Research & Development intern Review

Worked in the Technical Brand Stewardship Team, focussing primarily on business continuity issues, process contaminants and nutritional analysis. The role involved leading multiple ingredient replacement projects looking at alternative suppliers, including conducting factory trials in European factory sites. I helped coordinate sample collection and sending, as well as collating and analysing data to understand product nutritional values. The work was varied and I was fortunate to be given extensive opportunities to take part in projects outside of my teams direct remit.

Yes, I was immensely lucky with how much responsibility and independence I was given and how much trust my manager had in me. I conducted two ingredient replacement projects, one almost entirely independently, with my manager only stepping in to support if I directly asked. This enabled me to conduct trials in two different European manufacturing sites. This was a huge responsibility, pushing me out of my comfort zone which really helped me develop a variety of skills and most.notabky my confidence. Day by day, I was mostly left to complete tasks by myself, given the same amount of responsibility as any other employee.

Yes - my ability to prioritize tasks and organise my time efficiently massively improved. I also developed independence and confidence, especially when tackling unexpected issues and handling problems. Being able to have greater forethought and anticipate things that may need to be handled down the line were two other skills that have definitely improved. Learnt how to to communicate in a corporate environment (understanding when to be more formal, how to communicate with people of different levels of seniority in the company etc) and developed ability to work collaboratively within and outside of the team.

Plenty - my manager and wider team were there every step of the way to support if and when needed. The company culture is also incredible and meant I felt comfortable to go to colleagues throughout the company for their support and advice on specific issues.

Amazing, couldn't have asked for more from my first 'proper' job. There is little to no hierarchy in PepsiCo - all employees sit in the same office space regardless of seniority or role which really fosters a culture of collaboration and trust. Everyone is so friendly and eager to help. I never really felt like a 'placement student' - I was worried before starting I would feel like I was seen as less capable or valuable than a normal employee, but that definitely was not the case. Placement students are embraced, respected and valued.

I loved my placement - there will always be a range of experiences within one placement cohort at any company, but I was definitely one of the lucky ones. I loved the job I did and the day to day work life, the culture was amazing, I got on well with the people I worked with and clicked with my manager. I got the opportunity to get involved with so many projects within and outside of my team so feel like I really got everything I could out of the experience.

Yes