Visual Merchandising Intern Review

My role as a VM Intern includes managing the whole merchandising process from start to finish. This includes working with commercial and marketing to come up with a creative brief to send to the design agency, making amendments to the artwork with feedback from marketing, communicating with retailers to get approval on our POS, then sending the jobs off to print and finally getting to see our POS in stores to make a store report. I have had to manage multiple projects at one time for different retailers, such as Boots and Superdrug. I have also worked on several product launches, which is so exciting!

As my placement progressed throughout the year I was given more responsibilities. These have included managing lots of my own projects, some including cross-category POS. I have also been able to lead meetings with marketing and commercial. I was given creative freedom on several jobs.

I have developed many invaluable skills on my placement year. I have developed great organisational and time management skills, as I have had to manage lots of projects at the same time. I have become a lot more innovative and creative. My team working and inter-personal skills have improved massively, as I have worked with many different people in different roles in the company. I have also developed my market research skills, as I am constantly looking at market trends and what competitors' POS look like. My problem solving skills have increased greatly too, and I have been able to come up with proactive solutions to problems I have been faced with.

I received excellent support and guidance from day 1 of my placement. My manager was so patient with me, and thoroughly taught me the ins and outs of the role. She has been an excellent role model and guided me through my internship. The wider team also took time out of their days to go over the details of the role, so I felt confident doing it on my own. I never felt embarrassed to ask questions, even if I thought they were silly. There are ongoing different training sessions you can participate in.

The company culture at L'Oreal is amazing! It is inclusive, diverse, dynamic and fun. It is a safe environment and everyone is super friendly. Having worked in the Consumer Products Division, the atmosphere in our office area was buzzing and everyone was striving for excellence. There are lots of socials, meaning you get to meet so many different people who you may not work with on a day-to-day basis.

I have had the most amazing placement year. I would recommend it to anyone who is passionate about the world of beauty! It is everything I could've wished for and more. It has not only been enjoyable, but I have developed so much professionally and personally. I have met so many amazing people throughout the process and have made memories I will cherish forever. On top of this, I have gained so many new skills, which I can take with me in the future.

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