Research and Development Intern Review

As an R&D Scientific and Regulatory Affairs (SARA) intern at Mondelēz International, my role involves supporting the team in ensuring that products comply with food safety legislation, labelling requirements, and regulatory standards across multiple markets. On a day-to-day basis, I review and interpret food regulations to confirm that ingredients, formulations, and product labels meet local and international requirements. This includes researching the regulatory status of ingredients, additives, and novel substances, as well as reviewing product labels and claims for accuracy around nutrition declarations, allergen information, and marketing claims. I work closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, Quality, Legal, and Marketing to provide regulatory input on new product development, reformulations, and innovation projects. I also support the maintenance of regulatory databases, track legislative changes, and assist with horizon scanning to identify emerging regulations or scientific opinions that may impact the Mondelēz portfolio. Where required, I contribute to regulatory submissions and dossier preparation. Through this role, I have developed skills in interpreting complex food legislation, conducting scientific literature reviews, communicating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, and coordinating tasks within a fast-paced global FMCG environment.

Yes, I was given a significant amount of responsibility from early on in my placement. Rather than being limited to observation or shadowing, I was trusted to take ownership of tasks that directly contributed to the team's output. This included independently reviewing product labels and ingredient lists for regulatory compliance, conducting research into the regulatory status of ingredients across different markets, and feeding my findings back to the wider cross-functional team. I was also given the responsibility of maintaining and updating regulatory databases, which required a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, as errors could have a direct impact on product compliance. As my confidence grew, I was increasingly involved in cross-functional meetings with R&D, Quality, and Marketing colleagues, where I was expected to contribute regulatory input and communicate technical information clearly. Being given this level of responsibility early on helped me develop both my technical knowledge and my professional confidence, and it demonstrated the trust the team placed in me as a valued member of the department rather than simply an intern.

Throughout my placement, I have both developed existing skills and gained entirely new ones. From a technical perspective, I have built a strong working knowledge of food legislation and regulatory frameworks, learning how to interpret complex regulations and apply them practically to product development and labelling. This was largely new to me, as my university studies provided a theoretical foundation but not the hands-on experience of navigating real regulatory challenges across multiple markets. My research and analytical skills have also developed significantly, as I regularly conduct ingredient assessments and literature reviews that require me to evaluate sources critically and present clear, evidence-based conclusions.
Beyond technical skills, my communication and interpersonal abilities have grown considerably. Working within a cross-functional environment alongside R&D scientists, quality specialists, legal advisors, and marketing teams has taught me how to adapt the way I communicate depending on the audience, whether that means simplifying technical language for non-specialist colleagues or providing detailed scientific rationale to fellow researchers. My confidence in contributing to meetings and presenting my findings has also improved, which is something I initially found challenging. Additionally, I have strengthened my organizational and time management skills, as the role requires me to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining a high level of accuracy. Overall, the placement has given me a well-rounded skill set that bridges academic knowledge with real-world professional capability.

I received an excellent level of support and guidance throughout my placement, which played a key role in helping me settle into the role and develop both professionally and personally. From my very first week, my line manager took the time to provide a thorough induction, introducing me to the team, explaining the structure of the department, and setting clear expectations for my role. Regular one-to-one meetings were held throughout the placement, which gave me a consistent space to discuss my progress, raise any questions, and receive constructive feedback on my work. These check-ins were invaluable, as they helped me stay on track and continuously improve.
Beyond my direct manager, the wider SARA team and cross-functional colleagues were always approachable and willing to share their expertise. Whenever I encountered an unfamiliar regulation or a complex technical query, I felt comfortable reaching out for advice, and the team always responded with patience and encouragement. This open and supportive culture made a real difference, particularly in the early stages when I was still building my confidence and getting to grips with the regulatory landscape. At the same time, the support was well balanced with independence. I was never micromanaged, and as I demonstrated my capability, the team gradually gave me more autonomy, stepping back while still being available if I needed guidance. This balance between support and trust allowed me to grow in confidence and take genuine ownership of my work, which I believe is the hallmark of a well-structured placement experience.

The company culture at Mondelēz International is one of the aspects I have enjoyed most about my placement. From the outset, the atmosphere was welcoming, inclusive, and genuinely collaborative. There is a strong sense of community across the organization, and I was made to feel like a valued member of the team rather than just an intern passing through. Colleagues at all levels were approachable and willing to take the time to explain things, share their knowledge, and offer encouragement, which made a real difference in helping me settle in and build my confidence.
Mondelēz promotes a culture that values diversity, innovation, and personal growth. I noticed a real emphasis on continuous learning, with opportunities to attend internal talks, training sessions, and networking events that broadened my understanding of the business beyond my immediate role. The company also encourages a healthy work-life balance, and there is a positive energy in the workplace that makes it an enjoyable environment to be in each day. Team socials, wellbeing initiatives, and open-door attitudes all contribute to a supportive and friendly atmosphere. There is also a clear sense of pride among employees in the brands and products they work on, which creates a shared sense of purpose and motivation. Overall, the culture at Mondelēz struck an excellent balance between professionalism and approachability, and it has set a high standard for what I would look for in a future employer.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement at Mondelēz International, and it has exceeded my expectations in many ways. From the very beginning, I found the work genuinely interesting and engaging, as it allowed me to apply the scientific knowledge I had gained at university to real-world challenges within the food industry. There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing your work contribute to products that are enjoyed by consumers around the world, and that sense of purpose made each day feel meaningful. The variety of tasks I was involved in also kept the experience fresh and stimulating, as no two days were quite the same, whether I was reviewing labelling for compliance, researching the regulatory status of an ingredient, or contributing to a cross-functional project meeting.
What made the experience truly enjoyable, however, was the people. The SARA team and the wider colleagues I worked with were supportive, friendly, and genuinely invested in helping me learn and grow. I never felt like an outsider, and the inclusive culture at Mondelēz made it easy to build strong working relationships and feel part of something bigger. The placement also pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best possible way, helping me develop confidence in areas such as presenting my work and speaking up in meetings, which is something I initially found daunting. Looking back, this placement has not only confirmed my interest in pursuing a career in scientific and regulatory affairs but has also given me a clearer picture of the kind of working environment and culture I want to be part of in the future. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and would highly recommend a placement at Mondelēz to any student considering one.

Yes