Digital and Innovation Summer Intern Review

I worked as a Digital and Innovation summer intern which involved performing a wholesale audit of products and competitors within the Professional Products Division. This included data-driven analysis, preparing a presentation and giving recommendations for future store layouts. I also worked on time urgent projects, capturing haircare and hair colour SKUs for capture by an external company. My day-to-day role was varied - some days had many meetings and others few, but typically I would have a meeting per day and then time to complete next steps within the project. At the end of the 10 weeks I presented my findings and offered 'next steps' to prompt business growth.

I was given a large responsibility of completing a wholesale audit by a specific deadline and presenting these findings to a panel of directors. This time-sensitive project meant I had to set myself a personal timeline for getting work done and stay on top of smaller, extra projects which were assigned by my line manager.
The pressure of multi-tasking enabled me to develop my connections within the team, asking for assistance on certain tasks, but was also highly rewarding as I frequently saw the efforts of my work.

I have learnt many new skills as a Digital and Innovation summer intern. These include: upskilling on my technical ability using Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint and Boost, presentation skills, data-analysis skills, team work agility and proactive, calm responses to time sensitive matters.
I have developed my leadership and time-management abilities by taking charge of a project with a firm deadline and also proactively taken steps to join the NextGEN committee as a gender equality representative. This opportunity has enabled me to learn other sections of the business and make useful connections with GEN leaders.

I received a lot of support from both my line manager and an apprentice within the team - this enabled me to quickly learn the project and upskill myself to manage the project. I also received support from GEN leaders who assisted me with a project that crosses over my university and L'Oreal work and PPD department heads who provided feedback on my work after the presentation.

The company culture at L'Oreal is fantastic - the work life balance is great, brand new office at White Place City is a pleasure to work in, fellow year-long and summer interns lovely and the food is delicious. The free meals on Friday and free coffee on each floor is great. Each floor has plenty of collaborative and individual working zones, enabling a productive day at the office.

I truly enjoyed my internship at L'Oreal - it has been the right amount of challenging, sociable, interesting and immersive. This work experience has been my first in the corporate world and I hope other companies dedicate as much focus to ensuring the work life balance, enjoyment of staff and support for work as L'Oreal. I have really enjoyed working alongside apprentices, other summer interns and full-year interns on projects and found particular fulfillment in the NextGEN committee which enabled me to meet new people and learn about different aspects of the business.

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