Intern Review

I have enjoyed many things about my internship at Unilever. I have been part of a great team and met lots of great people who have also taught me a lot about future career plans. I have enjoyed having experience of working in a real life company / business environment and seeing how a factory such a this one works

Everyone was very welcoming and made me feel at home straight away. People have respected my project even though it was a controversial one to implement and involves much effort by many different people. my boss made me feel valued on a regular basis and operators on the factory floor have been particularly welcoming

I wasn't really given that much guidance by my manager / supervisor because it is peak season at the ice cream factory so everyone is very busy. However, I didn't really feel that I needed that much support and if I had needed to ask somebody a question, they would have been more than happy to help

At the beginning I was not busy at all because I was waiting to go on the course required for me to start my project and this wasn't until the third week. after that I was able to get stuck in and had just about enough to do on a daily basis. however, I probably could have benefited with being a little busier as I would rather that than sometimes be looking for things to fill time

I was in charge of my project and the only one really working on it so I had sole responsibility and accountability of all my work. this is great because it really motivates you and makes you feel like you are achieving something. Although it would also expose you more if you were to make mistakes

My project was to implement a paperless system onto one of the lines in the factory. Learning the system and setting it up is quite technical based and specific to the operation so that part won't help me beyond the job. however, the project management part has taught me a lot and will contribute to my degree and beyond

the atmosphere in my office is very friendly but I would say my team are not particularly passionate about their work or their boss. I sometimes overhear many negative comments about people/the company. but on the other hand, everyone is very motivated and looks like they are working to their best potential

the organisation of the internship has been absolutely amazing. I have not overcome any problems and everything from the induction, to mid placement review and end reviews has been exactly on time and organised very thoroughly. we were all made aware from the beginning of our buddy's/mentors/contact managers and they contact us regularly with updates of what is going on. we are also kept in the picture of the process from the beginning

We are very lucky because there are four summer / industrial placements at the Gloucester ice cream factory. this is more than in many places apart from head office. therefore we are able to hang out together and have lunch together etc. the office / factory is also very social. everyone knows everyone, says hello to each other and socialises outside work

My internship is in Gloucester and this has been great because rent is much cheaper than if I was to have been placed in London. In my opinion the cost of living is also very cheap here. As it is a small place I am also able to cycle to work so I save on travel fares / commuting costs