Purchasing Intern Review

I work closely with the buyers in our team to provide them with spend reports and analysis, along with any ad-hoc requests they have. I manage a helpdesk email and provide support to stakeholders both internally and externally. Updating weekly and monthly financial reports that the team use, using SAP and Excel daily.

Going into the placement, I had a very basic knowledge of Excel, but this has changed now. Working on it every day has allowed me to develop my skills. Also, I am confident in using SAP to extract spend reports and supplier information.

I felt I was given a lot of responsibility from the very start of my placement, both from my manager and my wider team. Being an intern at L'Oreal, you really feel a strong sense of value - which is great. I think this helped with motivation. Even when working virtually, I remained highly motivated because of this.

Everyone in my team has been extremely approachable and happy to answer any questions I have. I have felt that I learn a lot more when I am in the office, instead of working virtually and at home. My manager has always made time for me, and has helped with the challenge of working from home.

There is a young and vibrant culture here and is a fast-paced environment to work in. Obviously, I haven't been able to see the office at its busiest but from the glimpses I've seen, it is an exciting place to work. They really value mental health, and giving us early finishes on Friday's through the pandemic is an example of this.

I have really enjoyed the placement year. I've been able to apply my learnings from university to a corporate environment. Although most of the year was virtual, the team made it fun and easy to feel welcome. It exceeded my expectations and would thoroughly recommend working for L'Oreal.

Yes

I would say you need to let your personality come through. Everyone who gets through to assessment centres are there because they seem fit for the job from an education standpoint, but it's how personable you are that really comes through and will be the difference as to whether you get the job or not.