Product Development - R&D Admin Assoc Review

Researching future trends in the food industry, food science/manufacturing processes and technology Working on a range of different projects, Communicating with a range of team members in meetings and via email/instant message Organising and executing different protocepts/prototypes in test kitchens and pilot plant Communicating with different external research hubs on trials and results, Interpreting results from trials Facilitating and particiapting in meetings with team or different teams about early stage product development

Applied technical knowledge from degree in various projects/settings, as well as gaining new knowledge about more pepsico specific food science processes Improved communication skills and confidence in communicating (Meetings, presentations, informal conversations) Improved time management and organisation (Setting up meetings, trials, managing a busy schedule) by time blocking Gained insight into early stage product development, as well as getting an overview of different business functions with PepsiCo Practiced/Improved scientific report writing and creative writing skills (Newsletters)

Yes, I was given plenty of responsibility in both my team projects and wider community projects At the beginning of my placement year, while I was adjusting to the company I had more task based work (e.g. carrying out small pieces of work for other people), I still had a autonomy while doing this, then as the year progressed and I was more comfortable and more knowledgable I began to lead projects myself/be a more active member of team projects

I recevied support and guidance throughout my placement from various different sources. My manager was very supportive during onboarding and the rest of the year to ensure I feel comfortable in the office, in relation to projects/tasks as well as socially with other colleagues. My manager always encouraged me to network and explore different opportunities outside of my team's work. Aside from my manager, the First Gen team scheduled different check ins through out my placement year where I was able to feed back anything I was unsure of. I also had a buddy at the start of the year to help me onboard properly and then a mentor who I was able to speak about career development to.

Very friendly, relaxed office environment at [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions]. As an student/employee you can join a variety of community pillars to benefit the office, employees and surrounding community. I had the chance to work on projects in the Diversity and Inclusion team outside of my day-to-day role. There is a very open office and hot desk policy which gives you the chance to interact with colleagues of all levels. Everyone is very willing to support and guide students and other employees.

I've really enjoyed my placement year. I have had the opportunity to develop both technical knowledge, related to my degree, and professionally. Being able to learn and improve soft skills has given me the chance to develop my confience significantly. I now feel more confident in every aspect of my work. I have experienced a variety of different functions within PepsiCo, which has given me a great foundation to understand how product development happens in the food industry. The placement scheme offers the chance to work alongisde other placement students, which provides social opportunities.

Yes

- Don't be afraid to reach out and ask questions to hiring team about the role In a group exercise situation • Be confident, offer up your ideas and give reasoning for them (e.g. I would put … first because it would have multiple uses, such as … and ….). • Ensure the team is kept on track and is able to finish within the given time • Listen well and understand other people's contributions • If someone in the group isn't as confident/willing to speak unprompted, make sure you're including them in the exercise (e.g. (name) what's your opinion on this?) In a business case scenario: - Prepare well once you've recevied an offer for assessment centre • Make sure you're confident in your idea and you've researched it properly (e.g. have stats/costs etc. to reinforce what you're saying) • Make sure you've considered all the points in the brief • When it comes to the questioning, take your time when answering and if you don't know the answer, try to give a logical walk through of how you might solve it • Keeppresentation slides visual with diagrams/small bullet points to prompt