by Leanne Moore
Visual Merchandising Placement
At L'Oreal
Placement (10 Months+)
Fashion
Describe your role and what it entails.
I am the Visual Merchandising Intern for Giorgio Armani & L’Oréal Designer Fragrances. My role entails a lot of weekly tasks like creating purchasing orders to ensure our suppliers get paid to managing the digital screen content on our counters, as well as the engraving machines we have. However, it is not all admin work; I oversee looking after the wrapping elements for the brand too. Currently, I am managing my own Christmas project. I am working on a few of my own creative projects for 2021 which is scary to think, that is how far in advance businesses work.
What have been your highlights?
Due to the current situation my highlight has been coming into the office in alternate week’s and working alongside your team, it is such a positive and uplifting atmosphere to work in. Another highlight would be the amazing feedback that I have received so far in the Christmas project I have been working on, it is an incredible feeling knowing the work your doing is valued and leads to the bigger picture.
What have been your challenges?
In the beginning it was difficult to get used to starting a new role from home, especially something that is creative. However, the support from my manager and the L’Oréal team has been outstanding. My welcome to the L’Oréal family could have not gone any smoother. Another challenge I have faced is just how fast the day goes, you’ve got to recognise that you may not get everything done in one day and you must learn to manage your time effectively. This means you are constantly engrossed in the work here and can easily get sucked into spending too much time on one project.
What have you learnt from your experience in the role?
The number one thing I have learnt thus far is how much work you can get done in a working day compared to university. There is always something to be done.
What advice would you give to a student following in your footsteps?
GO FOR IT! You have nothing to lose, give it your all and be as creative and imaginative as possible. BE DIFFERENT. L’Oréal wants to hear your innovative ideas no matter how crazy they may seem. Be your authentic self and have fun, the world is your oyster.
