Digital Marketer Review

I am currently assisting my team in the multiple projects they lead around product innovation, e-commerce, market research, social media and website creation. I am currently leading my own projects within the brand the team is working on - this comprises of initial product ideas, creating claims and benefits, working with agencies, product designs and distribution.

I am continually learning about the field I'm working in, the product and business aspects and even the keywords and business language that's used on a daily basis. I am developing my project management skills, in terms of orchestrating meetings and ensuring different teams are aligned to deliver on projects. My market research capability is improving and this has helped with my presentation skills.

On certain days when I have less to do, the days can feel quite long and boring - this was much more common at the start of the apprenticeship. Over time, as my team has become more comfortable with what my role and training is, they have trusted me with more work and the role has become much more enjoyable. Company culture is very driven and my team isn't the most sociable but they're highly driven and focused people that love their work.

The induction day at the company felt like a slight waste of time as we had to participate in the standard ice breakers that didn't answer many questions about the company. Similarly with the University induction day, it touched lightly on topics but it was left as 'you figure it out and we'll help if you have questions'. There is also often a lack of communication between the training provider and the company itself. My manager is very organised and supportive so I've been lucky in my role placement but other apprentices have not had this same support.

The apprentice team at my employer are very organised and helpful - they're on the ball and can always answer any questions I have. The support from HR is also very good as I have a person assigned to me who I can reach out to with any queries. However, my team weren't fully aware of what an apprentice was before I joined them. There needed to be more information given to the teams before the apprenticeship started. It was hard to know where to find support at the start and has only now started falling into place as everyone has become more familiar with me.

There is little support from the University. The lecturers themselves are generally kind and are very responsive whenever you have any problems or questions. The main problems in working towards the qualifications came from the tracking system used. It wasn't and still hasn't been well explained. I only know how to use it because I'm organised and had the time to sit down and work it through. As the provider is a University, some of the people don't always know how to deal with apprentices as we're only there one day a week but our lecturers are good when we need them.

There is a lot of information and theory that I've learnt from my course that I am now applying everyday within the role. Simple keywords and theories can also be better understood when I see them reflected in the workplace. I haven't learnt anything specific about my industry from the qualification but the learning is very general and can still be applied.

The company put on a large-scale Christmas party as well as a 2-day celebration in the office for the company's birthday. There are often volunteering initiatives and workshops from different brands that you can get involved in. Any social activities like nights out or lunches together are organised by the apprentices for the apprentices - these aren't company led. Some teams are social outside of work but if not, there is nothing extra-curricular sports or networking wise supported by the company.

Yes

Unilever is a very professional company leading many of the different fields that it's involved in. The application process was fairly standard and straight forward. There is lots of information available on the company portal to help with onboarding and any necessary training needed. There are lots of opportunities available to get involved in around the apprenticeship itself. It's a flexible company with good career progression and learning opportunities.

Applying is hard but this is standard for any apprenticeship. You really just need to be yourself on assessment days, speaking up where you can but also knowing when to let others talk. Onboarding and getting settled takes time, more than you'd think. You just need to be patient and get involved with whatever your team needs. Throw yourself into all opportunities presented to you, keep saying yes because you'll make new connections and skills. Your job role might not be what you expect it to be, especially marketing at a global level - it's not just creating adverts. Keep your mind open.