Visual Merchandising Intern Review

My role as Visual Merchandising intern for Yves Saint Laurent consisted of three functions: installation support (designing P.O.S elements and guidelines, correctly merchandising counters and effectively communicating with external suppliers and internal team), launch support (managing databases to ensure correct distribution of P.O.S elements and testers), and brand activation (creating e-retailer banners and copywriting, as well as supporting on eventing and launch planning).

As a placement student, you are given a lot of responsibilities which at first can feel quite overwhelming, however it is a great opportunity to get thrown in at the deep end and adjust to working life whilst showcasing your skills. Being given so much responsibility from the get-go also means you can start projects and see them through every detail, which is extremely rewarding.

Throughout my internship, I have been able to develop and learn role-specific skills as well as personal development skills. Role-specific skills include learning new softwares (such as Sketchup) and developing on existing design skills, specifically P.O.S design and graphic design. The development of personal skills such as self-confidence, organisation and time/project management have also had a significant impact on my development as a young professional.

I have been given a lot of support throughout my placement, from my Brand Activation team all the way up to senior management, which has been extremely encouraging and motivating. I was always able to comfortably flag when workload was getting too much or when I needed extra support, and I felt like no question was a stupid question. The level of support across the year has been consistently great.

L'Oreal's culture is very extroverted, in a way that encourages you to put yourself out there across the company. In terms of workload, Simplicity has meant that expectations surrounding workload are managed, however it is still an extremely fast-paced environment which takes some adaptation - without adapting to this fast pace, I found it has a negative impact on your experience. I was able to adapt to this but through my team's support.

I have loved my internship - I have been able to look back on the highs of my internship with admiration and pride, but even the lows have taught me a lot about working life, overcoming challenges and myself personally. It has been a great introduction into working life and the luxury beauty industry specifically.

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