Learning Specialist Review

I work as a Learning Specialist in Unilever’s Global Learning Team, where my role focuses on supporting the rollout of AI and digital skills across the business, particularly tools like Microsoft Copilot.
On a day‑to‑day basis, my work is varied and project‑based rather than repetitive. Typical activities include:
- Designing and creating learning content – this could be e‑learning modules, assessments, job aids, videos, digital badges, or communications to support global learning programmes. Many of these focus on AI upskilling and responsible AI adoption.
- Supporting global AI initiatives, such as the AI Academy, by helping to develop learning pathways, refresh content, test learner experience, and analyse engagement and completion data.
- Collaborating with stakeholders across the business, including colleagues in HR, Technology, Supply Chain and external partners, often working with people in different countries and time zones.
- Managing and coordinating projects, for example planning learning launches, organising events or workshops, and contributing to internal campaigns that encourage employees to engage with learning.
- Communicating progress and updates, such as posting in Teams or SharePoint, gathering feedback from learners, and helping improve content based on insights and data.
- Using digital tools daily, including Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Workday Learning, Easygenerator, PowerPoint and Copilot, which has helped me develop strong digital and organisational skills.
No two days are the same – some days are creative and content‑focused, while others involve meetings, planning, or problem‑solving with stakeholders. The role offers a lot of ownership, responsibility, and exposure to how learning and digital upskilling work at a global organisation like Unilever.

Yes — I was given a high level of responsibility during my placement, particularly as I gained confidence and experience over the year. I was treated as a core member of the Global Learning Team, not just an extra pair of hands supporting tasks.
From early on, I was trusted to:
- Own pieces of global learning work, including contributing directly to the design, refresh and relaunch of AI learning programmes used across the business.
- Lead and manage projects independently, such as creating learning content, coordinating communications, and supporting global initiatives like the AI Academy, rather than just assisting others.
- Work directly with senior stakeholders and subject‑matter experts, contributing ideas, sharing recommendations, and representing learning needs in meetings and working groups.
- Make decisions that had visible impact, including shaping learning formats, improving learner experience, and supporting engagement and adoption of AI tools across different regions.
As my placement progressed, the level of responsibility increased. I was given clear goals and outcomes to deliver and trusted to manage my time and workload independently, while still having strong support from my manager and the wider team when needed. This balance helped me build confidence, ownership, and real‑world experience in a global organisation.

Yes — I’ve learnt a lot of new skills and significantly developed existing ones during my placement. The role gave me hands‑on experience rather than just observation, which really accelerated my development.
Key skills I’ve developed include:
- AI and digital skills – building a strong understanding of generative AI, Microsoft Copilot, and responsible AI use, and applying these directly through creating and supporting global AI learning programmes.
- Learning design & content creation – designing e‑learning modules, quizzes, videos, digital badges and communications using tools like Easygenerator, Workday Learning, PowerPoint and SharePoint.
- Stakeholder management & collaboration – working with colleagues across HR, Technology and global markets, contributing to meetings, incorporating feedback, and adapting content for different audiences and regions.
- Project management & organisation – managing multiple workstreams at once, meeting deadlines, prioritising tasks, and owning clear deliverables linked to real business goals.
- Communication skills – improving how I communicate professionally through written updates, presentations, workshops and internal campaigns aimed at driving engagement with learning.
- Confidence and professionalism – gaining confidence working in a global corporate environment, contributing ideas, and taking ownership of work with real impact rather than just supporting from the side

I received a strong level of support and guidance throughout my placement, while also being trusted to work independently and take ownership of my work.
From the start, I was:
- Given a proper induction and onboarding, with clear explanations of the team’s priorities, tools, and how my role fit into the wider Global Learning agenda.
- Supported by a very approachable manager and team, with regular check‑ins, feedback, and opportunities to ask questions or get guidance when needed.
As the placement progressed:
- I was set clear goals and expectations, but given flexibility in how I achieved them, which helped me build confidence and independence.
- I had ongoing access to coaching, collaboration, and knowledge‑sharing, including weekly stand‑ups and project discussions where I could contribute ideas and learn from experienced colleagues.
- Support gradually shifted from close guidance to trust and autonomy, meaning I always felt backed by the team but never micromanaged.

Unilever’s company culture is really positive and supportive. There is a strong focus on flexible and hybrid working, which makes it much easier to maintain a good work–life balance. The environment is friendly and inclusive, and employees are trusted to manage their time while still feeling supported by their teams.

I really enjoyed my placement at Unilever. It was a genuinely rewarding experience where I felt supported, trusted, and challenged in a positive way. I was able to work on meaningful projects, develop valuable skills, and gain real insight into working for a global organisation, which made the placement both enjoyable and motivating.

Yes