Formulation Scientist Hair Design Review

I am currently working in the Hair Design team focusing on delivering new technologies to the category. My daily tasks involve discussions with my manager and team and considering the next steps in the projects I'm responsible for. I also work on projects lead by other team members to gain a more diverse experience during my time in the placement. Part of my current duties also involve liaising with external suppliers and altering my work as a result.

In my first year I gained an HNC in Chemistry at college. I'm currently working towards my BSc in Chemistry at University. I have been trained on the general role I carry out (such as formulation of products) and given background scientific knowledge on this. I have then been trained further on specific kit and equipment such as a High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope.

My current work plan involves a lot of sample preparation, which is not the most enjoyable task. However, completing this allows me to move on further in my project and the end outcome is going to be much more exciting, especially when I am able to present it as the end result. I enjoy working with my team, although again my current work plan involves a lot of individual work which takes me away from normal team-working. Currently, my placement is different to what I expected based on the experience I had on my first placement - this is an artifact of the scheme and it allows you to decide where the job suits you most.

My direct manager is very keen on the role apprentices play and I feel valued as far as the company have seen potential in me and dedicated so much time, effort and money to my training. From day-to-day, I generally feel like a 'normal' member of staff, albeit with considerably less experience than my colleagues.

There is well set-out training and induction for new apprentices joining the scheme and the transition between placements and between sections of education is smooth. The allocation of time spent studying at university/ studying privately and working could be laid out in a more clear way. Apprentices are well monitored and meetings with the coordinator happen when possible. Unfortunately, apprentices are most commonly bottom of the team hierarchy - this is understandable and does change when possible.

Support from the university is good due to the allocation of an academic advisor to every student. Problems can be addressed to this tutor or to individual lecturers. Problems can also be guided through colleagues in work. The academic side of the scheme is generally as enjoyable as possible.

Support is given when needed, especially regarding work/ education balance as managers are generally aware that there is strain caused by studying and working full time. Colleagues are often very willing to help with academic problems.

The salary is very generous and meets all of my costs, allowing me to spend time doing things other than just work.

There are plenty of events organised in work during lunch times or outside of working hours - clubs are generally non-sporting and non-competitive and I, personally, would like to see this changed. Nevertheless, clubs are a good way to mix with new people and are very open to new members. I think more events would go a long way to increasing morale and working relationships - formal events are generally limited to departmental christmas parties. The Unilever volunteer scheme also proves very lucrative for local charities and is rewarding for employees that take part - it involves the company matching any days of 'holiday' an employee gives to a registered charity.

Yes

Whilst I would recommend that a friend looks into Unilever schemes, I would be sure to tell them that it doesn't necessarily suit everyone as it is very different to the usual educational path that people take. There are pressures involved with working/ studying full time and these aren't necessarily clear from the outset. Despite this, being sponsored to gain qualifications is a good way to go about it and having the opportunity to gain real industrial experience whilst learning will definitely prove invaluable upon graduation.

The application process is a competitive one due to the nature of the company and the scheme so don't underestimate the need for a good quality CV that can be backed up by real examples in interview. The interviews are incredibly important and so it's worthwhile taking time to think about each question before answering it and doing A LOT of research about the company before attending - don't take anything for granted, the fact you have done work experience does not automatically put you above the competition unless you can explain, with examples, what you were able to take from your experience. Overall, the opportunity is massive so make sure you enjoy it and don't forget that if the apprenticeship isn't for you, there are plenty of Unilever internships, summer placements and post-degree schemes (UFLP) that might be better suited for you.