Supply Chain Intern Review

My role was a Supply Chain Intern within the Luxe Division in the Nottingham Distribution Centre. My main responsibilities included: 1) Producing and developing all of the Distribution Centre's Key Performance Indicators on a weekly and monthly basis 2) Data analysis of the Distribution Centre's performance against group norms including delivery on the performance to directors 3) Supporting the businesses' large coffret campaign through goods in receipting of stock, updating material master data with correct material dimensions and creating efficient pallet builds to transport stock 4) Working on a Cost Per Unit project to help develop the business and reform processes in a more cost effective manner 5) Delivering mandatory training on the company's sustainability goals and criteria to the whole of the Distribution Centre 6) Supporting of activities and processes within the Distribution Centre particularly in peak periods of business.

During my time at L'Oréal I found I was handed responsibility right from the very first week. I was treated as an equal when compared to other employees and not just as another Intern. From the first week I was expected to start producing work and fulfilling the initial responsibilities within my roles. After you have settled into your role and are consistently fulfilling your basic responsibilities then progressively you are handed more and more responsibilities. After a few months you will have a range of responsibilities to complete through a variety of different tasks and interactions.

I have found over the course of my internship I have developed both my technical and soft skills. Through data analysis of DC's performance and working on projects I found my technical skills such as analysis, attention to detail and project management developed significantly. On the other hand, whilst working as part of a team in the coffret campaign and delivering training to employees these activities developed my softer skills. The softer skills I developed included team work, communication and leadership. On top of this my skills with the wider Microsoft package as well as other operating systems improved dramatically.

Throughout my placement I found I was always given support and guidance particularly from my line managers. The atmosphere in the office was one that was accepting of asking others for help and so people were willing to provide knowledge and help you as best they can. People are very helpful when providing support and guidance because as you are new to the business and will only be there for a year it is not expected that you will know everything within the Distribution Centre.

Being based in Nottingham I can only comment on the culture and atmosphere present there. Overall, the atmosphere is very friendly and as stated above everyone treats you as an equal and is willing to provide support and guidance. The Distribution Centre has a strong community feel and everyone within the DC works effectively together. The main bulk of interns in your cohort will be based in Hammersmith and so Intern socials will happen in Hammersmith and being based in Nottingham it does make it difficult to include yourself in those socials.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year with L'Oréal and are looking to apply to future careers with the company. It provided a good insight into the running of a company in the Supply Chain area as well as being able to network with a variety of different people at different stages of their career. It is important to highlight there will be times during your placement that you face challenges however you are provided with the support required to overcome them and still enjoy your time with the company.

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