was passionate to take responsibility for the results.

The work itself taught me a lot about the technical side of my degree which I was less confident about. By having real life examples it helped my understanding of things I struggled with in lectures. My general business acumen and sustainability knowledge has widely increased by being part of such a large, successful organisation. However, the most rewarding development was less professional but more personal. My confidence and ability to be a leader has developed so much that I feel unrecognisable to the first few few weeks. I am much more data driven and strategic in my ideas.

Hard working but happy. The noise level was great, always laughter going on somewhere. The office in central London was AMAZING! The best views which you wouldnt normally get without paying for. Also I had a free magnum or Ben&Jerrys everyday with lunch. I loved going into the office even though I was allowed to work from home as often as I liked!

Great. I applied to the specific function then got put into my team. I then was set 3 objectives for the year and an extra area of development. I had regular chats with my manager on performance. I also had a 6 month review so I could focus on driving results in the second half.

There is a lot of material available for you access. Nothing is compulsory so it is up to you to take the opportunities. My team were very supportive in giving me time to go to workshops as well as funding them. I set up a mentoring relationship with a senior employee for personal career advice and development/ People are really willing to help. I was even invited on company trips abroad as well as leading big senior presentations.

Very. You can be fast tracked to the grad scheme within your function depending on your performance. You can also be put forward or offered a direct entry job. The company is so big that there are so many different functions you can work in and endless opportunities available to you.

Yes! There were almost 80 summer industrial placement and year long industrial placement students when we started. In each office there is always many others as well as grads and other young employees. Someone was always up for a drink after work and sometimes we would even plan activities. Some offices had sports clubs or gym classes as well.

Honestly, it was very expensive for me. My office was central London and so was my house. My rent was almost double what I pay at uni. Travel and sociallising also adds up quick. It didnt stop m sociallising, I just didnt make any money. With the salary and my student loan I leveled out on money but didnt minus. You could make it much more affordable if you lived further away and socialised less.

Great! London nightlife so always something to do.

Not in my office by the other offices had sports clubs. We had volunteering opportunities and team activities.