Visual Merchandising Intern Review

Each day I will liaise with our supplier to keep track of our projects I am working on. I will then spend time amending artwork and ensuring we are on track to meet deadlines. I may then need to design a new site or work with the marketing team to come up with ideas for what to say on the units. I will also be in communication with various retailers throughout the week to make sure we have met all of their guidelines. My main role is to create, design and implement POS into high street and grocery stores.

From my day-to-day role I have developed project management and stakeholder management skills which I have really appreciated when taking on projects outside of my role. I have grown a knowledge of visual merchandising and the print industry as well as having knowledge on instore trends which I have found to be important when working with the wider team. I have developed my creativity both in a design sense and also a problem solving sense as you get a hands on experience.

I was given a significant amount of responsibility from the get-go but was supported throughout. When I felt I was ready to take on more I was supported by the team to do so. I appreciated the amount of responsibility I was given and also how it was at a pace that I wanted. I was given the opportunity to manage my own category and I became the main contact for this brand which allowed me to have a significant impact on our store presence and also the brand. All of the tasks I was given/ had through my role had a purpose and meant I was actually contributing to the role rather than just admin tasks.

I received an amazing amount of support from my line manager and really felt like my development was the priority. The wider team also treats you like you are part of their permanent team and not "just an intern" meaning you are valued and they will work with you to develop your skills. As you build relationships with the wider team there is support available and people are always there do give you guidance on any problems you may have. L'Oréal also have a mentor system that matches you to a mentor and means you can meet people from the wider business.

The L'Oréal culture is very social and people in the office and even online will pop in time for catch ups and conversations about things outside of work which I really appreciated especially working remotely. The interns have various committees that run events and initiatives, for example this year hair and makeup masterclasses were run and we were given the opportunity to work on a project and present to senior members of the team. Social wise, when not in a pandemic, there are many initiatives such as spending days helping the community as well as division and company wide socials. Even during lockdown the company made an effort to replicate certain initiatives as much as possible such as virtually volunteering and doing virtual team days.

I have really enjoyed my placement and I am sad to leave. I have enjoyed having responsibility and seeing things that I have created in store. As you work so closely with your team you really do become friends with them. It has exceeded my expectations both enjoyment wise and also what the role itself was. I never thought I would be able to have such an input on the brands and launches. I would love to return to L'Oréal to get involved with various functions and roles within the company. I would also do the year again if I could.

Yes

Learn about not only the brands but how L'Oréal is structured and be open to learn about other roles. Don't be afraid to put forward your ideas and ask questions - this shows entrepreneurship. If I was to do it all again I would have loved to had the opportunity to shadow other teams and functions to learn more about the business. My top tip would be to get involved with as much as possible and if you want to get involved with a project - ask!