R&D Student Intern Review

my role was within the health and nutrition sciences team and i supported both europe foods and beverages. my day-to-day responsibilities varied but some tasks include conducting nutritional analysis of products and assessing it against internal and external criteria, carrying out competitor product reviews and analysis, supporting internal nutrition education, and engaging in business-orientated projects that required balancing nutrition science with commercial goals

during my placement, I learned and honed several new skills such as - project management: I developed strong project management skills by leading project initiatives, tracking progress, meeting deadlines, and coordinating with other teams. - nutritional analysis software: I gained proficiency in industry-standard tools for nutritional assessments, ensuring that our products met health claims and nutritional targets. - cross-functional teamwork: Working with various departments, I enhanced my ability to collaborate effectively across different disciplines, such as marketing, product development and regulatory affairs - time management: I learned how to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritise effectively to meet tight deadlines. - presentation and communication: Through regular presentations of findings and updates, I became more confident in communicating information tailoring it to different audiences i also developed a deeper understanding of how to apply scientific knowledge in a fast-paced corporate environment, balancing the science of nutrition with business priorities.

yes i was, i was treated like a normal employee despite just being an intern and i appreciated the amount of trust placed in me by my manager and colleagues for me to take ownership in my own projects and tasks

i gained a lot of support from my manager and my team, i was also assigned both a buddy and a mentor to help me both personally and professionally

the company culture at PepsiCo was inclusive, collaborative, and dynamic. i feel that there was a strong emphasis on fostering a supportive and empowering environment, where employees were encouraged to take initiative and contribute ideas, regardless of their role. PepsiCo also promotes a culture of learning and development, offering plenty of opportunities for personal and professional growth. i regularly received feedback and guidance from my colleagues. diversity and inclusion were central to the workplace culture and the multicultural environment made my experience even more enriching, offering exposure to a variety of perspectives and ideas

my placement at PepsiCo not only met but exceeded my expectations, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fulfilling internship experience.

Yes

be open to anything and everything, network with people even outside of your team, be confident and have fun :)