UKI D&A Business Engagement IP Review

As a Data & Analytics Business Engagement Industrial Placement student at Unilever, I act as a bridge between the business and technical teams, ensuring data solutions meet real business needs. My day-to-day involves stakeholder alignment, scoping project requirements, building of Power BI dashboards or automation tools, and translating technical insights into business impact. I also lead initiatives to improve data-driven decision-making across my teams.

I had the opportunity to lead multiple end-to-end projects, manage stakeholder relationships, and independently drive data-led decision-making. I owned key deliverables such as Power BI dashboards, automation flows and more. Presenting to senior leaders to aligning technical teams with business needs, the responsibility I was given felt both meaningful and impactful—far beyond what I expected from an intern role.

I significantly developed my stakeholder management, project leadership, and communication skills—especially in translating technical insights into clear business impact. I also gained hands-on experience with Power BI, Excel automation, Power Automate, and Azure capabilities. Leading multi-functional projects helped me develop my problem-solving, time management, and agility. Most importantly, I learnt how to thrive in ambiguity and drive clarity in complex, cross-functional team environments.

I received consistent support from my line manager, buddy, and wider team throughout the placement. While I was trusted with autonomy, I always had access to guidance when needed—be it for technical questions, or personal development. Regular check-ins, mentoring sessions, and open communication channels created a strong safety net that helped me grow confidently while still feeling supported in navigating complicated projects.

The culture at Unilever is incredibly inclusive, purpose-driven, and empowering. There’s a genuine emphasis on wellbeing, learning, and collaboration—people are approachable at every level, and you’re encouraged to bring your full self to work. The atmosphere is fast-paced yet supportive, with a strong sense of community and shared ambition. It’s a place where curiosity is welcomed, impact is valued, and interns are treated as integral contributors from day one.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement—it was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Every day felt purposeful, whether I was leading a project, learning from experts, or organizing social events. Unilever’s culture, the people I worked and formed a relationship with made even the toughest days enjoyable, and I leave feeling more confident, capable, and excited about my future in this field.

Yes