Held Order Analyst Review

Currently I take the 'Held Order Analyst' role where I have overlook all our orders that have been blocked. This can be for many cases, overdue invoices, don't have enough credit on their account or quite simply political reasons. Other activities I carry out are distributing daily invoices, numerous reports which go out to various stakeholders, collating and distinguishing letters either ready to go to the specific department or achieved to IBM.

So far I believe I have greatly developed my communication skills electronically due to having to interact with a lot of colleagues via email as well as customers. I also have a much better view on more of the roles that are needed in such a large business of this scale and what roles interact with each other and how they all work harmoniously. My role has taught me to think outside the box, that has enabled me to develop a keen eye for details and pick-up on irregularities before they develop and become more problematic.

I thoroughly enjoy working with Unilever, and despite the small time I have been there, I feel like I have truly integrated myself with my personal team (Credit Control) and also Unilever as a whole as I have been given the opportunity to participate in large scale charity events such as Miles4Mel. The company has a real 'homey' atmosphere and definitely exceeds my expectations by making you feel so much more at ease and comfortable. I cannot express how nice and welcoming everyone is, due to this my experiences here has been amazing.

To begin with it was a bit difficult getting to grips with my role due to the nature of how complicated it is and how much data you need to look at constantly, but over time once i have gotten to grips with it and fully dependable on carrying out my role independently I started to feel more and more valued by my wider team who would often come and ask me questions or designate more important tasks to me.

The programme is well organised and structured with constant feedback and evaluation along side training. The transition from induction to training was almost seamless as you were not given large overwhelming tasks to carry out your own instead you were guided into your role whilst completing smaller tasks task which still important you would build up on. With weekly support meetings with a mentor I never feel anxious about anything and that ever I do there are always people ready to speak to.

I receive constant support and feedback from my training provider. They always make the time for me even when they are busy; from asking a quick questions to wanting to discuss something more in-depth. Their attitude towards me has been brilliant with always checking that I feel confident with what I am doing and that I'm satisfied with my progress thus far. Their friendliness and openness bring the experience to a whole new level.

Again, the support throughout the process has been like nothing I have experienced before and really puts you at ease with confidence. My manager however busy they are always make sure that everything is running smoothly even on a dashing visit. There is always guidance and training for any task I carry out and further training if unclear.

The salary is above average for an apprenticeship and is very welcomed. Included in the package there are other perks which are a nice added bonuses such as Staff shops which sell company products at a reduced costs, a GYM at most sites and a wonderful restaurant. Fortunately my living costs are minimal due to living with family but if need be I could possibly afford to move out and rent. My travel costs are also at a minimum as I commute via bicycle to the office as I am in a good location and only takes 25 minutes door-to-door. The only daily costs that I occur is for my meals which if I wanted to I could also bring packed lunch as they offer fridges to store food and microwaves. My location to work is quite good and would allow me to either work at Leatherhead, Kingston or London but given that Leatherhead is their head office I stated that I would prefer to work there given the opportunity but any of the three locations is fine.

There are many opportunities outside of work with constant events and groups that get together. I currently am part of a cycle group which we go on group rides either early morning prior to work or in the evening after work and for a bite to eat. In the Gym there are also lots of classes and club where you can meet people and enjoy actives. I have overheard my colleagues many a times talk about golfing and am sure if you were interested in golfing you could go with them as this is how friendly everyone is.

Yes

Unilever is such a dynamic and interesting place to work for and will always keep interested and wanting to know more. They are an international company and offer multiple opportunities to grow, develop and learn new skills whilst at the same time gaining an education qualification and work experience all whilst getting paid!

My advice to any one thinking about applying for a role at Unilever is to be yourself and ask lots of questions to learn more about what they have to offer.The interview and assessment day process is very relaxed and should give an insight into what it is like to work with Unilever.