R&D Packaging Placement Review

Creative & sustainable packaging development within R&D Supporting and leading variety of Packaging Development activities including development process, trial organisation and execution, analysis and reporting results to peers and line management. Working with product insights and analytical teams to measure packaging attributes. Other activities will include arranging and conducting packaging tests and analysis, administration, submitting samples for laboratory analysis and reporting back to key members of the project teams. Packaging prototyping and preparation.

During my placement so far I have started to develop both technical, job specific skills which I did not even know I existed, as well as to build upon my current soft skills. By taking part in the placement the key area I've seen myself improve in is problem solving - not just for technical problems. Other than this communication and self management are also 2 skills I have started to see myself develop further.

Self management has been a key part of the placement so far. Although you work within a team, you are given projects to run and lead on your own. I was lucky enough to be given such responsibility early on in my placement, forcing me to take ownership and responsibility for tasks and projects which taught me a great deal in my first few weeks. Despite this, there is always team support on hand.

After a dedicated week of induction and training, we were introduced to where to reach out to get support if needed. From my manager, I was fortunate that we checked in with each other frequently where I could be provided with any guidance I needed. I was also allocated a buddy within the company who was a colleague from a different function to ask for help.

Part of the culture of the company is to get involved with events and activities supporting all parts of life. This can include fun events, community driven activities and many others. These have been both internal events for the office community as well as external ones looking at the local area. Given the pandemic, a great deal on emphasis has been put on providing support and relief from the world events.

Although I have not yet finished the placement, my time so far as been great. I did not fully know what I was walking into (or logging onto) on my first day however it has been very rewarding and exciting to work so hands on with projects on brands I see everyday. It has also given me a great opportunity to learn about areas of a field I previously had little experience in.

Yes

Do as much research as you can before applying, both about the company but also what the role is and what it will actually involve. This will help so much with the interview and assessment centre as well as in the job itself. As long as you're willing to learn and prepared for the steep learning curve you'll experience it doesn't matter how much existing technical knowledge you have