Spring intern Review

The virtual experience consisted of 3 major components. The first was attending departmental talks. These were led by managers and employees of the divisions. We heard from the marketing, digital marketing, supply chain and finance sectors of L'Oréal. The second was attending company culture sessions. These gave an insight into the diversity and inclusion at the company as well as an interactive intern Q&A session. The third component was employability workshops where we discussed how to successfully create a CV, cover letter and a stand out LinkedIn profile.

Although there were not projects or training as it was a virtual experience, L'Oréal has provided me with personal and professional skills. The experience included networking opportunities to ask questions to some of the best employees in the companies divisions, which required confidence and good professional articulation skills. As well as this, a virtual experience can encourage you to dress to look professional and try to get an insight into a professional working environment. Finally, as my role as a virtual spring intern I have learnt so much about career sectors I would have not otherwise considered going into and so, the experience has equipped me with valuable knowledge for the industry.

It was amazing to understand the diversity of the business. At first glance, most people think L'Oréal is just cosmetics but, this global company has so many sectors; finance, marketing, supply chain, management etc. As well as this, the host of the virtual internship provided an overall summary of the company and some of the niche sectors of the business, the potential roles available for we students in the coming years as well as goals and projects of the company. Through this introductory presentation, I was able to understand and appreciate L'Oréal's drive for a sustainable future and their goal for net zero. Also, I was able to understand marketing strategies and campaigns through the marketing departmental talk as well as the business the financial side of the company.

Although, it was a virtual placement we students could definitely get a great insight into the company culture and atmosphere. Every guest speaker that came on to talk were so friendly and keen for students to be employed in the company. As well as this, the introductory presentation showed the many social events and celebrations that the company hold. Also, there was a talk on diversity and inclusion which showed that L'Oréal is a company for everyone. L'Oréal is not exclusive in any way and they strive for inclusivity through the many religious and cultural festivals celebrated such as Diwali and Ramadan.

I thoroughly enjoyed this virtual experience. I learnt a great deal about a company that I regularly use for cosmetics and was able to network and connect with many amazing L'Oréal employees via LinkedIn. As well as this, everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming which made talking to people on the virtual internship all the more fun. Also, the fact that L'Oréal is so inclined towards employing students and offering various opportunities throughout university years made the internship all the more enjoyable as it is nice to see a company that really values students and provides plentiful opportunities. Lastly, the host was very nice and organised a fabulous week of events which gave us an insight to the company.

Yes

When completing an application to L'Oréal make sure you are extremely interested in working at the company as well as the sector you're applying for. L'Oréal are looking for passionate career driven individuals but who can showcase skills and are willing to continuously learn from them. As well as this, I think when completing an interview, come across as enthusiastic and dress professionally. Finally, a tip for assessment centre is be friendly, open to people's opinion and don't come across as argumentative because you want to demonstrate you are a driven and passionate individual but who can effectively work in a group.