Supply chain innovation analyst Review

The experience I had on placement has been invaluable. It’s was challenging at times, there is a lot expected from you as a placement student, but without the challenges you don’t get the opportunity to develop and grow. I also found the work incredibly engaging. Unilever is a great company to work for and I would highly recommend applying. Everyone is super friendly and supportive, and I doubt there are many companies where you’ll be given the same level of responsibility and experience.

My colleagues were extremely welcoming when I first joined the company. I felt like my inputs were always valued and any criticism I received was always constructive and for my own benefit.When my colleagues were happy with the work I was doing they did not hesitate to tell me. One tip: feedback isn't always just given to you. This isn't intentional, people forget! If this is the case make sure you ask for it on a regular basis, it's the only indication of where your performance stands.

There is ample support given to you as a placement student. Whenever I had a question someone was always willing to answer it. However you are not spoon fed, you are expected to find information and answers yourself where the resources are available to you.

This varied. My 'typical' working day was not hectic but the work I did varied from day to day depending on the calendar. Some periods were a lot busier than others which meant you'd be working longer days, however this was balanced out by periods which were a bit quieter. This is what is fantastic about the working culture at Unilever - your hours in the office are flexible as long you are meeting your work requirements.

I was given a huge amount of repsonsibility, but it's not just loaded on you at once so don't be put off!

My placement has generally improved my confidence in my abilities and my ideas. This will help me during seminars in my 3rd year where I will have more confidence to speak out. I feel that also my skillset is generally more rounded and I am far more employable.

Everyone is very friendly, the office is open plan and besides desks there are also more casual areas with sofas which are great for informal meetings. People also bring in cake! It can occasionally get a bit quiet on Fridays when people work from home however if you don't have any reason to be in the office on Friday you can work from home too.

The scheme is well structured, you have your own role so it doesn't feel like your picking up others peoples work. Everyone has a personal development plan so you know what you have to achieve by the end of the year. Only slight disorganisation was in finding out where I was based, I didn't find this out until quite late.

I always felt like I was learning and being pushed by my manager and my colleagues.

Within the role I currently hold, employment past this placement is not in my best interest, as its not what I want to pursue. However, I speak to other placement students in my function (but not role) who tell me of what they do, which sounds brilliant, and something I would really enjoy. I know on the graduate scheme I would get an opportunity to do rotations in these roles. However, the year thus far has put me off working within the organisation past this placement.

It is what you make of it. At the start all placement students bond and will meet up regularly. This dies off for the majority of students, who start to do more things on their own, or make friends outside the placement students. However, some stay very close and have a great social life among themselves.

It is very expensive in London, but that is expected. You can live closer to the office (Leatherhead) which will be less expensive, but most people live around the Wimbledon/ Clapham area which is expensive. However, I would strongly advise placement students to fulfil their placement in London, as it gives you a great overall experience.

Fantastic. There is always something going on, and travelling around London is fairly easy and quick, meaning you are never short of things to do.

There are some things set up by employees, such as football, but there isn't great participation in this.