Laboratory scientist Review

I have yearly targets per rotation in which each have cascading priority. This year I am working on cost saving product development, visual advertisement via science of the product as well as support on the capsule team for machine dish wash. I also take on other tasks which strengthen skills and portfolio.

YES! Working for Unilever is amazing as they give you so many great opportunities both relative to your job and also ones which are "extras" such as being part of the onboarding team for new starters. nothing is too much to ask for if you want extra training! to whoever is reading this, take the plunge, you will not regret it.

I love this programme. everything about it is great, from the people, to the degree there are no faults about it. You get to thrive in the heart of FMCG science as well as an element on psychology to the product when it is in development. Since I have started I have also been able to connect with the consumer to also get their insights into the product.

VERY well organised. When I started in September 2022, our onboarding took place in Leatherhead near London and our accommodation was prearranged at Chessington Zoo! We had many talks, workshops and even got to try a few products! In terms of day to day your line manager will support you excellently, taking into account a balance of work and study life.

Your line manager is not the only person that is there to support you dont get me wrong, you have a central contact throughout your time at Unilever who is there to guide you for any university/apprenticeship queries. Unilever also support your growth and development by placing you into 4 different categories throughout your time.

It can be difficult distance learning... especially when it comes to doing a degree! When I first started I found it difficult to adjust to not being in person learning content, but you do get used to it, and the resources they provide are excellent to support your learning and consolidation.

I apply some of the things I learn in my degree to my role at Unilever (such as absorbance, conductivity readings) but a lot of the inorganic chemistry units don't really have many applicable units. However there is a unit called "Introduction to workplace regulation" which I regularly refer to my notes to utilise this knowledge in the workplace.

Yes, there are plenty of activities to get involved with at Unilever, in my team there have been socials at Christmas outside of the workplace and also team building days. We also had a dishwash day in which marketing met with the R&D category to brainstorm ideas and to map the future of the business unit.

Yes

Unilever is brimming with opportunities and allows you to grow both socially, academically and workplace savvy'ally. It is a surreal experience when you work on the products that you see on the shelves everyday! It is something you have to consider if you are a science lover or a product lover.

Be yourself, be ready to ask questions, be ready to ask things out of the box. Unilever want to see originality in thinking as well as the other skills of independence, common sense and above all, creativity. You need to just make sure you know what job you are applying for, and how to work collaboratively (Discovery centre hint... wink wink!)