Supply Chain Industrial Placement Student Review

I was located within the Global Quality Expertise team, the purpose of the team is to build the expertise and capabilities within the company and act as an expertise hub. My primary role was to support the team. Day-to-day this included attending meetings, both internally and externally, to gain a better undertsanding of the business and challenges. I was also responsible for analysing data to identfy key insights. Additionally I undertook my own projects. Day-to-day activites varied with experience and buisness needs.

I have developed a number of key employability skills during my placement, inlcuding self-managment, managment of tasks, communication and how to apply knowledge and initiative in an industry setting. During my placement I was given the time and space to learn, develop and experiment. I have also learnt and developed key data anysis skills. I am now much more proficient in Excel. I am now also able to confidently build, use and maintain PowerBi dashbaords, previously I had never worked with this tool.

From the beginning I was encouraged to go and talk to anyone and everyone, including senior managers and directors. This helped me build a good reputation meaning I was able to take on higher responsibility tasks. Monthly, I was responsible for gathering and presenting data for the Quality Performnae Scorecard. This data was then presented to the Business Opperations and Quality leadership teams. Additionally, during my placement I was tasked with creating/ updating/ maintaining a number of key documents that are used globally dailly.

Being part of a large intern cohort meant that I benfited from a highly orgnised and structured program. Our first 2 days were spent in London with all of the Interns starting at Unilever across the country and across all functions. This kickstarted a strong support network. We all recieved key guidance and support, in-person and together. I was also given support and support by my line-manager and team. This continued throughout my placement as needed.

3 days after joining Unilever, the company underwent a massive restructuring. This did impact the initial overall culture and atmosphere as there was uncertainty and change. However, this did improve after Christmas when th emajority of the restructuring had taken place. The culture and atmosphere from individuals was brilliant. I found that the company was very welcoming and accomidating. Everyone I spoke to wanted to help me learn and develop. I made a concious effort to network and make connections and everyone always made time for me.

Overall I really enjoyed the placement. The work was interesting and felt meaningful. I found it exiting to be part of such a big ompany and I tried to utilise as many opportunities as possible. However, I was part of a global team meaning I worked with colleagues all around the world everyday. While this comes with its own perks, it unfortunatley also meant that I had very litte in-person interactions with my colleagues. I feel like I have missed out on the typical office culture.

Yes

Consider the size and scope of the company. Both geographically and in the range of products that they produce, but also the bredth of each function, and the number of functions required to maintain such a large opperation. Research the function that you are applying for, but also have an appreciation of how your funtion interacts with other functions. Also, consider you purpose and your 'why'. Why do you want to work for Unilever? How does Unilever align (or not) with your personal values?