Shopper Marketing Review

I am a shopper marketing apprentice in the toiletries (deodorants and skin cleansing) team at Unilever. My daily tasks include: Managing six-figure budgets to deliver brand (e.g. Dove, Lynx, Sure, Impulse) campaigns across UK retailers to deliver sales and other KPIs, working across a diverse mix of complex and multi deadline campaigns, and leading teams of colleagues and external agencies to deliver successful campaigns and in-store activities OTIF. I love this role for the reason that I get the chance to work with a number of different people both internally and externally. A recent project of mine was to organise an event at the Tesco Head Office. We wanted to raise awareness about a brand activation we have coming up on Dove Men+Care where we have a partnership with the All Black rugby team.

I was only 17 when I started my apprenticeship, so more or less came straight from school. This meant that my business skills etc. were very minimal. My team at Unilever were very supportive of this and sent me on a number of different training courses/inductions both internally and externally. When I first started I never thought I would be where I am today, managing my own projects and talking to customers and clients in my own meetings. I have leant a number of different skills both personally and professionally which I will definitely take with me to my future roles and jobs.

I have loved working at Unilever, not only enjoyed the role itself but have met some amazing people along the way. It has been such a great company to work for, I have been well looked after in all aspects, from the apprenticeship agency to my team. when I first applied for the apprenticeship, I didn't really know much about the company, however once I heard how big they were, my expectations were understandably quite high and my time here has definitely lived up to them!

I was always worried about being labelled as 'just an apprentice' but my manager, from the beginning, reassured me that that is not the case. I am a valued member of the team and have enjoyed gaining teams members trust to be able to lead projects on my own.

The apprenticeship team internally at Unilever have always been supportive of all apprentices. They have set up courses/training for us to go on throughout our time here, including courses for personal development and professional too. PDS, the apprenticeship agency, have been very supportive when it comes to coursework. I have always felt I can go to them if I ever have an issue and they would support me until the issue was resolved. I feel that the organisation of the programme is very thorough and have never felt like I didn't know what was going on etc.

I meet up with my PDS assessor at least once a month whether that is over email, face to face, or a Skype meeting. However if I ever need to contact her in the meantime I have never felt like I couldn't. Peter Benson is our apprenticeship support officer who I have regular catch ups with. When I first started at Unilever I would meet up with him fortnightly until my 3 month probation was up. I now meet him once a month. I feel he has been very supportive throughout my time here at Unilever and I've always been very comfortable to tell him anything whether there was an issue in the team or with my coursework.

Unilever have been extremely supportive during my time here. 6 months into my role I switched managers as my first once left the company. Since then, my new manager Kathy has been like a mother figure. She has really taken me under her wing. I have also been given a mentor at work who is an experienced Unilever employee that works in another part of the business. Alex (my mentor) has been so supportive both personally and professionally. He has helped me to update my LinkedIn account so that it is suitable for employers to have a look at and he has also helped me update my CV for the future. Everyone I have had contact with has been so supportive of my role and apprenticeship.

Since I more or less came straight from school, this was the most amount of money I have ever earned, so at the beginning it was great. In the meantime I turned 18 and started driving meaning I now have a number of extra costs I have to pay for such as car insurance, petrol, phone bill etc. I also try to save a bit of my pay cheque every month to help me in the future. Since all these costs started coming out of my bank account I have definitely seen the amount I can spend socially etc. go down, however I am comfortable financially.

As Unilever is such a huge global company, there are always opportunities outside of work. Agencies are always asking to take us out and treat us, I have experienced some amazing work nights out. recently, the UK&I Unilever Head Office (where I work) recently hosted a company meeting at Twickenham Stadium. They hired out the whole stadium for the day for a company meeting and then we enjoyed a few drinks in the evening together. Unilever are always organising company activities that help the local community and Unilever community where anyone is welcome to get involved in.

Yes

I have enjoyed and learnt so much during my time and Unilever. I would suggest that anyone who is considering an alternative to a-levels or university to seriously consider an apprenticeship at Unilever. You can achieve so much during the 18-months of a level 3 advanced apprenticeship and achieve a business administration diploma at the end of it. Once completed you have the opportunity to go on and achieve a higher apprenticeship which is the equivalent to a degree.

Just enjoy it. The 18-months go by so quickly so you need to grab every opportunity you can! Also, don't be nervous about the assessment days/interviews, everyone is so welcoming and honestly, there really is nothing to be nervous about.