Product Development Intern Review

Act on the online product approval in a timely manner and always provide appropriate solutions for licensees as required • Liaise with other relevant teams and lines of business, which includes, but is not limited to commercial, franchise, and reviewers to exchange and obtain key information for product development • Maintain good knowledge of Disney/Marvel/Lucas storytelling and apply to product design where applicable • Be responsible for product approvals and sample management from concept through to production across various hardlines categories as required supported by line manager • Support relevant GPC teams daily by communicating and sharing relevant information, anticipating wider team needs and taking action where necessary • Compile product catalogues by franchise and category • Prepare presentations in accordance with brand guidelines, ensuring the information is up-to- date and presented in a compelling way for both internal and external stakeholders • Liaise with the appropriate licensees to get forms filled as and when necessary • Effectively explain the approval process to new accounts • Ad-hoc analysis of monthly visual reports • Gain an understanding of licensees’ management • Shadow GPC Managers in licensee meetings • Support on creative projects including brainstorms, developing trend boards and researching consumer insights

I have learnt many new skills within the creative software I was using such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign. Good knowledge of how to use and navigate these softwares is essential within this job role and my university degree, so this has been amazing to develop my understanding further. This in turn has hugely improved my design work! I have also learnt how to manage and prioritise my workload to ensure that certain tasks and projects are completed within a specific time frame, even if they were set after other briefs. This has also massive improved my organisational skills. Working remotely has also improved my communication and leadership skills. I have had to take initiative and reach out to different teams and colleagues to ensure projects and briefs are being completed successfully, and to the highest standard.

Yes, I was given multiple opportunities of responsibility through my placement year. For example, I had many solo presentations with a range of licensee's to discuss new creative direction and product development strategies. I was also producing creative work which was presented to partners to provide design inspiration using the new style guides and market research.

I received so much support from both of my managers and colleagues throughout my placement. They ensured that we all had regular contact and set up weekly meetings to go through any queries or issues I may have had. We also had team group chats which were constantly used to ask quick questions or if anyone needed any help or support.

AMAZING! I could not have asked for a better team and group of people to work alongside. Given the current circumstances of working from home, my team were always so supportive and willing to help each team member whenever anyone was in need. The general company culture and atmosphere was really positive and happy!

I absolutely loved my placement with Disney, it was everything I imagined it to be! I would have loved to have had the opportunity to work in the office to get the full experience, however I am so grateful that the placement went ahead given the circumstances. I would recommend this internship to everyone and I will continue to rave about my fantastic placement with Disney!

Yes

I would tell them to be as enthusiastic and eager to learn as possible. I would also tell them to grab every opportunity to develop and grow your existing skills where possible, and to network with peers and other lines of business.