Visual Merchandising Degree Apprentice Review
at L'Oreal
Degree Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Hammersmith, Greater London
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
3.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I work across three US commercial brands. My role involves supporting the teams across these three brands in implementing remerches across all stores. I am also currently managing the merchandising processes of one of the brands, with help from the direct merchandising team. Alongside smaller projects such as pulling together merchandising guidelines and competitor reports.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I am enjoying the programme, my team are really kind and supportive. I think the apprenticeship programme allows you to gain lots of experience, and they are very keen to get you quickly involved with projects.
However, the culture at L'Oreal seems to be very meeting heavy which can be quite initially overwhelming.
However, the culture at L'Oreal seems to be very meeting heavy which can be quite initially overwhelming.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Since starting I have built on my project management, presentation and communication skills through having to lead projects. This has also required me to develop my organisation skills. Those in my team have been very supportive of this. I have also developed my Excel skills through using it on a daily basis and training courses.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
There is lots of support/structure for the university and L'Oreal, but there doesn't seem to be too much communication between the two.
Though L'Oreal are very mindful of university work and deadlines, as well as ensuring you keep a good work/university balance.
Though L'Oreal are very mindful of university work and deadlines, as well as ensuring you keep a good work/university balance.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive lots of support from my manager and team, and they all make it very clear they are happy to make time for me, whether it is for catch ups, help with university or running through presentations.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Pearson are supportive for university work, they have regular drop in sessions if there are any questions. Alongside this tutors reply quickly to any emails and are happy to offer help.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I don't think there is too much crossover in what I'm studying for university and work. I'd say it's more so in regards to skills, such as organisation and presentation skills, that it helps me to perform better in my role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are lots of extra-curricular activities to get involved in at L'Oreal, obviously it has been harder due to covid, but they still manage to hold events over teams. They're also putting more emphasis on merging interns and apprentices together.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend L'Oreal to a friend?
Yes
Why?
You'll gain great experience from the role, and everyone is incredibly supportive and keen to get you involved in projects. Since starting I've already gained so much experience and grown so much!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to L'Oreal?
Ensure your well prepared for your interview and assessment centre/case study. Be confident and yourself in your interview, as it's a great way to see how you'd fit in within the team. The application process is quite long, but it's worth it if you're sure that an apprenticeship is for you, as L'Oreal is a really good company.
