Industrial Placement Communications and Corporate Affairs Review

My role combined strategy, creativity, and organisation to turn complex
transformation journeys into compelling narratives across Global Business Services (GBS) and Legal. Day to day, I created internal content such as articles, interviews, and leadership announcements and updates, helping turn business strategy into clear journeys that colleagues could understand, connect with and articulate to others.
I also supported Town Halls and events, coordinating administration and promotion, helping to prepare materials, and supporting event production. Alongside this, I contributed to a new GBS storytelling framework and supported wider communications planning, while managing stakeholder relationships and organisational tasks.

Yes, I was given a strong level of responsibility.
I contributed to content creation across multiple channels such as Viva Engage, supported the development of the GBS storytelling framework, and played an active role in organising major events. I regularly worked with stakeholders across functions and handled both creative and administrative tasks independently.
Overall, I was trusted to support meaningful work across strategy, content, and operations.

Yes, I developed and strengthened several key skills during my placement:
Prioritisation and time management – I learned how to manage multiple deadlines across content creation, events, and stakeholder requests, ensuring work was delivered efficiently and on time.
Stakeholder management – I built confidence working with colleagues across different functions, understanding their needs and collaborating effectively to deliver communications.
Editorial and writing skills – I improved my ability to write clearly and adapt tone for different audiences, while developing strong editorial judgement and attention to detail.
Creative and design skills – I enhanced my ability to produce visually engaging content, developing skills in design and content presentation to support more impactful communications.

I received a very high level of support and guidance throughout my placement.
My direct managers and the wider team consistently invested time and care in providing guidance, regular feedback, and opportunities to improve. This ongoing support helped me build confidence, develop my skills, and take on new challenges.
It was the single biggest factor in making my placement such a success.

Brilliant. It’s hard to believe that a company operating on a truly global scale still retains such a strong, familial feel. The warmth and kindness of everyone I worked with, within my team, the wider function, and across the business, really stood out, both in person and online.
We were always delivering high-quality, impactful work, but taking the time to build relationships and get to know each other was never missed.

I would genuinely say I really enjoyed my time at Unilever. The experience is challenging and pushes you, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.
A big part of that comes from the people you work with and the engaging projects you become invested in - there’s a real sense of satisfaction in seeing your work come to life. There were also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the experience beyond day-to-day work, from team socials to larger events.
One highlight was Unilever’s “The Great Walk,” where we walked a marathon from Blackfriars to Kingston to raise money for two amazing charities, BAGS for Strife and Princess Alice Hospice. Moments like that really made the placement both memorable and meaningful.

Yes